You may want to talk to your healthcare provider to help you make your choice. Some moms choose to both breastfeed and bottle-feed their babies. While breast milk is the ideal food for babies, your baby can get good nutrition from formula.
Formulas are designed to give babies all the calories and nutrients they need until they are 6 months old and start to eat a variety of solid foods. When your baby starts eating solid foods continue to offer formula. There are many types of iron-fortified infant formulas for you to choose from. Almost all infant formulas have some iron in them. If your baby is at risk for low iron, talk to your healthcare provider about the type of formula your baby needs.
Most of the time, parents start with formulas made from cow's milk. Formula-fed babies can become iron-deficient if iron-fortified formulas are not used. Not getting enough iron may lead to serious problems in babies, such as weakness, abnormal digestion, and learning problems. Talk to your healthcare provider before you try other types of formulas, including:.
Formulas for toddlers are also available. These formulas have extra nutrients, and you can use them to help your child make the switch to whole milk. But healthy babies and toddlers don't really need them. Do not use homemade formulas, such as those made with evaporated milk or raw milk. Homemade formulas do not contain the nutrients, vitamins, and, minerals your baby needs.
They could also make your baby sick. When you make formula, use a safe source of water and be sure your hands and equipment are clean. Follow the advice of your healthcare provider and read the label on the formula package.
Make sure the formula is not too hot or too cold when you give it to your baby. The length of time between feedings varies. As you get to know your baby, you will be able to notice his or her signs of hunger and fullness.
Don't hesitate to call your healthcare provider if you are worried about whether your baby is eating enough. After formula is mixed, it needs to be used within 24 hours to be safe.
Throw away any formula left in the bottle after you feed your baby, because bacteria can grow in the leftover formula. Reheating or refrigerating won't kill the bacteria. Most babies can start feeding within hours after birth. Most newborns feed about 6 to 10 times every 24 hours. Average feeding amounts will vary depending on your baby's age and how hungry he or she is at that moment. Pay attention to your baby's hunger and fullness cues. Don't be concerned if your baby doesn't eat much at one feeding.
He or she is likely eating enough over the course of a day or two. Forcing your baby to drink more formula than he or she needs can lead to tummy aches and spitting up. But don't ever hesitate to call your health care provider if you are worried about whether your baby is eating enough. When your baby is 9 to 12 months old and eating a variety of iron-rich foods, he or she can start to drink pasteurized whole-fat 3.
Limit cow's milk to no more than 3 cups mL per day. If you are not breastfeeding and do not want to give your child cow's milk, give your child soy infant formula until your child is 2 years of age. After age 2, you can serve lower-fat milk or fortified alternatives. It is best not to give your baby these beverages, until he or she is 2 years of age. Try to buy your formula and supplies before the baby is born. You can buy infant formula as a liquid concentrate or a powder that you mix with water.
Formulas also come in a ready-to-feed form, which costs the most. Always use a store-bought formula unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. If you have questions about which infant formula is right for your baby, talk with your healthcare provider.
When you buy baby bottles and nipples , make sure you have a supply of small bottles [about 4 fl oz mL ] for your baby's first few weeks. You may want to buy a variety of different bottle nipples so you can experiment to see which type your baby prefers.
You can buy formula as a powder or as a concentrated or ready-to-feed liquid. Ready-to-feed formulas cost the most. But some caregivers find their convenience worth the extra cost. You must add, safe water to powders and concentrates. Be sure to follow the directions on the label and use the measuring device that comes with the product. For more information on preparing and handling formula, check your provincial website or see the Healthy Canadians Infant Formula webpage at www.
Always wash your hands before feeding your baby. During the first few weeks, burp your baby frequently. This helps get rid of swallowed air, reducing the chances of your baby spitting up. So if you don't breastfeed your baby, it's important to use only commercially prepared formula and not try to make your own.
Besides medical concerns that may prevent breastfeeding, for some women, breastfeeding may be too difficult or stressful. Here are other reasons women may choose to formula feed:. Either parent or another caregiver can feed the baby a bottle at any time although this is also true for women who pump their breast milk. This allows mom to share the feeding duties and helps her partner to feel more involved in the crucial feeding process and the bonding that often comes with it.
Once the bottles are made, a formula-feeding mother can leave her baby with a partner or caregiver and know that her little one's feedings are taken care of. There's no need to pump or to schedule work or other obligations and activities around the baby's feeding schedule. And formula-feeding moms don't need to find a private place to nurse in public.
Because formula is less digestible than breast milk, formula-fed babies usually need to eat less often than breastfed babies. Women who opt to formula feed don't have to worry about the things they eat or drink that could affect their babies. As with breastfeeding, there are some challenges to consider when deciding whether to formula feed. Lack of antibodies. None of the antibodies found in breast milk are in manufactured formula. So formula can't provide a baby with the added protection against infection and illness that breast milk does.
Can't match the complexity of breast milk. Manufactured formulas have yet to duplicate the complexity of breast milk, which changes as the baby's needs change. Planning and organization. Unlike breast milk — which is always available, unlimited, and served at the right temperature — formula feeding your baby requires planning and organization to make sure that you have what you need when you need it.
Parents must buy formula and make sure it's always on hand to avoid late-night runs to the store. And it's important to always have the necessary supplies like bottles and nipples clean, easily accessible, and ready to go — otherwise, you will have a very hungry, very fussy baby to answer to. With feedings in a hour period, parents can quickly get overwhelmed if they're not prepared and organized.
Formula can be costly. Powdered formula is the least expensive, followed by concentrated, with ready-to-feed being the most expensive. And specialty formulas such as soy and hypoallergenic cost more — sometimes far more — than the basic formulas. Possibility of producing gas and constipation. Formula-fed babies may have more gas and firmer bowel movements than breastfed babies. Deciding how you will feed your baby can be a hard decision. You'll really only know the right choice for your family when your baby comes.
Many women decide on one method before the birth and then change their minds after their baby is born. And many women decide to breastfeed and supplement with formula because they find that is the best choice for their family and their lifestyle. While you're weighing the pros and cons, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. These health care providers can give you more information about your options and help you make the best decision for your family.
Formula Feeding. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. All About Breastfeeding Nursing can be a wonderful experience for both mother and baby. Here are some of the many benefits of breastfeeding: Fighting infections and other conditions.
This helps lower a baby's chances of getting many infections, including: ear infections diarrhea respiratory infections meningitis Breastfeeding also may protect babies against: allergies asthma diabetes obesity sudden infant death syndrome SIDS Breastfeeding is particularly beneficial for premature babies.
If you're planning to bottle feed with expressed breast milk or infant formula , these tips will help you feed your baby and keep them safe and healthy. If you decide to use infant formula, first infant formula first milk should always be the first formula you give your baby.
You can use it throughout the first year. You'll need several bottles, teats and a bottle brush, as well as sterilising equipment, such as a cold-water steriliser, microwave or steam steriliser. There's no evidence that 1 type of teat or bottle is better than any other. Simple bottles that are easy to wash and sterilise are probably best.
Make sure you sterilise bottles and teats until your baby is at least 12 months old. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling sterilised bottle and teats. If you're using infant formula, follow the instructions on the packaging carefully when you make up the feed. See how to make up baby formula. Bottle feeding is a chance to feel close to your baby and get to know and bond with them.
Babies will feel more secure if most feeds are given by you, your partner or their main caregiver. Make sure you're sitting comfortably with your baby close to you.
Enjoy holding your baby, look into their eyes and talk to them as you feed them. Hold your baby in a semi-upright position for bottle feeds. Support their head so they can breathe and swallow comfortably. Brush the teat against your baby's lips and when they open their mouth wide let them draw in the teat. Keep the bottle in a horizontal position just slightly tipped. This will allow the milk to flow steadily and help prevent your baby from taking in air.
If the teat goes flat while you're feeding, pull gently on the corner of your baby's mouth to release the suction. All babies are different.
Your baby will know how much milk they need. Some want to feed more often than others. Just follow your baby's lead.
0コメント