Formula feeding

Breast milk is best for babies, however, it is not always possible to breastfeed your baby. If you choose to bottle-feed your baby, use formula until your child is one year of age. After one year, you may give your child whole cow's milk. Skim or low-fat milk are not given until after 2 years of age because babies need the fat in whole milk for rapid brain growth.

Most formulas are made with cow's milk. If your child has an allergy, your baby's healthcare provider may recommend formula from soybeans. Soybean formula is also recommended for babies who have a hard time digesting regular formula. Commercial formula is available in powder, concentrated liquid, and ready-to-serve liquid.

When making the formula:

• always follow directions on the label
• use the recommended amount of water, powder, and liquid (If you do not use the right amounts of each ingredient, your baby will not get what he needs.)
• use water from the cold tap if using tap water (Fresh, cold water is safe, but let the water run for 2 minutes first. Never use the hot tap because old water pipes may contain solder and lead that can be found in hot water.)
• heat the cold tap water on the stove or microwave to make one bottle at a time (It is not necessary to use boiled water for a single bottle.)
• use boiled or distilled water to make a batch of formula
• store formula in the refrigerator
• use the formula within 48 hours

Feeding your baby:

In general, your baby will need:

• 6 to 8 feedings per day for the first 3 weeks
• 5 to 6 feedings per day from 1 to 3 months
• 4 to 5 feedings per day from 3 to 7 months
• 3 to 4 feedings per day from 7 to 9 months

Formula amounts can be calculated by dividing your baby's weight (in pounds) in half to find the amount (in ounces). Example: If your baby weighs 6 pounds, he will probably drink 3 ounces per feeding.

When you feed your baby:

• make sure both you and your baby are comfortable
• tilt the bottle so the nipple and neck of the bottle are filled with formula at all times
• support your arm with a pillow
• hold the baby in semi-upright position
• burping may be helpful if your baby is a "spitter," otherwise, it isn't necessary to burp your baby
• the feeding will take no more than 20 minutes (If it does, check to see if the nipple is clogged.)
• throw away any used formula in the bottle at the end of the feeding

Babies do not need extra water. If it is very hot or if your baby has a fever, offer a bottle of water twice a day.

Prevention of tooth decay:

Sleeping with a bottle of milk, juice, or any sweetened liquid in the mouth can damage your baby's first teeth. The sugar changes to acid by bacteria and can etch the enamel on the teeth. For this reason, do not put your child to bed with a bottle. Use a pacifier. If that does not work, fill the bottle with water.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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