Formula-and-bottle-feeding-tips-for-new-parents

Formula and bottle-feeding tips for new parents

Everything you need to know

During the first year, your baby goes through a great deal of growth and development. Most babies triple their birth weight by the time they hit their first birthday – so it’s no wonder they need lots of energy to grow!

While it’s widely acknowledged that ‘breast is best’, choosing how you feed your baby is an important and completely personal decision. For some women, personal circumstance, cultural beliefs and physical or mental wellbeing mean breastfeeding isn’t an option, and therefore a safe alternative is required.

If you’ve decided to bottle-feed (if you’re thinking about it, speak with your midwife, doctor or nurse first), it’s vital to have clear and well-informed information on the safe preparation and use of formula.

Here’s what you need to know about formula-feeding your wee one:

About baby formula

Most formula is made from modified cow’s milk so the protein level isn’t too high and babies can digest it. Unlike regular cow’s milk, formula has added minerals, vitamins, and fats essential for human growth and development, and when prepared correctly, it contains enough nutrients for healthy growth in babies.

In New Zealand, there are strict manufacturing regulations in place to make sure that the formula in your local supermarket is always of good quality and safe for your baby. But that doesn’t make the baby aisle any less overwhelming.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the kinds of formula you can buy:

Cow’s-milk formula

Most cow’s-milk formulas sold in New Zealand have a similar nutritional profile – so price doesn’t necessarily mean one is better than another. Casein and whey are the proteins in breastmilk, and cow’s-milk formula has the same proteins. It will either have more casein or more whey – you can find the percentage of each noted on the formula’s ingredient label.

Key points:

Your baby’s first formula should contain whey as the main type of protein, as it’s the easiest to digest.
Some formulas will be labelled ‘follow-on’ or ‘step 2’ – these are casein-dominant formulas best suited for babies aged six months and over. They’re also designed for hungrier babies who are not yet old enough to start solid food.
Your baby can stay on the first formula for 12 months and as you start to introduce solids.
If your child isn’t reacting well to cow’s-milk formula and you suspect an allergy, it’s best to seek advice from a healthcare professional who can advise you on alternative types of formula.  

Goat’s-milk formula

This type of formula also contains whey and casein proteins, but the casein protein is slightly different from that in cow’s milk. It contains beta-casein (rather than alpha-casein) which is more easily digestible. Again, you can find the protein ratios outlined on the nutritional label.

Soy infant formula

Made using soya beans as a source of protein, soy infant formula is a vegetarian option. It’s best to seek advice from a healthcare professional before switching to the soy alternative.

Gold formula

Gold formula contains extra ingredients which aren’t strictly necessary for your baby – but may be beneficial.

Here we explain a few:

  • Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs). Thought to be important in the development of the brain and eyes.
  • Alpha-lactalbumin. Thought to be nutritious for babies because it’s the main type of whey protein in breastmilk.
  • Pro and prebiotics. These help promote the growth of good bacteria and may help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
  • May be good for eye health.

How to prepare baby formula

Before you get started, always carefully read and follow the instructions on the formula tin – not all formulas have the same size scoops or are prepared in the same way. Check the use-by date and dispose of formula if it has expired.

Bottle-feeding equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to bottle-feed:

  • Large bottles (saves you buying new ones as your baby grows)
  • Bottle rings and caps
  • Teats (either silicone or latex is fine, graded according to size of the hole or age of the baby)
  • Bottle brushes
  • Teat brushes
  • A steriliser (optional)

Making up a bottle of formula

Step 1: Boil the kettle and let the water cool for about 30 minutes, until it has reached a lukewarm temperature. You can also do this in advance, storing the cooled boiled water in sterilised bottles in the fridge. 

Step 2: Pour the lukewarm water into the bottle before carefully adding the scoops of formula powder (levelling the powder with a clean knife). Seal the bottle with a ring and cap, then shake gently to encourage the powder to dissolve.

Step 3: Before feeding your baby, check the temperature of the formula by tipping a few drops on the inside of your wrist – it should feel lukewarm. Never add anything to the formula, and if your baby doesn’t finish the bottle, throw any leftover formula away within an hour.

Warming infant formula

If you are not feeding your baby straight away, place formula in the fridge immediately (store at the back of the fridge) with a cap over the teat to prevent contamination. It can be stored for a maximum of 24 hours. Once removed, it’s only safe to use for up to one hour.

The safest way to warm formula is to stand the bottle in a bowl of warm water for no longer than 10 minutes as harmful bacteria can grow in prepared formula. After warming, gently swirl the bottle to mix the formula, and test the temperature. If it’s too hot, cool it down by putting it in a bowl of cold water or by running it under the cold tap.

Microwaving bottles is not recommended because uneven heating of the milk can burn your baby’s mouth.

Cleaning and sterilising

Hygiene is essential – your baby’s immune system isn’t strong enough to fight off some diseases, and formula-fed infants are at higher risk of gastrointestinal infection.

You need to clean your bottles, teats, rings and caps after every feed and before you sterilise them.

Tips for cleaning bottle-feeding equipment:

  • Wash all bottles, rings, caps and teats in hot soapy water.
  • Squirt water through the teat holes and use a bottle brush to ensure that everything is scrupulously clean, getting into all those nooks and crannies, then rinse well.
  • Check for any cracks in the teats and throw away any damaged ones.
  • Rinse everything well in hot water and leave them to air dry.

After you’ve cleaned your equipment, you need to sterilise everything by boiling, steaming, or with chemicals.

  • Boiling is the easiest and most reliable way to sterilise your bottle-feeding equipment.
  • You can buy electric (plug-in) or microwave steam sterilisers. These units 'cook' your equipment at a temperature high enough to kill bacteria.
  • If using chemical sterilisers, follow the instructions on the box or packet.

If you’re unsure, seek help from a professional

Don’t be afraid to take your time deciding about feeding your baby. The most important consideration is that your baby is comfortable and well-fed, and you’re able to enjoy this special (albeit exhausting!) time with your new-born. Get the information you need to make an informed decision, and if you’re not sure, consult with your health professional, who’s in the best position to give you accurate advice for your baby and his or her needs.