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Bottle Feeding Baby
The two biggest issues faced by new parents would have to be sleep and feeding. There is so much to learn in both these areas, however feeding is the topic that can promote great debate, and bring up feelings of guilt and worry in many new mothers that are unable to breast-feed, or choose to bottle feed. The decision whether to breast feed or bottle feed your baby should entirely be yours, but it seem that these days everyone has an opinion on the matter.
You should remember though that, no matter what other people think or feel, the decision on how to feed your baby is yours, and you should not be pressured into or feel guilty about any decision you make....
You should remember though that, no matter what other people think or feel, the decision on how to feed your baby is yours, and you should not be pressured into or feel guilty about any decision you make....
The most important thing is that your child receives the nutrition it needs throughout the early months of its life no matter which way it comes.
If you unable breast-feed or simply choose to bottle feed then your baby will need to be fed a milk formula. You will need to buy a special formula for your baby, as babies can not digest cow’s milk until they are 12 months old.
Shop bought formula is specially designed for babies and is filled with all the vitamins, fats, enzymes and nutrients they need, as well as being easy to digest and well tolerated by most babies.
Getting Started with Bottle Feeding your baby
Choosing a baby formula
There are quite a few different formulas on the market, from standard formula through to soy and goat’s milk. All formulas sold in Australia, must meet strict Australian Standards, and all have similar vitamins and nutrient values, so there really is no better formula.
Some brands have formulas designed for different ages, and are usually labelled Stage 1, Stage 2, etc whilst others are more main stream, just be sure to read the labels clearly to work out which is best for your baby.
Some expensive formulas have special and extra ingredients, like pro-biotics, Beta-carotene, antioxidants and LCPS, which is why you pay more. Whilst these formulas do offer the promise of better nutrition for your baby there is no real evidence that these formulas are better. Though there is some evidence to support the claim that LCP’s (found in breastmilk) can assist brain development, and pro-biotics may increase the healthy bacteria in your baby’s bowel, reducing the risks of gastroenteritis and nappy rash.
Some parents, particularly vegans, may wish for their child to have soy based formula instead of the standard cows milk based formula. Whilst your child will receive all the nutrients they need, there is some evidence showing that high levels of soy can be dangerous to young children. So if you do want to try soy based formula for either personal reasons or because you think your child may be allergic to standard milk formulas, please talk to your Doctor before changing formulas.
Whilst all formulas are suitable for most babies, sometimes you may have to try a few different formulas to find one that suits your baby.
On top of formula you will need some other equipment including:
Bottles, rings, caps and teats;
Bottle warmer, or thermo bottle carry bag;
Large container to store clean equipment;
A bottle brush; and
Sterilising equipment.
Choosing equipment
Bottles come in small and large sizes; the size usually just depends on the age and the appetite of the baby.
Teats come in either latex (brown) or silicone (clear). Either type is fine.
Teats also come in ‘flow’ ranges from slow to fast. Basically they have bigger or smaller holes which affect the flow (how fast the milk comes out). A young baby’s teat may have one hole, where an older baby’s teat may have four holes. If you are having trouble finding a teat for your baby, try a few different ones, but faster is usually better than slower as a slow releasing teat, may mean your baby gets tired of sucking before they have had enough to drink, or may even fall asleep.
How to sterilise equipment
As your baby is prone to infections and has an underdeveloped immune system, you will need to sterilise her equipment until she is at least 6 months of age.
After each feed dismantle all parts of the bottle, teats and rings and wash with hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Once the bottle and equipment is washed it then needs to be sterilised.
There are a few options when it comes to sterilising.
Boiling – Place all the feeding equipment into a pot of water, making sure all equipment is covered by water. Then bring the water to boil, and let the equipment boil for five minutes. Once sterilised, dry thoroughly and store in a clean sterilised container.
Antibacterial Solutions – You can use either liquid or dissolvable tablets. Make up the solution as per the manufacturers instructions. Basically you usually just add a couple of capfuls of solution to water, and soak all feeding equipment for up to 24 hours. Use glass or plastic containers or your kitchen sink, and make sure all equipment is submerged.
Once the recommended time has passed, thoroughly rinse equipment in warm soapy water, rinse, including running water through the teats, dry thoroughly and store in a clean and sterilised container.
Shop bought formula is specially designed for babies and is filled with all the vitamins, fats, enzymes and nutrients they need, as well as being easy to digest and well tolerated by most babies.
Getting Started with Bottle Feeding your baby
Choosing a baby formula
There are quite a few different formulas on the market, from standard formula through to soy and goat’s milk. All formulas sold in Australia, must meet strict Australian Standards, and all have similar vitamins and nutrient values, so there really is no better formula.
Some brands have formulas designed for different ages, and are usually labelled Stage 1, Stage 2, etc whilst others are more main stream, just be sure to read the labels clearly to work out which is best for your baby.
Some expensive formulas have special and extra ingredients, like pro-
Some parents, particularly vegans, may wish for their child to have soy based formula instead of the standard cows milk based formula. Whilst your child will receive all the nutrients they need, there is some evidence showing that high levels of soy can be dangerous to young children. So if you do want to try soy based formula for either personal reasons or because you think your child may be allergic to standard milk formulas, please talk to your Doctor before changing formulas.
Whilst all formulas are suitable for most babies, sometimes you may have to try a few different formulas to find one that suits your baby.
On top of formula you will need some other equipment including:
Bottles, rings, caps and teats;
Bottle warmer, or thermo bottle carry bag;
Large container to store clean equipment;
A bottle brush; and
Sterilising equipment.
Choosing equipment
Bottles come in small and large sizes; the size usually just depends on the age and the appetite of the baby.
Teats come in either latex (brown) or silicone (clear). Either type is fine.
Teats also come in ‘flow’ ranges from slow to fast. Basically they have bigger or smaller holes which affect the flow (how fast the milk comes out). A young baby’s teat may have one hole, where an older baby’s teat may have four holes. If you are having trouble finding a teat for your baby, try a few different ones, but faster is usually better than slower as a slow releasing teat, may mean your baby gets tired of sucking before they have had enough to drink, or may even fall asleep.
How to sterilise equipment
As your baby is prone to infections and has an underdeveloped immune system, you will need to sterilise her equipment until she is at least 6 months of age.
After each feed dismantle all parts of the bottle, teats and rings and wash with hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Once the bottle and equipment is washed it then needs to be sterilised.
There are a few options when it comes to sterilising.
Boiling – Place all the feeding equipment into a pot of water, making sure all equipment is covered by water. Then bring the water to boil, and let the equipment boil for five minutes. Once sterilised, dry thoroughly and store in a clean sterilised container.
Antibacterial Solutions – You can use either liquid or dissolvable tablets. Make up the solution as per the manufacturers instructions. Basically you usually just add a couple of capfuls of solution to water, and soak all feeding equipment for up to 24 hours. Use glass or plastic containers or your kitchen sink, and make sure all equipment is submerged.
Once the recommended time has passed, thoroughly rinse equipment in warm soapy water, rinse, including running water through the teats, dry thoroughly and store in a clean and sterilised container.
Steam and microwave sterilisers - Steam sterilisers are specialised designed equipment that heats your equipment to a high enough temperature to kill bacteria. Just put your clean equipment into the unit, add water and follow the instructions. Once the heating cycle has finished, store your equipment in a clean sterilised container.
Note: If you are going away, make sure you take clean equipment or sterilising equipment with you, particularly if there will no clean running water.
Making up the formula
Wash your hands, and wipe down the bench where you will be working.
Start with fresh water, straight from the tap. Don’t use water that has been sitting around in a jug or kettle. Boil the water and let it cool down to room temperature. If you are using a stove and pot, instead of a kettle, let the water boil for around 30 seconds.
Let the water cool down to room temperature before you add the powder.
Measure amount the required amount of water and pour into the bottle.
Use a scoop to measure out the required amount of formula. Use a butter knife or other flat instrument to level off each scoop. Place formula into the bottle with the water.
Seal the bottle with the cap, swirl the bottle to start mixing the formula, once it begins to dissolve; then gently shake the bottle to mix it.
Heat bottle if required - use a bottle warmer, microwave or pot of hot water. (See below)
Check temperature of bottle by shaking a few drops of milk onto the inside of your bare wrist. You want the milk to feel a little warmer than room temperature - think luke warm bath.
Milk Safety
If you aren’t going to use the milk straight away, put it in the fridge. Put it on a shelf towards the back of the fridge, rather than on a shelf. (It is cooler back there)
Throw away undrunk milk, once your baby has started drinking from the bottle, bacteria can transfer from their mouth through the teat and into the milk.
Throw out any made up formula in the fridge after 24 hours
Try to make formula up as you go, rather than in advance
Always make sure your hands and preparation areas are clean
Make sure all equipment is clean and sterilised
Keep an eye on formula expire dates
Throw away opened tins of formula after 28 days
If transporting made up milk, then ensure it is very cold when you leave the house, and keep it in a cooler or thermal baby bottle pack. If possible take the formula and the boiled water in separate containers and make up when you need it
Don’t leave your baby to drink their bottle on their own. Leaving a bottle propped up for a baby to drink unsupervised can be unsafe, and pooled up milk in their mouth can cause dental problems later on down the track.
Heating the bottle
It isn’t harmful to give your baby cold milk, but they usually prefer it at room temperature or a little warmed.
There are a couple of ways to warm formula including:
Standing the bottle in hot water – this is the safest way of warming your babies bottle
Bottle warmer – make sure that the warmer has a thermostat so you can control the temperature and do not leave it on the warmer for longer than ten minutes due to the risk of bacterial growth
Microwave – to ensure you don’t get hot spots in the milk, make sure you heat your bottle slowly, and in increments. Stop the microwave and shake the bottle periodically to ensure that the milk is heated through evenly. Make sure you don’t seal the bottle when heating as it may explode.
Giving your baby their bottle
Once you have prepared the bottle, checked the temperature of the milk (on your wrist), and ensured that the milk is flowing correctly, it is time to get comfortable and feed your baby.
Note: The flow of the milk should be a slow and steady drip, not a gush of liquid.
Sit in a comfortable chair; cradle your baby close to your body, whilst holding your baby on a slight incline.
Put the teat to your baby’s lips. If she doesn’t seem to want to open her mouth, gently stroke the side of her mouth or cheek, this will activate a young babies rooting reflex, which will cause them to open the mouth and search for food.
Once her mouth is open, slide the teat into her mouth, and hold the bottle at an angle, so the teat is filled with milk and all the bubbles in the bottle rise to the top.
Once your baby has drunk about half the formula, or when their sucking action seems to slow, it is time to give them a break and give them a burp, before offering them anymore milk.
If after a burp your baby still doesn’t seem interested in the rest of the bottle, they may have had enough, throw away the remainder of the milk and try again later.
If your baby starts to fall asleep whilst feeding, try tickling their toes, wiping their hands, feet or face with a cool face washer, or pop them over your shoulder for a rub or pat. If this doesn’t work a nappy or clothes change may be enough to wake them up. Make sure your baby is completely alert before trying again.
Note: If a little milk leaks from the corners of your baby’s mouth while she feeds don’t worry, this is normal and will stop as she gets older and her sucking technique improves.
How much formula should my baby have?
All babies are different; some may have smaller feeds closer together, whilst others may be happy for bigger feeds less often. They don’t always follow the recommended guides. (They are people after all!)
Whilst there is no set amount of feeds your baby should have each day (you should feed your baby whenever he is hungry) you can use the below guide or follow the recommendations on the formula tin:
Young babies will need to be fed around every 3 to 4 hours. Or around 6 – 7 times per 24 hours. Never let a young baby go longer than 5 hours without food.
Give your baby around 150-200 ml of milk per kilogram of body weight per day until three months old, then 120 ml per kilogram of body weight there after.
How do I know my baby is getting enough?
The guides for baby feeding are that, guides only. All babies come in different shapes, and sizes with different appetites and nutritional requirements. The best way to monitor whether your baby is getting enough is plenty of wet nappies, and healthy and consistent weekly weight gains. If your baby seems, happy, alert and active, then they are probably fine.
If your baby develops jaundice, their eyes seem yellowish or cloudish, or they display any other symptoms that concern you, then see your Doctor. Really when it comes to your baby, if are ever in doubt about anything, talk to your Doctor.
Changing formula
Once you have found a formula that suits your baby, it is best not to change formula too often, unless your child seems to be allergic, not interested, or has grown into the next stage of formula. Changing formulas too often and unnecessarily can upset your babies feeding routine.
If you do change formulas remember to read the labels carefully to ensure that you are using the right amount of scoops and are making the formula up correctly. Not all formulas will be the same.
If your child has a history of milk intolerances, then try a little new formula at a time until you are sure they are tolerating it well.
Remember that babies cannot drink cow’s milk until they are 12 months of age, though a little in their cereal from around 8 – 9 months is OK, so you may need to switch to follow up or Stage 2, 3 or 4 formulas as they age.
Supplementing Breastfeeds with Formula
Sometimes when you are breastfeeding you may not have enough milk to satisfy your baby at each feed, and your baby may seem to want more, or you may want someone else to feed your baby. In these cases, you may consider giving supplement formula feeds.
Supplementing your baby with formula is OK occasionally, however regular supplement feeding can interfere with breastfeeding, particularly in regards to your milk supply and your baby’s interest in feeding at the breast.
If you are going to be away from your baby, it is better to try to express breast milk, in order to keep your supply going and reduce the chances of encouragement, rather than miss a feed all together by offering only formula.
If you find that it is just a low milk supply that has you turning to supplement formula feeds, then there are ways of increasing your milk supply which ensures that your baby gets the benefits of breastfeeding. For example:
Increasing the frequency of breastfeeds;
Expressing after or between breastfeeding, particularly at night; and
Gradually reducing the amount of supplementary feeds.
Pros and Cons of Bottle-feeding
Whether you choose to bottle-
Pros
Anyone can feed your baby, which takes the pressure off you
You can return to work more easily
You can get a babysitter whenever you like
You don’t have to worry about what you eat or drink
You can take your normal medications
You can monitor exactly how much milk your baby is getting
Easier to feed in public
Longer periods between feeds
Cons
It costs money
Feelings of failure
You need to be prepared when going out
You have to clean and sterilise bottles
Health risks including gastroenteritis
Harder to store and carry and goes off quicker
