You must have always heard that you should feed the baby your breast milk till at least 6 months of their birth because nothing can ever replace the nutrition that is provided by the breast milk. But there can be several reasons as to why you cannot fulfill this particular demand and hence you go for the formula feeding. You should thank to the modern formulas that can, up to certain extent provide the nutrition that your baby’s body needs.
Choosing the Right Formula
The formulas that are available in the market are made to meet the baby’s nutritional requirements. Most of the are modified cow’s milk or similar. Unless your paediatrician advises you to pick a particular brand formula, you can pick the one that is fortified with iron.
Formulas come in one of the following variants:
- Ready to feed (the most expensive)
- Liquid concentrate (less expensive)
- Powder (most economical)
Water and Formula
You don’t have to use bottled water to mix your baby’s formula unless it is advised by the health care provider or something is wrong with the regular water supply at your place. Another reason why you should not be using the bottled water is because the baby needs fluoride after the age of 6 months and the bottled water may not have any.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Always wash your hands carefully and thoroughly before preparing the formula.
- While washing the bottle or the plastic nipple, make sure to either boil them in water or sterilize them thoroughly. Make sure that there is no left over formula, as it can spoil and upset your baby’s stomach.
- Never heat the formula in microwave as the microwave heats the formula unevenly leading to the hot places burning your baby’s tongue.
- Whoever is feeding the baby make sure to keep their head slightly elevated so that they don’t suck in a lot of air.
- Prepared formula can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours only if the baby has not touched the nipple. If he/she has, then throw out the remaining after one feeding.
- Remember that each baby is unique and so is their appetite. If they are spitting the formula, then it is better to feed a bit lesser quantity and if they are smacking their lips, then it means that they need some more.
Reminders and Precautions
- You need to hold the baby while feeding. Leaving the baby with the bottle alone is a choking hazard.
- If your baby is wetting fewer diapers than before it could mean that they are either dehydrated or undernourished. This means that the composition of the formula is not suiting them and you need to call your paediatrician immediately.
- While feeding the baby using bottle make sure that the nipple is of right size. If the hole is too large, it could lead to the baby gagging or if you see the baby struggling to suck, it could mean that either the nipple is hard for them or the hole is too small.
There could be many reasons of you choosing formula feeding but if you have the option of breastfeeding, make sure that you provide the baby that first. Breastfeeding has a lot of advantages and additionally, it gives the love and warmth of a mother to her child when she holds them close. Formula feeding can be a bonding experience to the father. But make sure who ever feeds the baby knows all the precautions as it could be dangerous for the baby if not followed correctly. If you have a difficulty in choosing the best formula for your baby, you can always contact your healthcare provider for the same.