F is for Formula
Posted on: September 16, 2024 | Babies, Feeding, Infant Feeding Specialist, Information
Formula, or Artificial Baby Milk as it’s also known, was first created in 1867 as an alternative method for providing nutrition to one’s infant. Over time, the formula has changed. The formula has changed in composition. It has changed the methods of preparation. It has also changed the stigma surrounding the choice of usage.
With so many brands of formula on the shelves, what brand does one choose? With so many types of formula, what type is the best for my baby? How much formula does my baby need? And so on and so forth. Let’s talk about some of these questions that swirl around in a parents mind when they make the decision to provide formula for their baby.
What Brand of Formula is the Best?
Just like with anything in childrearing, what works with one baby may not work for another baby. Sample brands of formula are often pre-chosen by the hospital in which one delivers at. We know that all brands are subject to the same USDA guidelines. Therefore, you may choose to utilize or boycott a brand for reasons personal to you. You may choose a brand that has a more holistic and organic company presence. You may choose a brand that your family has known through the years. All would have been tested and reviewed equally. So what’s the best brand? The brand that works with your baby’s digestive system the best!
What Type of Formula is the Best for my Baby?
From cow-milk-based to soy-milk-based to protein hydrolysate-based, deciding what is best for your baby’s gut can be trial and error. If you tend to eat a vegan or vegetarian diet, stick to soy and protein-based milk.
Powered, concentrate, and ready-to-feed. Powdered formula is that we know of the standard powders that are scooped and shaken in a bottle. Make sure to read and follow the instructions of the can exactly. Most powdered formulas need to be sterilized before use. Concentrated formula is in liquid form that still needs to be mixed with water before feeding, often 1-to-1. Check the instructions as concentrated formula may require sterilized water with its use. Ready-to-Feed formula has the availability of being pre-measured, pre-sterilized, and ready-to-feed at any given moment. Ready-to-Feed formula is recommended for preemie babies, NICU, and babies under the age of 3 months.
How Much Formula Does My Baby Need?
It’s best to watch your baby and connect with your chosen pediatrician for your baby’s growth. Typically, 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight is a good gauge for how much your baby should consume in a 24-hour period.
On average, from birth to 3 months, the baby should eat 2 to 4 ounces every 3 to 4 hours. Gradually increase the amount as the baby shows the need. Be cautious not to over or underfeed the baby.
At four months to 6 months, on average, expect the baby to eat 5-7 ounces in 4 to 5 feedings a day.
On average, around 6 to 9 months, expect the baby to have 4-5 feedings a day, taking 6-8 ounces, commonly with the addition of solids at this stage.
From 9 to 12 months: expect the baby to eat a maximum of 32 ounces per day in addition to solids.
How to Feed My Baby a Bottle?
Paced bottle feeding is your best friend when giving your baby a bottle. Paced bottle feeding is feeding a baby at a pace controlled by the baby. Why is this helpful? We don’t drink a bottle of water lying on our backs, right? Imagine trying to do so! It’s the same thought process. Sitting the baby up, supported, hold the bottle perpendicular to the baby and allow the baby to suckle on the nipple.
Burp the baby half way through the bottle, to allow air to escape and allow room in the belly.
Watch baby, not the bottle. Forcing baby to complete a bottle, is planting the seed not to listen to what your body is telling you. You may see an influx of spit up and reflux issued develop if baby overeats.
What is the Best Bottle to Feed my Baby?
Guess what?! The best bottle is the bottle your baby will take! Some companies claim that their bottle will reduce or prevent this. Allowing the baby to intake and burp frequently will have the same effect. Bottles don’t cause colic, and bottles don’t cause reflux. Bottles don’t reduce colic, and bottles don’t minimize reflux.
Wide-mouth bottles help with the transitions from nursing to supplementing, as they allow the baby to open their mouth wide, like at the chest.
Making that initial decision to formula feed your baby is not always a cut-and-dried decision for every family. Researching and knowing your options can assist in making your journey more understandable. The bottom line is to feed your baby. I highly recommend reading Guilt-Free Bottle Feeding: Why your formula-fed baby can be happy, healthy, and smart By Madeleine Morris for all bottle feeding parents. Enjoy!
For more information and/or support involving feeding your baby, schedule support with our Infant Feeding Specialists!