Frequently asked questions about formula feeding
How often should I feed my baby?
Experts suggest that you let your baby choose his own routine - how often and how much. As a general guideline between birth and six months your baby will need an average of 2 to 2.5 ounces of formula per pound per day. So, if your baby weighs ten pounds, she will need 20 to 25 ounces per day. Small amounts often work best as your baby's stomach is only small
There is so much choice, which formula is best for my baby?
There isn't going to be that much that differs between them, the majority of formula milks are made from cows milk and manufacturers try to get them to resemble breastmilk as close as possible. They will all contain fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. It could be a choice made by your baby depending on his tastes or for health reasons you ma be advised by your GP to try a Soya based milk.Formula now comes in forms, powder which you make up with water or ready made cartons - which are useful if you are going out.
What is the best way to sterilise?
Sterilising is the most important part of bottle feeding and not something you can cut corners on if you want to ensure your baby's good health. After using a bottle, all parts of it need to be cleaned properly - if you use a bottle brush you can make sure all bits are out and that the teat isn't blocked - and rinsed. They can then be sterilised.- Steam Sterilisers - This takes about 10 minutes, you put all feeding equipment into the unit, plug it in and it creates enough steam to sterilise everything. You can buy electrical ones or systems that go into your microwave.
- Chemical Sterilisers - This takes about 30 minutes. The container (like a small bucket) is filled with cold water and then you add some sterilising liquid or dissolvable tablets. Make sure all the bottles are full of the solution and nothing is floating above the water line.
- Boiling - You do not need any special equipment for this, just a large saucepan. Put all the feeding equipment into a pan of water making sure they are all full of water, bring to boil and leave for 10 minutes.
