If you’ve decided not to breast feed, or have tried and it didn’t work for
you, today’s formula provides a balanced and healthy alternative for your baby.
Choose a good quality, popular formula that is sold is most supermarkets – just
in case you ever run out.
The next step is to choose which bottles and teats to use. There are many brands
on the market, and amongst the most popular are teats which mimic the feel of
the breast – especially useful if you are moving from breast feeding to formula.
These teats are made out of a softer material that flexes easily and positions
your baby’s mouth in the most natural way.
Whichever you choose, buy enough to be able to make up several bottles at a
time. Formula can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours after being
made up and it is easier and less time consuming to make the bottles up in
batches. If your budget allows, you can also buy certain brands of formula
ready-mixed. This saves time and ensures that the mix is always consistent for
your baby.
The bottles must always be scrupulously clean and sterilized to avoid infection.
Start off by washing the bottles, teats, caps and measuring utensils in hot,
soapy water and then rinse under the tap. Allow the feeding equipment to air-dry
and then place it in the sterilizer.
There are two main types of sterilizing: cold water and steam. Cold water
sterilizing consists of a container filled with water to which you add a
sterilizing tablet or liquid. The equipment is placed in the container and
within about 15 minutes is ready to use. The equipment can be left in the
sterilizer until you are ready to use it. Steam sterilizers come as stand-alone
products or work in conjunction with your microwave. In many countries it is
considered safe to wash your baby's bottles in the top drawer of the dishwasher
on the hottest temperature and fill them directly from the machine, although
this is not recommended in the UK.
Your baby’s milk will need to be warmed if you have kept it in the fridge. The
best temperature is body temperature – the same as breast milk. Take a look at
the various bottle-warming devices that are on the market, or do as millions of
mothers do and heat your bottle in a jug of hot water! If you decide to warm
your bottle in the microwave, make sure you shake the bottle gently but very
thoroughly before giving it to your baby, to make sure that there aren't any hot
spots in the milk.
The position for feeding your baby differs slightly from breast feeding, as the
baby needs to be in a more upright position to reduce the chances of poor
digestion. Sit in a comfortable chair with support for your arm on one side.
Hold your baby so she is slightly reclined but not lying flat. With your other
hand, bring the bottle up to her mouth and allow her to pull the teat into her
mouth until she has a good seal. Keep the bottle titled to prevent the baby
taking in air.
As with breast feeding, you should try to feed in a calm, quiet environment.
Avoid having the television on or too many people in the room. Formula feeding
can be just as bonding as breast feeding – hold your baby close and let her gaze
into your eyes as she feeds.
You might also be interested in:
Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes
home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is
perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly. Diary Of A New Mum
Dislaimer
AV Baby content is for information only. If you are at all worried about your
baby, please seek the advice of your midwife, doctor or paediatrician.
Diary of a New Mum Week 33
A Baby Cage In which I purchase a play-pen and wait to see how Jessica-Ann will react...
You'll be amazed at how much equipment you will need for your newborn
baby! Here we help you to think through and plan for your requirement. De-cluttering Before
The Baby Comes Home
Make sure you know your rights so that you can use your maternity or paternity
leave to good advantage. Maternity And
Paternity Leave
Surprising numbers of parents get their baby's nurseries wrong - filling them
with pretty accessories but often leaving out the real essentials! Don't fall
into these traps... Nursery Do's and Don'ts
What do you need to buy for your baby's first clothes and bedding? A Basic Layette
If there is one parenting issue which causes the most anxiety, disruption and
unhappiness, it is baby sleep problems! Establishing a good sleep routine from
the very beginning can be crucial to a peaceful and happy family. Baby SleepLots NEW!
What should you expect at 6 weeks, 6 months or 1 year? We provide useful
milestones and developmental stages so that you can keep an eye on your baby's
development in the first year. Baby Stages
Print, cut and assemble a mobile to decorate the baby's room - or make
use of matching room signs, door hangers, photo frames and more! Room Decorations To Print
Everything from nursery mobiles and cut-outs to birth announcements and baby
shower invitations and scrapbook paper! Baby Printables
