Although we know that breastfeeding is best for babies, you might have a special reason for formula feeding. This brochure has important information to help you.
You may wish to discuss your reasons for stopping breastfeeding with a health professional who can advise you about your options.
Remember, once you wean your baby it is difficult to start breastfeeding again.
Important rules for formula feeding
If you decide to formula feed, your baby will grow and develop normally as long as you follow these guidelines:
- Make sure all the bottles, teats, and utensils used for bottle feeding your baby are clean and sterilised;
- Always wash your hands before handling your baby’s bottles and preparing formula;
- Feed your baby on one of the recommended formulas;
- Follow exactly the directions on the container for making up your baby’s formula;
- Store your baby’s prepared formula feeds in the refrigerator until required (not in the door storage area);
- Hold your baby close to you while bottle feeding, just as you would when breastfeeding.
Cleaning and sterilising the feeding equipment
It is important to clean and sterilise your baby’s feeding equipment so that your baby is protected from harmful germs that breed in it.
Cleaning
Wash your hands.
Rinse bottles, teats and teat covers well in cold running water immediately after use.
Rub teats inside (turn inside out) and outside with salt to clean them and then squirt water through the holes to wash away the salt.
Wash bottles, teats and teat covers thoroughly with warm water and detergent using a bottle brush to clean properly.
Rinse bottles, teats and covers with clean hot water so that no salt or detergent remains.
Sterilising
It is best to sterilise bottles, teats, teat covers and feeding equipment for at least the first nine months of your baby’s life to protect against germs.
There are two methods of sterilisation:
1. Chemical sterilisation
- Buy a sterilisation kit from a chemist or supermarket.
- Make up the solution following the directions exactly.
- Put in bottles, teats, covers and other equipment to be used (use plastic knives and spoons. Metal utensils must not be put in the solution).
- Make sure everything is covered completely by the solution and there are no air bubbles.
- Leave to soak for as long as recommended by the solution manufacturer (usually one hour).
- Wash hands before removing bottles and equipment.
- Shake off excess solution from all equipment and bottles before using. Do not rinse.
- Make up a new solution after 24 hours.
2. Sterilisation by Boiling
- Put bottles, teats and other equipment in a large saucepan and cover with water.
- Cover with a lid, bring to the boil. Keep on a rolling boil for 5 minutes. Leave the lid on while cooling.
- Drain the water and store the equipment in the covered saucepan until needed.
- Wash your hands before removing bottles and other equipment.
Choice of formula
There are many brands and types of formula to choose from. Check with a health professional to be sure that the one you are thinking of using is the most suitable for your baby. Some formulas are only suitable for older babies or babies with certain medical conditions.
It is best not to change your baby’s formula unless you have discussed the need for a change with your doctor, paediatrician or nurse.
Milk NOT suitable for babies in the first year of life
The following types of milk are not suitable for babies. They do not contain the right combinations of proteins, fats and minerals necessary for a baby’s normal development:
Cow’s milk (whole, skimmed, powdered, watered-down);
Evaporated milk;
Sweetened condensed milk;
Goats milk;
Soya milk which is not an infant formula (e.g. from health food shops and supermarkets).
Whole cow’s milk can be used for cooking in solids.
Making the formula
You can make up one feed at a time in the bottle or prepare a whole day’s feeds in a jug and immediately pour all feeds into bottles. Follow these steps to prepare your baby’s formula:
- Read the instructions on the formula container.
- Boil the water to be used for making the formula. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Measure the amount of water needed into the sterilised jug or bottle.
- Add exactly the correct number of scoops of powdered formula as the instructions recommend. Using the wrong strength formula (too much or too little powder) may harm your baby.
- Use the special scoop which is supplied with the formula.
- Mix the formula by covering the bottle and shaking, or use a sterilised fork to stir the formula in the jug.
- Cover and store bottles of formula in the refrigerator (not in the door storage area).
- Throw out any made up formula you have not used after 24 hours.
Caution: If you’ve been advised to change your baby’s formula, carefully check the mixing directions and follow them exactly, as many brands vary.
How to bottle feed
Feeding with a bottle should be a special time for you and your baby, just as it would be for breastfeeding. Hold your baby close to you. This shows your baby that you love and care for them. Never prop the bottles as your baby can choke.
- Heat the bottle of formula to room temperature by standing in a jug of hot water for a few minutes. Microwave heating is not recommended.
- Always test the temperature of the feed before giving it to your baby. You can do this by shaking a little formula on to the inner side of your wrist to be sure it is just warm and not hot.
- Sit comfortably with your baby close to you.
- Hold the bottle so that the teat and neck of the bottle contain milk mixture.
- Touch your baby’s lips with the teat, so that your baby’s mouth opens ready for sucking.
- Stop briefly halfway through the feed and try to burp your baby. If this does not happen, continue with the rest of the feed. Try burping again at the end of the feed.
- Let your baby decide when they have finished. The amount taken will vary from feed to feed. Most feeds take from 20 to 30 minutes. The feed should not be too fast or too slow.
- Throw out any leftover milk. Never offer leftover milk at the next feed as it can grow bacteria and make your child sick.
For more information
If you would like to know more about formula feeding, talk to your local child health nurse.
