Breast milk is best for babies, but it is not always possible to breast-feed your baby. If you choose to bottle-feed, use formula until your child is one year old. After one year, you may give your child whole cow's milk. Skim or low-fat milk are not given until after 2 years of age because babies need the fat in whole milk for rapid brain growth.
Most formulas are made with cow's milk. Commercial formula is available in powder, concentrated liquid, and ready-to-serve liquid. If your child has an allergy, your baby's health care provider may recommend formula made from soybeans. Soy formula is also recommended for babies who have a hard time digesting regular formula.
Always follow directions on the formula's label. Use the recommended amount of water, powder, and liquid. If you do not use the right amounts of each ingredient, your baby will not get the nutrients he needs. If you are making a batch of formula, use boiled or bottled water. Store prepared formula in the refrigerator. Throw away any formula that has been left out of the refrigerator for more than one hour. Use prepared formula within 48 hours.
Before pouring formula into a bottle, make sure the bottle is clean. You can boil, hand wash, or wash the bottles and nipples in the dishwasher. Formula does not have to be warmed before giving it to your baby. Room temperature or cold formula may be fed to an infant. If you want to warm the formula, set the bottle in a pan of warm water. Always check to make sure it is not too warm. Do not use a microwave to warm formula. The microwave will heat the formula unevenly. This can cause the infant's mouth to be burned.
Infants should be fed on demand. Your baby will likely take 2 to 3 ounces of formula, about every 2 hours, the first few days after being born. Sometimes, babies have to be awakened to eat. This will change as the infant grows older. Soon, your baby will eat about every 3 to 4 hours. You will know your baby is getting enough if he or she is having 6 wet diapers a day, sleeping well, and gaining weight.
Bottle-feeding should not be hurried. Plan on about 20 minutes. Newborns should be burped after every half ounce of formula for the first few feedings, and then after every ounce of formula. Babies do not need extra water unless recommended by a health care provider.
Sleeping with a bottle of milk, juice, or any sweetened liquid in the mouth can damage your baby's first teeth. Bacteria changes the sugar to acid and can etch the enamel on the teeth. For this reason, do not put your child to bed with a bottle.
When you feed your baby:
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File CHL3725F.HTM Release 9.0/2006
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