Feeding your baby with formula

What is the formula?

Formula is a breast milk substitute made from a special dried-milk powder. Most infant formula is made from cow’s milk, vitamins and minerals. Formula is mixed with cooled boiled water and fed to babies in a bottle or cup.

During the first six months of a baby’s life, the nutrients in formula encourage growth. A baby can begin eating solids once they are 6 months old, but they shouldn’t start drinking ordinary cow’s milk until they are at least 12 months old.

Cow’s milk is one of the main sources of protein in infant formula. To aid with a baby’s growth, formula also incorporates fat from vegetable oils.

Other ingredients beyond cow’s milk can be found in some formulae, like rice or soybeans. These specialized formulae have undergone modifications to make them easier to digest or acceptable for infants who cannot take lactose, or the protein found in cow’s milk. Specialty medications should only be used with a doctor’s supervision.

How is formula different from breast milk?

Formula is a nutritionally complete food for babies. Many formula products contain extra ingredients so that they more closely match breast milk.

Breast milk contains antibodies that aid in defending the infant against a variety of illnesses, which is one of the primary distinctions between breast milk and formula. Contrary to formula, which has a constant nutritional content, breast milk’s nutritional composition changes over the course of a baby’s life.

Compared to formula, breast milk has less protein. Less protein in the formula you choose for your infant will lower their likelihood of growing up to be overweight or obese.

Why might I give my baby formula?

Formula may be the best choice for you and your baby for a variety of reasons. Not all women are able to breastfeed; some may not be able to make enough milk to meet their baby’s demands; others may be unable to breastfeed due to a medical condition or medication they are taking.

Breastfeeding issues can be difficult, and for some women they may make it unfeasible to continue.

Some women decide not to breastfeed, or they may not constantly be with the child, as can be the case when they start working again.

Many parents, including dads in same-sex partnerships, adoptive and foster parents, and kinship carers, do not have the opportunity to breastfeed their children.

Given that this might cause distress, some women who have undergone breast-related sexual assault may choose not to breastfeed. It makes sense that mothers might not mention this as the reason they give their kid formula.

What are the different types of baby formula?

All infant formula supplied in Australia must adhere to strict nutritional and hygienic requirements. The majority of infant formulae are produced from dried cow’s milk with vegetable oils, vitamins, and minerals added. Cow’s milk that has not been changed to make it easier to digest and allow the nutrients to be absorbed is not suited for a baby’s digestive system.

There are 3 types of formula:

Milk-based formulas–are created with cow’s milk, vegetable oils, iron, vitamins, and minerals added.

Soy-based formulas-manufactured from soybeans and enhanced with minerals and vegetable oils.

Specialty formulas–are manufactured from cow’s milk that has had the protein removed or decreased, a process known as “predigesting.” Additionally, a variety of hypoallergenic compositions are offered. The majority of specialized formulae are made for infants who are lactose intolerant or have cow’s milk allergies. For infants with food protein allergies or other digestive, malabsorption, or intestinal issues, formula may also be the best option. For certain cultural or religious reasons, specialty formulations can also be applied.

Other types of formula include:

Stage 1 or starter formulas: These are suitable for babies aged up to 6 months. After this age, Stage 2 or follow-on formulas are recommended since they often have a higher iron content. However, there is no significant benefit in changing to these later-stage formulas.

Anti-reflux or AR formulas: A thickening has been added to these to assist maintain the milk in the baby’s stomach and lessen the possibility of reflux.

Some formulas have added compounds-Manufacturers claim these make the formula more like breast milk. But this doesn’t mean the baby’s body can digest or absorb these compounds in the same way as they would if they were breastfed. Prebiotics, probiotics and antioxidants are common examples or additives, as are long chain polyunsaturated (LCP) acids.

Tips for choosing a baby formula

• Before attempting any other formula, healthy babies who are born full-term and aren’t breastfeeding should always be fed a cow’s milk-based one.

• A formula’s cost does not necessarily reflect its quality. Marketing professionals utilize terms like “Superior” or “Gold” to entice parents to purchase their goods.

• Compare the cost of the formula to the number of scoops needed to make one cup of water. This will help you estimate how long a can of baby formula might last.

• Make sure you choose the appropriate formula for the age of your baby by reading the label.

• Select a formula with a reduced protein content. Extra protein can raise your baby’s risk of growing up to be overweight or obese.

• Give your baby a few days to become accustomed to a new type of formula. Avoid switching multiple times to different brands and formula types.

Can babies be allergic to formula?

Cow’s milk-based formula can cause allergies or sensitivity in some infants. They typically react to the protein in cow’s milk. As an alternative, hydrolyzed formula is frequently suggested. Cow’s milk protein that has been hydrolyzed into smaller fragments is included in the formula.

Babies who are allergic to soy or cow’s milk can use a variety of specialised formulas. However, these solutions can be pricey. To considerably lower the price of a speciality formula, discuss acquiring a prescription with your general practitioner or your child’s paediatrician.

How to tell when your baby is hungry?

When a baby fusses, it can be challenging to determine whether they are truly hungry or whether something else is to blame. Sometimes you won’t be able to tell whether they are truly hungry until you offer them a bottle.

When they are hungry, most newborns typically cry. They will become quiet and begin sucking when the bottle’s teat is placed in their mouth.

Try to hold your infant in the same posture in your arms as you would if you were nursing. Hold them close, gaze into their eyes, and pay attention to any indications or clues they may be giving.

They swallow and suction in unison. Their hands may be clenched, and their entire body may appear to be focused on sucking, giving the impression that they are paying close attention to feeding. Their body and hands feel more at ease as they fill up.

Babies who are breastfed manage their own milk consumption. When they are hungry, they suckle, and when they are full, they stop. In contrast, formula-fed infants have less control over how much milk they consume because the bottle-giver controls this.

Usually, your baby will pull away from the teat to signal you when they are full after they have had enough.

When your baby has had enough, they will typically pull away from the teat to let you know they are full.

Other signs that your baby is full include milk beginning to pool in their mouth or vomiting or “spilling” some milk.

Following a feeding, some babies may cry out or fall asleep

Step-by-step guide to preparing formula

1.To make sure you know how much water and how many scoops you need to combine, read the instructions on the container the formula comes in.

2.Wash and thoroughly dry your hands.

3.Make sure the location and surface where you can make the formula are both clean.

4.In a kettle or on the stove, bring fresh tap water to a boil. Let the water cool until it is lukewarm or to room temperature. Formula can be prepared with fresh, unflavored, unused bottles of water (not mineral, sparkling, or soda water).

5.Fill the sterilised bottles with the water. Make sure you’re using the appropriate volume of water for the needs of your infant.

6.The sealed water bottles can be kept in the refrigerator’s main compartment for up to 24 hours. You can add the appropriate quantity of formula scoops just before your baby is fed.

7.Use only the scoop that was supplied with the formula container, and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

8.Fill the scoop evenly and loosely. Don’t fill the scoop to the top or bottom. Each scoop should be filled from the center of the can and levelled off with the edge of the lid or a sharp, sterile knife.

9.To help the formula powder settle into the water, tap the bottle on the bench.

10.With the teat and screw cap, secure the bottle. Shake vigorously until the water is well mixed with the entire recipe.

11.Before giving the formula to your infant, check the temperature on your wrist.

Preparation and hygiene

Prepare each bottle as your child requires it. If you must store formula, put it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, near the back.

Use only cleaned and sterilised bottles and feeding equipment.

Any formula that has been warmed but isn’t finished in an hour should be thrown away. Don’t keep formula bottles that are only partially empty. After the baby has consumed formula from them, the bottles and containers get contaminated.

Always follow the directions on the tin when preparing a formula. The baby will be hungry if the formula is produced too weak because it may stunt the child’s growth. A baby may become overweight and experience constipation if the formula is overly powerful.

Transport the cooled, boiling water and the infant formula powder separately if you’re going away. Just before feeding, combine the two. In any other case, keep the prepared formula cold in a “esky,” a baby bottle pack, or a cold bag.

Never microwave infant formula. This may result in burns from the milk heating up unevenly. Place each bottle in a gallon of hot water to rewarm it. As long as they include a thermostat control and the bottle isn’t kept in the warmer for more than 10 minutes, bottle warmers are a secure solution.

Where can I get more information about feeding my baby formula?

If you’re unclear of how much formula to give your infant because each baby has different feeding requirements, talk to your child health nurse. They will advise you on the appropriate dosage based on the age and weight of your child.