A Beginner’s Guide to Baby Formula
How do you start formula-feeding your baby? It’s overwhelming to have so much information available in those first few weeks. This beginner’s guide will help you understand the basics so that you can feed your baby confidently.
Baby formula is specially designed to provide essential nutrients for infants who are not breastfed or are only partially breastfed. It’s made of cow’s dairy, but it has been modified to mimic the nutrients that breast milk provides. It is recommended that babies younger than 12 months of age avoid cow’s milk and other dairy products such as skim, evaporated, or powdered milk or sweetened condensed, as well as dairy alternatives like soy, almond, or coconut milk.
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What is a Formula?
Formula is a good alternative to breastfeeding. It is made of dried milk powder. The majority of infant formulas are made with cow’s dairy and include extra vitamins and minerals. The formula may also contain fats from vegetable oils.
The formula powder is mixed with cooled, boiled water. It’s then given to your baby in a bottle. You can buy a formula that is ready to drink.
Your baby’s first six months are crucial for their growth. After 6 months, your baby can begin solids.
Most infant formula contains cow’s dairy protein.
Some formulas use protein from sources other than cow’s milk, such as soybeans or grains. These formulas are for babies who cannot tolerate lactose or cow’s milk protein. Only use specialty formulas under the supervision of a health professional.
Which Baby Formula should you choose?
It can be difficult to choose from the many different brands and types available. Chris Minogue, Mothercraft’s nurse, says that “Depending on the baby’s age, if you stick to the top brands, there is no way you can go wrong.” There are so many brands! “I counted about 15 brands the other day.”
Chris suggests choosing a formula that has the following features.
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Easy to find: Choose a brand with a large stock so that you are not left searching for it at the last moment.
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Simple preparation: Choose a product that has minimal steps, and use a scoop of 30ml to make measuring and mixing easier.
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Age-appropriate formula: The majority of formulas are available in “stages” that correspond to the age and nutritional requirements of your baby.
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Locally Made: These products are more affordable and easily accessible.
The liquid formula is also available, but it tends to be less popular and more expensive than the powdered option.
Understanding Formula Stages
The formulas usually have two stages.
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Stage I is for babies between the ages of 6 months and 1 year.
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Stage 2 for babies older than 6 months.
You may wonder if the difference is significant. Chris says that the reason for a second stage isn’t because it is thicker or has more protein. The iron is the real issue. As babies start eating solids and as they get more iron through food, stage 2 formulas will reduce their iron to meet these changing nutritional requirements.
The transition between the stages is usually smooth for a baby.
How To Prepare Formula Safely?
To keep your baby healthy, you must prepare the food properly. Start by using sterilised, clean bottles and washing your hands. Mix the water according to the instructions on the tin. Too much or too little can cause your baby’s stomach problems or more serious health problems.
Additional Tips:
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Use sterile drinking water: Boiling fresh tap water, letting it cool down to lukewarm temperature before use or using sealed bottled water.
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Do not leave out the formula: The prepared formula should never be left at room temperature longer than one hour.
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Never reuse or reheat leftover formula: Always make a new batch.
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Store safely. Prepared formula bottles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
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Do not microwave bottles. This can cause hot spots, which could burn your baby. Warm the bottle instead in a bowl with warm water, or use a bottle warmer.
Keep Everything Clean
It is important to keep your formula clean, especially during the first year of your baby’s life when his immune system is developing. All bottles, nipples and equipment should be sterilised until your baby is 12 months old.
Here’s how:
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Disassemble the entire unit.
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Use a bottle brush to wash in warm, soapy water.
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Use an electric steriliser or boil for 5 minutes to sterilise.
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Store in a closed, clean container until required.
Use clean tools and surfaces. Always wash your hands thoroughly before you prepare a feed.
How do I prepare my baby’s bottles?
Follow the directions carefully when preparing the formula. The most common store-bought formulation comes in three different forms.
- Powders you can mix with water
- Concentrates are liquids you can dilute with water
- Liquids that can be poured directly into bottles, without the need to add water
Use the formula within its expiration date. Do not use more water or add to it than instructed.
How to make a formula using powder or concentrate?
- Make sure that the counter on which you make the formula is clean.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Be sure to clean the bottles and nipples.
- Use clean, room-temperature tap water to mix powders and concentrates. Test the water in your well to make sure it is safe to use to mix infant formula.
- Call your local health department if you’re not sure of the quality of your water. If you are not sure if your water is clean or if your baby’s immune system is weak, boil it for at least 1 minute to kill germs. Allow the water to cool down to room temperature before mixing the formula. Bottled water can be used. Speak to your doctor about your concerns if your water seems unsafe.
- The formula can be fed to your baby immediately without any need for refrigeration or heating. You can either feed your baby immediately or store the formula prepared in the fridge for up to two hours.
Take extra precautions if your baby is under 2 months of age, or was born prematurely (before 37 weeks), and has a weak immune system.
- Use concentrated liquid formulas or ready-to-feed infant formulas if you can. There is less chance of germ contamination.
- When making concentrated liquid or powdered formula:
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- Boil water and allow it to cool for five minutes.
- Pour the hot water into the bottle.
- Add the powdered formula, liquid concentrate or the indicated amount on the container.
- Shake well to combine.
- The bottle should be cooled so that it does not burn the baby. Hold the bottle in cool water. Make sure that no water enters the bottle or gets on the nipple.
- Before feeding your baby, put a few drops on your wrist. The formula should be lukewarm, not hot.
How much and how often to feed?
In the beginning, newborns will need to be fed every 2 hours. They usually consume 2-3 ounces of milk per feeding. Both the amount and interval between feeds change as your baby grows.
Keep an eye on your baby’s cues
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Hungry signs: Rooting, sucking hands, fussiness.
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Full Signs: Turning the head away, pushing the bottle away, and slower sucking.
Feed your baby as much as you can, especially during the first few weeks.
Combining Breastfeeding and Formula
Absolutely. Some parents choose to combine formula and breastfeeding, either because of supply issues, to return to work or to have more flexibility. You can introduce formula gradually and work with a lactation specialist if you wish to continue breastfeeding.
This can help relieve the stress on new mothers and allows partners to assist with feeding, bonding and night shifts.
What is The Best Baby Formula?
It can be difficult to choose the right formula for your child when you are shopping at the supermarket.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) regulates the manufacture of infant formula in New Zealand. All formulas sold in New Zealand are of high quality and will provide all the nutrients that your baby requires.
Find out what types of formulas you can purchase.
Goat’s Milk Formula
Goat’s Milk contains casein and whey proteins like cow’s, but a different type of casein than cow’s. Cow’s Milk contains alpha-casein. Goat’s milk and breast milk contain mostly beta-casein.
Whey is the easiest protein to digest.
On the tin of goat milk formula, you will find a casein/whey ratio.
Cow’s Milk-based Formula
All brands of infant formula based on cow’s milk sold here are similar in nutritional profile and suitable for the majority of babies. It doesn’t matter if one brand is expensive or if your hospital uses it.
Breast milk contains casein and whey proteins. Cow’s milk formula also has these proteins. Cow’s Milk Formula is often labelled either as casein-dominant (more casein) or whey-dominant (more whey). Whey, which is the liquid part of milk, is easier to digest than casein.
Labels for formulas indicate the percentage of whey or casein.
Soy Infant Formula
Soy-based products use the soybean to provide protein and are a great vegetarian alternative to dairy milk. Soya is lactose-free by nature. According to some guidelines for the treatment of allergies to milk protein, soy is not recommended as a first-choice alternative to formula made from cow’s milk in babies younger than six months. If you suspect that your child has an allergy, it is important to seek medical advice.
Signs of Baby Formula Allergies
Some babies may have allergies or sensitivities to cow’s formula. Skin rashes, excessive fussiness or vomiting are all signs of an allergy.
Speak to your GP or Pediatrician if you suspect that you have an allergy. Alternatives like:
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Goat’s milk formula
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Soya-based formula
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Hydrolysed protein formula
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Organic or Specialised Formulas
Your baby’s symptoms, needs and preferences may determine the type of treatment recommended.
Don’t be afraid to discuss these formulas with your doctor.
Conclusion
Choosing and using baby formula can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right information and support, it becomes a manageable and even empowering part of your parenting journey. Remember that baby formula is a safe, nutritious alternative to breast milk designed to meet your baby’s unique needs. By selecting an age-appropriate formula, preparing it carefully, and staying attentive to your baby’s cues, you can ensure they’re well-fed and thriving. Most importantly, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to seek advice from healthcare professionals if questions or concerns arise. Whether you formula-feed, breastfeed, or combine both, what matters most is providing your baby with love, care, and nourishment every step of the way.
