Formula feeding for babies — 6 things to consider before opting for it

Want to give formula, follow these rules

Debjani Arora | Updated: September 26, 2014 10:57 am

Experienced mothers, doctors, childcare practitioners, and lactation experts everyone advised you against formula feeds. Being a doting mother you dutifully adhered to your baby’s breast feeding demands. But if you are contemplating formula for your baby, keep these points in mind.

When to start: Do not be tempted to switch to formula feeds anytime before your baby is six months of age. Breastfeeding has a lot of benefits and one of them is to save your baby from stomach infections or allergies due to foods other than breast milk. Even if demand feeding is stressful don’t just give up.

How to prepare: Before you opt to give formula have all the essentials ready. Buy feeding bottles that promise to stick to the guidelines of FDA. To be sure read labels if they say they are BPA free. BPA also known as Bisphenol A is a carcinogen used to harden plastics and can be harmful to your baby’s health. So be sure that you pick bottles that are baby friendly. Also check for the nipples which fit and are comfortable for your baby’s little mouth. Though this can only be done through trial and error method. Also know 10 reasons why breastfeeding is better for your baby than bottle feeding.

Selecting the formula feed: Speak to your doctor before selecting the formula for your baby. Though you can find a number of them in the market get the one most preferred by peadiatricians. If you are doing it on your own and know what to look still keep in mind not to pick up a formula that might have ingredients that contains traces of cow’s milk. The protein in these ingredients can be hard on your baby’s little kidneys.

Be ready to put in effort: Remember unlike breastfeeding formula feeds would need you to put in more work. You will have to be ready with boiled water cooled down to room temperature before you start making formula. Read the instructions carefully before you start. Know how many scoops you need to add to the water to make a feed. Don’t try to dilute or make a concentrated mix unless the labels say so. Remember they are already tailor-made for your baby’s needs.

Check the flow: If you are buying the bottle and nipple of the same brand, you can presume that it fits to the bottle perfectly and can ensure smooth flow of the feed. If not be sure that your baby is able to have enough feed while suckling. Do not pierce the nipple to maximize flow. Instead check it you have put the cap tightly and you are holding the baby right to ensure a good flow of feed. Take care that your baby is having enough of the silicone nipple inside the mouth which would restrict intake of air along with the feed. More air intake with feed can give rise to unpleasant stomach aches or colic. Know how to manage you baby’s colic.

Never keep the leftovers: Even though formula feed can be convenient and easy, but it doesn’t permit consuming leftover feed. You need to make a feed and finish it at one go and discard the leftover. Also remember to put a lid and cover the bottle in case your baby decides to take small breaks between the feeds.

Sterilize the bottles well: Didn’t we say giving formula was more work? Follow the sterilizing routine religiously. Your baby can pick up a host of infections from just that bottle than the formula. Remember to change the nipple once you see the signs of wear and tear. If the need be change the bottle too frequently.

Monitor your baby closely: If your baby shows any signs of distress like vomiting, loose motions, unnecessary bouts of crying probably you should stop the formula feed and try breastfeeding. If your baby refuses to formula it can mean either the food is irritating the immature systems or your baby has a dislike towards the taste. Try switching to a different brand and check.

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Published: February 28, 2014 8:17 pm | Updated:September 26, 2014 10:57 am

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