Formula/ Bottle Feeding

There are many reasons as to why you might decide to bottle fed rather than breastfeed and this is personal choice. Some mothers try breast feeding and find it difficult  to adapt to or find they don’t like it. Others who may be HIV positive or have kidney infections, for example, are unable to breast feed.  Formula milk is modified cows milk. Various substances are added to it make it similar to breast milk and so your baby can digest it easily.

Why Are There Different Types Of Formula Feed?

There are two types:

• low whey, high casein

These formulae are made from modified cows milk and contain high amino acid (protein) content. This helps your baby to grow. They also have vitamins and minerals added. Low whey, high casein formulae are suitable for little babies up to one year of age.

• high whey, low casein

These are suitable for older babies

If you feel unsure about the type of milk you are feeding to your baby speak to your health visitor, district nurse or GP.

What Are The Advantages Of Bottle Feeding My Baby?

• others are able to help to feed your baby
• you are able to feed your baby anywhere
• easy to establish a regular routine
• you know how much milk your baby is taking
• you can feed different milk types as your baby grows

What Are The Disadvantages of Bottle Feeding My Baby?

• formula milk is made from cows milk and chemicals have to be added
• requires a lot of equipment
• requires time to make up the formula
• expensive
• if the formula is made wrong, the baby can become dehydrated

What Equipment Do I Need?

• bottles including teat, ring and disc, bottle cap
• bottle brush
• formula
• measuring utensils
• knife
• sterilizer and sterilizing solution
• kettle

How Do I Make Up The Formula?

It is essential that you follow the directions on the formula exactly. It is worth making up at least a couple of bottles at one time and putting them into the refrigerator.

• once everything is sterilized and you have some cooled boiled water to hand you can start.
• firstly fill the bottles up to the required level
• add the formula with the spoon provided ensuring that you use the knife to level the spoon off.
• place the lid onto the bottle and give the bottle a good shake to ensure the formula and milk has mixed
• once mixed place in the refrigerator until you want to use it
• do not keep for longer than 24 hours

How Do I Sterilize My Bottles?

There are many ways that you can sterilize your bottles:

• electrical steam sterilizers
• sterilizing with special microwave sterilizer
• sterilizing tablets

Do I Need To Wind My Baby?

Bottle fed babies do tend to need to be winded more often as they gulp down their milk. There are several ways to wind your baby, most commonly you will tend to wind either over your shoulder or by sitting your baby up. A slow rubbing motion on your babies back or gently patting will tend to bring the wind up

Click on this link to read our related article about Breast Feeding