Naturally Healthy Lifestyles

Bottle Feeding

 

Many moms that do not have a choice other than to bottle feed, will know the agony experienced when forced to feed their baby formula, as nothing can compare nutritionally to 'mother's milk'. If however you bottle feed by choice there are ways to make it a simple and enjoyable experience. 

 

Selecting a formula

This is a decision that must be made in conjunction with your paediatrician, but is does help to be aware of what products are available on the market.


All formulas contain vitamins and minerals in the correct quantity and are all iron-fortified to prevent anaemia and assist in the correct development of your baby, in the early months. Most newborn babies will use a formula, that is made up of non-fat cow's milk, and by the time your baby reaches between four to six months of age, you may find that it is no longer satisfying his hunger and you may choose to put him on a follow-up formula. This contains all essential minerals and vitamins as well as casein, which is a tougher milk protein that is harder to digest, so keeping your baby satisfied for a longer period. Since this is also a time when you may start introducing solids into his diet, he should still be assured of all the nutrients he needs.

Alternatives to cow's milk

A number of specialised formulas are available for specific needs and conditions, but your paediatricians advice should always be sought before making a change.


Soya-based formulas contain proteins isolated from the soya bean, and are lactose-free, with the carbohydrate in them being derived from sucrose or corn syrup. These formulas are very useful for babies who are intolerant to lactose, but it shouldn't be used as a substitute if your baby is allergic to cow's milk, because there is more than likely to also be a reaction to soya protein.


Evaporated goat's milk is also available, and are useful for infants who suffer from chronic diarrhoea, food allergies, certain types of fat and gluten malabsorption or have an inability to tolerate cow's milk or soya protein. These and other specialised formulas, should only be used under careful medical supervision.


Whichever type of formula you choose to use, always make feeding special. Just because you have chosen to bottle feed, for whatever reason, this does not mean that you should be deprived of the closeness one experiences during breast feeding. Hold your baby close to you, perhaps even against your naked breast and never let her lie flat during feeds, as this can cause ear infections, due to milk flowing from the throat into the eustachian tube. Never let your baby fall asleep with the unfinished bottle in her mouth, as the sugar found in milk, can cause serious tooth decay if repeatedly left in the mouth for too long.

What not to use

Full cream and low fat cow's milk, condensemilk, coffee creamers and milk blends are not designed for infant consumption, as they often have too much or too little of the certain essential nutrients that is needed for your baby's growth and development, and may even contain harmful organisms that can make your baby seriously ill.

Equipment

Six bottles and six teats should be sufficient for bottle-feeding your baby. Teats come in various shapes and sizes and it is only by pure experiment that you will find which one suits your baby best. There are teats on the market with the size of the holes differing according to your baby's age, but if you are unable to purchase these, you can enlarge the hole yourself, by using the blunt end of a thick needle which has been heated in a flame.

All bottles, teats and dummies will need to be thoroughly sterilized, using the conventional boiling method or using sterilizing liquid or tablets, which are dissolved in water and the bottles placed in it for the stated period. Whichever way you choose, all bottles, teats etc. will need to be thoroughly washed and rinsed in hot water. It is recommended that you follow these procedures before each feed, until your baby is a year old.

Making up feeds

As mentioned earlier, it is vitally important to be meticulous about hygiene, especially when making up your baby's feeds, as germs can multiply rapidly in milk.

  • Store formula in a cool dry place, taking note of the expiry date on the tin.
    Formula milk stores well in the refrigerator, so you can make up to six bottles at one time, which should give you enough for approximately 24 hours.

 

  • Always use the scoop provided to measure out the milk powder, following your doctor's or the brands directions for the correct amount of water per scoop.
    Adding extra powder will make the mixture too strong and could result in the damage of your baby's kidney's or even her brain.

 

  • Tap water should never be used to rinse sterilized bottles or when making up a feed. Fill sterilized bottles with boiling water and allow to cool before adding the powder, this will make for easier mixing

 

  • Put a cover over the teat and store in the refrigerator until needed. When heating a cooled bottle for a feed, never use the microwave, as this can damage the bottle and teats and the heat is not distributed evenly, so there is a chance of scalding your baby. Rather take a large jug or bowl, filled with boiling water, and stand the bottle in it until the desired temperature is reached.

 

  • Never keep leftover milk to use in the next feed.

  • Whether using a bottle warmer or simply holding the bottle under a hot tap, be sure to always test the temperature of the milk, by dripping a few drops onto the inside of your wrist.

 

  • Lastly, don't feel guilty if you wanted to breastfeed, but couldn't - you're not alone.

How much and how often should I be feeding my baby?

During the first few days prior to her birth, your baby will probably be given a diluted form of her milk. If she is of a desired birthweight you will probably be told to feed her every four hours, but those that are underweight usually require a feed every three hours. This depends entirely on you and your baby and you should schedule your feeds according to when your baby demands them.

A bottle feed should take approximately 20-30 minutes - if you find that it is taking much longer, it could be due to the hole in the teat being too small. The staff in the maternity section will normally advise you on your baby's feeding requirements, before you leave the hospital.

As your baby increases in mass, so will her feeds have to be altered, and around six months she should be having three to four milk feeds, resulting in a total of 1 litre in 24 hours. This will gradually decrease once you have introduced solids into her diet.

What about extra vitamins, iron and fluoride?

Not all formulas provide your baby with an adequate amount of vitamins, so it is a good idea to consult your doctor on the multi-vitamin drops available on the market. It is wise though, to first check the tin, to see if any vitamins have been added, as vitamin A and D are dangerous when taken in huge amounts. Vitamin C is impaired by heat, so it is also for this reason that you should allow the boiled water to cool before mixing your baby's feeds.

Most formulas are iron-fortified, so there is no need at this stage to supplement her feeds, unless she was premature at birth which would have caused her not to have sufficient time to build up any iron reserves. Excessive iron consumption does tend to make the baby's stools darker, and is related to constipation.

If you are currently living in an area with water not containing sufficient fluoride, a supplement should be taken into account and added to your baby's feeds from birth. Fluoride has also been proven to reduce tooth decay.