Formula Feeding

Whether you've decided to formula feed your baby from the start, are supplementing your breast milk with formula, or are switching from breast milk to formula, your babies nutrition and what works best for you and your baby matters most!

At birth baby only needs a very small amount of formula, you can start by offering baby 1-2 oz of formula every 2-3 hours of babies life! It’s important that baby wake to feed in the very early days. Sometimes it takes more energy to suckle and babies would rather sleep. It’s helpful to take their hats and socks off and maybe even tickle their toes with a cold wash cloth to get them vigorously suckling! As your baby grows follow your pediatricians guidelines on how much and how often!

Formula should be stored properly and it’s very important to use clean filtered water and sterilized bottles and nipples. Make sure to follow the packaging directions closely when preparing the formula. Adding too much water can have negative effects on your babies health, so it’s important to get the ratios correct.

Formula does not need to be heated, but some caregivers enjoy giving their baby a warm bottle, it can also help when switching from breast milk to formula. Never use a microwave to heat your babies bottle. It’s very dangerous and can result in burns! Make sure to test the formula on your wrist or sensitive part of your skin to make sure it’s not too hot. Placing the bottle in a bowl of very hot water should be enough to warm the formula.

For working parents of all situations, formula feeding is a fantastic option and the nutrition in formulas have come a long way. There are many formulations that are options for allergies and sensitivities for babies.

Some mothers are unable to produce adequate milk or need to stay on medicines that pass to breastmilk. If you need to explore this option, talk with your physician and pediatrician to see what may be the best fit to try for baby!

Formula and bottle feeding can help other caregivers bond with their little ones. Find a quiet area to feed your baby, lots of eye contact and skin to skin is so important for their brain development.