For mothers who cannot or who choose not to breastfeed their baby, infant formula is a safe alternative. In fact, although they still can’t compare with breast milk, today’s formulas are closer to breast milk and more nutritious than ever before.
Formula Facts
There are two basic types of formula, based on the source of protein: cow’s milk and soy formulas. Soy formulas are not recommended for healthy babies. You should start with a cow’s milk formula unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
Formula can be regular, standard formula or have some of the proteins partially broken down. These are called sensitive or gentle formulas. In general, healthy babies do not usually benefit from these formulas.
There are also a variety of specialty formulas, including more extensively broken down ones, lactose free formulas, and others. Again, these are of no benefit to the normal, healthy baby.
Formulas come as ready-to-feed, liquid concentrate, and powdered. They are not exactly the same formula, and some babies do have a preference.
Feeding your baby
You need to be absolutely sure you mix the formula correctly. Adding too much or not enough water can make your baby very sick. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Most newborns take about 1 to 2 ounces every 2-3 hours. Babies are very sleepy and may not feed that regularly the first week or so. Just keep trying. Your baby should take some fluid at least every 4-6 hours.
Put what you expect the baby to take in the bottle; you cannot save formula that your baby has already drunk part of. Hold the bottle so that the milk fills the nipple and the neck of the bottle. Usually babies are held at a slight angle and not flat, and bottles are held at an angle, not straight up and down. After your baby drinks some formula, you may have to take the bottle out to let air back into the bottle so that the milk will flow. You will probably need to burp your baby every 1-2 ounces. After feeding, discard whatever is left in the bottle.
There are a variety of bottles you can try, with different sized nipples and openings in the nipple.
Many parenting books say your baby should have 8-10 wet diapers and several bowel movements a day. This is true later on, but not the first few days. During the first day, expect 1 wet diaper and 1 stool. During the second day, expect 1-2 wet diapers and maybe a stool. During the third day, expect 2-3 wet diapers a day and maybe some stool. After the first 2-3 days, then expect an increase to 6-8 or more wet diapers a day and usually several bowel movements a day.
You do not usually need to sterilize bottles and nipples or use special water to make the formula, as long as your drinking water is safe. Wash bottles and nipples in clean, hot soapy water or the dishwasher.
