bottle-feeding basics for formula-fed babies

How often should I feed my baby?
Like breastfeeding, most experts agree that you should not follow a strict schedule in the first few weeks, although you may find a general feeding pattern in a month or so.
Offer a bottle every two to three hours at the beginning, or because your child seems hungry.
When your child is about a month old, she will prepare for dinner according to the schedule. Formula-
Feeding babies tend to be heavier than breastfeeding babies, so following the feeding schedule helps prevent them from overeating.
Feed the baby every three to four hours.
She may take 1 before she reaches about 10 pounds.
Feed 5 to 3 ounces each time.
Don\'t force her to eat more than she seems to be ready to eat.
Your baby\'s doctor can tell you how much she should eat as the baby grows.
Do I need to disinfect the bottle?
In the past, doctors suggested disinfecting bottles.
When the water supply is not safe and reliable, the water supply will be restored.
It\'s not a concern right now, but it\'s better to be on the safe side and ask your child\'s doctor if she thinks sterilization is necessary.
If your doctor recommends disinfecting your supplies before first use, soak new bottles, nipples and rings in a pot of boiling water for at least five minutes.
Then dry them with clean towels.
After that, a good hand-
Washing with soapy water or circulating through the dishwasher is enough. (
You can find convenient bottle equipment, such as hangers and dishwasher baskets for nipples, rings and caps, online or at the baby store. )
If your baby has any problems with formula feeding, our tools can help you.
If you have good water or the local health department says your tap water is not safe, you may need to disinfect the bottle before each use.
Note on plastics: some studies have found that plastic baby bottles contain chemicals, especially when the bottles are heated, which may penetrate into formula milk powder.
Bottles made of stainless steel or glass can avoid this risk.
If you decide to use a plastic bottle, do not boil, do not heat it in a microwave, and do not wash it in a dishwasher.
Instead, wash your hands with a bottle brush and warm soapy water.
Learn more about the safety of plastic baby bottles.
Do I need to disinfect drinking water to make formula milk powder?
Many parents do disinfect the water used for mixed formula milk powder, especially in newborn months, but you don\'t need to disinfect unless your child\'s doctor recommends it.
However, if you are using tap water, or if the tap water is not safe, you need to disinfect it or use a mixed formula of bottled water.
If you choose to cook the water you use to mix the formula, save yourself time by preparing enough time in the morning.
Boil the cold water and let it boil for a minute.
Let it cool at room temperature for no more than 30 minutes, mix enough formula in the next 24 hours and Refrigerate immediately.
Discard any formulas that are not used within 24 hours.
What is the best way to heat the bottle?
While your baby may prefer warm milk powder, there is no health reason.
When you are ready to feed your baby, you can heat the bottle in a bowl of hot instead of boiling water, or run the bottle under the tap.
You can also buy a bottle warmer designed for this purpose.
Always test the formula by shaking a few drops on the inside of your wrist to make sure it\'s not too hot for your baby.
If your baby is used to drinking a bottle at room temperature or slightly cold, you can save time and trouble warming the bottle, especially when she is crying now to feed.
Note: do not heat a bottle of formula milk powder in a microwave oven.
Microwave heating is uneven, so it creates a hot pocket that causes burns.
Microwave heating can also lead to the decomposition of nutrients in the formula.
Also, if you use a plastic bottle, put the bottle in a bowl of warm water instead of hot water, or run in warm water, you can get a warm formula. More bottles