Bottle feeding
Whether you choose to bottle feed, or need to use an occasional bottle, here are some handy hints to make it enjoyable for you and your baby.
- Sterilise bottles and teats after buying and before each feed.
- Wash hands before preparation.
- Boil enough water for the day’s feeds, let it cool down so it’s warm, then measure water into bottles.
- Add formula to each bottle, using scoop provided in the tin.
- Don’t pack down the formula, but scoop it up loosely and level it off with a sterilised plastic knife.
- Put teats on upside down, put the caps on, shake until formula is dissolved, then store in the back of the refrigerator (not the door).
- If your formula doesn’t mix well (i.e. it’s lumpy), the water may be too hot or too cold.
- Warm bottle in a jug of hot water or use an electric bottle warmer.
- Heating milk by microwaving is not recommended as microwaves heat unevenly and the milk may burn baby’s mouth.
- Don’t keep made-up formula for more than 24 hours, even if it has been refrigerated.
- Baby may not drink the same amount of formula every feed. Discard any leftover milk at the end of the feed. Do not reheat milk for the next feed.
- While breast milk is best for babies as it contains all the nutrients that they need, infant formulas are manufactured to provide the same nutritional needs. Choose one brand, and use it consistently.
- There are two age categories of formula: 0 – 6 months, and 6 – 12 months (after 12 months, you can switch to cow’s milk).
- Most formulas are made from cow’s milk; but if there is a strong history of allergies in your family, a soya formula may be recommended. Discuss this with your Child Health Nurse.
How much formula your baby needs at each feed depends on his or her age, weight and the number of feeds he or she is having each day. Use the information on the formula tin as a guide and consult your child health nurse if you need further advice.
The number of feeds depends on baby’s age. The older baby gets, they will have fewer feeds but with more volume at each feed.
As a rough guide:
- Newborns: 30 – 60mL (8 – 10 times/day)
- Two months: 120 – 180mL (6 – 8 times/day)
- Four month: 180 – 200mL (4 – 5 times/day)
- Six months: 200 – 220mL (3 – 4 times/day)
Bottle feeding tips
- Hold baby close to you. Never leave him or her alone or prop up the bottle, as baby can choke (as well as miss out on cuddles).
- When it’s nearing feed time, warm the bottle so that baby doesn’t have to wait.
- Always test the temperature of the milk on the inside of your forearm before giving it to baby: it should be luke-warm, or at room temperature.
- When feeding, tilt the bottle so milk fills the teat and neck of the bottle. Watch for air bubbles which show baby is getting the milk. If teat flattens, then you need to unscrew the top of the bottle a little to allow air to flow in.
- Try burping baby half-way through the feed (you may also like to change baby’s nappy at this stage). Burp again at the end of feed.
- Don’t force baby to finish all the milk in the bottle – sometimes they’ll leave a little. Throw away any milk left over after feed.
Between 15-30 minutes. If they take less than 15 mins you need a slower flow teat, as sucking is also important for comfort.
- Rinse bottle and teat with water immediately after the feed for easy cleaning later.
- Clean with bottle brush and warm soapy water. Make sure you squeeze soapy water through the holes in the teats.
- All bottles used for milk should be sterilised until the baby is 12 months old.
- Boiling (for five minutes).
- Cold chemical solutions.
- Electric steam steriliser.
- Six to eight bottles, glass or plastic. Buy the 240 mL size with clear markings for the amounts.
- Six to eight teats: Try a few different types until you discover which best suits your baby.
- An insulated carry pack.
- Plastic knife (which can be sterilised) to level off scoop.
- Bottle brush for cleaning.
- Jug or bowl for warming bottle (or electric bottle warmer).
- Formula dispenser for travel.