Formula Feeding

Formula feeding based on right nutrients is a good source of food for baby. Though breastfeeding is the best and natural choice as it is the perfect food for baby and is easily digested, not all women can breastfeed for whatever reasons. Therefore, formula feeding containing all the right nutrients will help care for your baby's health.

There are many good formula milk available in the market. It is important to follow the instructions carefully. I would normally make a whole day's feeds in a sterilized jug using cooled boiled water and whisk to totally blend the mixture, place the jug in the fridge and pour into bottles as needed. It is important to measure the correct amount of water and the exact amount of powdered scoops as per instructions. I find that putting too much powder in can cause constipation in my children and of course putting too little in will compromise the vital nutrients needed for baby' growth.

Any leftovers after 24 hrs must be discarded as it could be a breeding ground for bacteria endangering baby's health.

Formula Feeding Tips:

• It is a time for bonding between mother and baby as with breastfeeding. It is not a good idea to prop the bottle and let baby feed herself.
• Heating baby's bottle in a pan of hot water is preferable than heating it in a microwave as uneven heating of the milk happens which can scald baby's throat.
• Test milk temperature by flicking a few drops onto your inside wrists to make sure it is not too hot or too cold.
• Sit in a comfortable chair and bring baby to you. Feeding position should enable good eye contact with baby and allow him to observe your facial expression. He will learn to copy your smiles this way and enjoys the interaction. Television is a source of frustration for baby as the characters in the screen do not smile back at baby.
• Try burping baby during the feed or at the end which may be around 20-30 minutes time.
• Again discard any left over milk. Never leave it for next feed as it poses a bacterial infestation threat to baby. Start afresh with a new batch.
• Make sure everything used for bottle feeding including teats, bottles and utensils are cleaned and sterilized well. Wash your hands thoroughly first and wash teats with salt inside and outside also squirting water through them to clear any milk lodged.
• Sterilization by boiling for 10 minutes is the cheapest way but chemical sterilization of fully immersed utensils for at least 30 minutes is just as good.