Partners in Pediatrics

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Formula Feeding

	Formula Feeding Mothers who are unable or choose not to breast feed should select an iron-fortified infant formula. We do not recommend any low-iron formula. Babies should remain on formula until their first birthday. Formula comes in a variety of forms. Formula types • Ready-to-use. This formula comes premixed in meal-size bottles or bigger cans. No further preparation is necessary. It is the most convenient form but also the most expensive. • Concentrate. This formula must be mixed equally with water to turn it into a form suitable for drinking. Once opened the formula can be stored in the refrigerator up to 48 hours. Only mix the amount you expect your baby to eat since the remainder in the bottle must be thrown away after each feeding. • Powder. This formula must be mixed with water and the directions are on each can. Generally, it is one unpacked level scoop of powder for every two ounces of water. This is usually the least expensive formula. Once the powder is mixed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Feeding As a newborn, your baby will probably begin eating only about one-half to one ounce at a feeding. This will gradually increase. Feeding times will range between every two to three hours initially. This will extend to every four to six hours as your baby grows. We recommend you keep a “flexible” schedule.	Preparing for feeding • Make sure your baby is fully awake. • Change the diaper. • Follow label mixing instructions. • It is not necessary to sterilize the bottle or boil the water if you are using city water. • Heat the bottle in a pan of warm water; we do not recommend using the microwave to heat formula. • Shake a bit of formula onto your wrist to make sure the formula is not too hot. • Hold your baby in a comfortable position. • Your baby’s mouth should be above the level of your baby’s stomach. • Be sure the nipple and the neck of the bottle are always filled with formula. • Never prop the bottle; part of the feeding experience is the security and pleasure of being held and it is dangerous to leave a child unattended when feeding. • You should continue to feed your baby for mula until your baby is one year old. Burping Often when feeding, your baby may swallow air. This may be uncomfortable. Depending on how much air your baby swallows, one burping during a feeding and one after are usually enough. You may burp your baby in a number of ways, all which place infants’ heads above their stomachs. • Hold your baby upright with his or her head over your shoulder, gently patting your baby’s back. • Place your baby sitting on your lap, support ing your baby’s head and gently pat the back. • Have your baby lay on his or her side at a slight incline, with your hand supporting the head slightly upward and pat the back.