BOTTLE FEEDING YOUR BABY

Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants.  If you are unable to breastfeed or choose not to then it is recommended that you use infant formula for the first 12 months.

Choosing The Right Formula:

Infant formula nourishes your baby much better than cow's milk, because it is made especially for babies. In fact, except for your own breast milk, infant formulas meet a baby's needs better than anything else. Your health care professional has started your baby on the infant formula that's right for him. It is important that you feed your infant iron-fortified formula, such as Enfamil Lipil or Similac Advanced, for the entire first year.

Some babies are sensitive to milk-based formulas. If your baby has diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash or becomes unusually fussy, discuss these symptoms with your doctor. A milk-free formula, such as Enfamil Gentle Ease, Enfamil Prosobee Lipil, or Isomil Soy Formula may help clear up these problems, and your baby will grow just as well as with a milk-based formula.

If your baby is allergic to both milk- and soy-based formulas, your doctor may recommend Nutramigen Lipil or Alimentum Formula.

Babies do tend to be fussy at times. It doesn't always mean your baby's formula needs to be changed. Always talk with your doctor before switching formulas.

Choose The Formula Preparation You Wish. Ready To Feed infant formulas come in 4- and 8-fluid- ounce nursing bottles. They are ready to give your baby after you shake the bottle and add a sterilized nipple. Concentrated Liquid and Powder formulas, which require mixing with water, are economical but take more time to prepare. Follow all directions on the formula labels. Call your health care professional if you have any questions about preparing, storing or feeding infant formula. I

f You Have Well Water Well water may contain bacteria or impurities that boiling will not remove. If you are concerned about your water, take a sample to your county health department to be tested. They'll tell you if your water is safe to mix with formula. If it's not, use distilled or bottled water, or Ready To Feed formula.

Well water should also be tested for fluoride content. If it is low, ask your health care professional about fluoride supplements for children older than 6 months.

Bottle Feeding:
Use fresh, properly-stored formula. Make sure you use formula before its "use before" date. Don't buy damaged packages or dented cans. Never use formula that you know has been frozen or stored above 95'F. Shake the can of liquid formula and wash and dry the lid before opening. Cover and store opened liquid formula and bottles of formula not used immediately in the refrigerator. Throw out unused liquid formula 48 hours after opening or mixing. Z:,

Clean bottles well. Sterilize your baby's bottles for the early months of her life, unless your health care professional says this is not necessary. Then use clean, hot, sudsy water to wash bottles, nipples, rings and caps. Use a bottle brush. Squeeze water through the nipple holes. Rinse everything well. If you use a dishwasher, place bottles securely on the top rack, and hand wash nipples.

Feed at any temperature. You can feed your baby formula straight from the refrigerator, at room temperature or warm (never hot!). If your baby likes it warm, hold the bottle of formula under running warm tap water, or place it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Test the temperature of heated formula before feeding. NEVER use a microwave oven to heat the formula. Micro- waves heat unevenly, and hot spots in the formula can bum your baby's tender mouth.

Keep your baby safe. Never prop a bottle for feedings. Your infant may swallow air, and choke or spit up. After a feeding, throw away all formula remaining in the bottle. Always use a fresh bottle for the next feeding. Remember, don't heat your baby's bottles in a microwave oven.

Care and feeding:

 Your newborn will want to eat every 2 to 4 hours, around the clock. After the first few weeks, he will increase the amount he takes at each feeding from about 2 to 4 fluid ounces of formula. If he shows no interest in eating for 8 to 10 hours, if he takes only a couple fluid ounces for two feedings in a row, or if you can't wake him after 8 hours, call your health care professional.

Let your baby know it's time to eat by stroking his cheek with the nipple. Tilt the bottle up so that formula fills the nipple completely and your baby doesn't swallow air. Check the size of the nipple opening. Formula should flow through the nipple at a comfortable pace for your baby. If it flows too slowly, your baby has to work hard to get enough to eat. If it flows too fast, it may cause your baby to choke. Take breaks for burping and cuddling. Your baby may want to play after he eats.

Feeding tips:

Let your baby set the pace of the feeding. Allow him time to pause, look around or play with the nipple. Hold your baby in the crook of your arm for each feeding. He will want to be close to your body. You should feel a strong suck in a healthy baby. Check this by placing your clean finger in his mouth. If you sense a weakness in his suck or are concerned about feeding laziness, call your health care professional.