Tips on Formula Feeding Your Baby

Oddly enough, formula feeding comes more easily than breastfeeding for a lot of babies (and mothers!) Most babies have little trouble latching and sucking onto an artificial nipple and parents also have little difficulty on the delivery side. It's also a wonderful way for Dads, grandparents or other caregivers to share in bonding time with the baby.

But there seems to be endless options in terms of types of formulas, bottles and other supplies out there. The following will help parents filter through the confusion and choose what is best for their baby.

Selecting a formula.Parents should choose a formula, with the help of their pediatrician or nutritionist, that's closest to human milk in composition. They should be sure it includes the right sorts and proportions of fats, proteins, sugars, sodium and other nutrients. Added iron is important if baby isn't being given an iron supplement and there are special formulas available for babies with milk allergies or metabolic disorders, such as PKU. Essentially, formulas come in the following forms:

(a) Ready to use. These come in four or eight ounce bottles and are ready to use by warming to body temperature and adding a sterilized nipple.
(b) Ready to pour. These come in cans of various sizes which only need to be poured into sterilized bottles.
(c) Ready to mix. Slightly less expensive but more time-consuming to prepare. It comes in liquid or powder and require water to be added to it. (Parents should always follow the directions on the can for proper proportions.)

Safe Formula Feeding: At one time, feeding a baby with a bottle was considered risky because babies often didn't thrive or fell ill. Since this was due mostly to poor sanitation an inadequate formulas, there has been much attention paid in more recent years to teaching parents and caregivers the proper sanitation and mixing procedures to be sure formula feeding is safe. The following are the most important points parents need to remember:

• Always check the expiration dates - never use formula that has expired.• Don't use dented, leaky or otherwise damaged cans or containers.
• Wash the hands thoroughly before preparing formula.
• Clean the tops of formula before opening them.
• Use only a sharp, clean can opener (if can doesn't have the modern easy-open lids.) Wash opener after each use and check for food or rust deposits before using again.
• When preparing bottles of formula, be sure to use sterilized (boiled) water and use fresh water to boil each time.
• Wash all supplies (bottles, caps, nipples, etc.) in a clean dishpan reserved only for bottle/supply cleaning.
• Always follow manufacturer's directions on the cans of formula when mixing. If they differ from those given in the hospital when baby was born, one should ask.
• Heat bottle of formula before using, if required, by running hot water over it. Check temperature of formula either on the wrist or crease between the thumb and forefinger on top of the hand. Formula is perfect temperature when one can't feel anything when testing (eg: body temperature.) Some physicians believe heating bottles in the microwave can eliminate the iron levels in the formula. If the microwave is used to heat formula, start with low temperatures as the microwave leaves "hot spots" in what it heats up and this can result in burning baby's mouth.
• Never use leftover formula. This is potential breeding ground for bacteria.
• Rinse bottles and nipples for easier cleaning.• Store prepared bottles of formula in the refrigerator until ready for use.

These are basic points parents or caregivers should bear in mind when preparing to formula feed their baby. Above all else, parents should feel good about feeding their baby formula. It's true that breastfeeding is known as the best option, if mothers are able to. But there are situations where mothers choose not to or simply cannot. Babies can still receive excellent nutrition and just as much love and cuddling with formula feeding.

Personally, I wasn't physically able to breastfeed and formula fed all four of my children. Even though I was devastated at first that I was unable to bond with my babies the way most other mothers do through breastfeeding, I was still able spend special bonding time with each of them. Whichever way you choose to feed your baby, know you're doing the best for your baby.