Formula Feeding 101

If you’re a mom-to-be or first time mom, you’re probably wondering if you’ll ever need to learn about formula feeding. I fully intended on breastfeeding or pumping. On the off chance that we ended up using formula, I did a bunch of research to determine what type of formula I wanted to use.  When the time came to begin supplementing with formula, I was overwhelmed to find that I had soooo much more to learn about the logistics of formula. Formula Feeding 101- tips and tricks below to get you started.

The Basics.

This information is based on my experiences with powdered formula.  I know nothing about pre-mixed formula. You should definitely consult your pediatrician for specific questions.

-Wash your hands before handling your baby’s formula and clean bottles.

-Make sure the countertop area you are preparing the formula is also clean.

-Follow the instructions on your formula container for formula to water ratio.

The Water.

Who knew there could be so many differing opinions about the water to use with formula?  I believe the point here is to make sure the water you’re using does not have bacteria in it.  I have found the following suggestions online and have added my own comments:

• Bottled Nursery Water

I personally try to avoid drinking out of plastic bottles as much as possible, so I don’t like this for my girl for that reason. Plus, it’s only technically sterile for the first use.

• Tap Water (so long as your tap water is safe)

    I have no idea how safe my tap water is?

• Boiled water- The best way to truly have sterilized water and formula

This is a pain in the butt. The process involves boiling the water to a specific temperature, then cooling to another specific temperature which is when you should mix the powdered formula in.  I do believe this is probably the only way to really be certain everything is sterile.

• Filtered water- My chosen method.

I like this because it’s easy.  And I drink the water from it daily.  Yes, the Brita filter I use is plastic which is not ideal… Progress over perfection.

Here’s the Brita I currently use:

Check out The Mayo Clinic’s suggestions here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-formula/art-20045791 

The Bottles.

You should definitely sterilize your new bottles. I’d recommend boiling them for 3 minutes.  After that just clean them in warm/soapy water.

We use Mam bottles.  They are apparently great for colic.  All I know is that Evvy latched onto these nipples better than others, and the design keeps the air intake minimal. I would recommend buying the larger bottles since they hold 9oz as opposed to the 5oz that the small bottles hold so we can use them longer (Evvy is 11 weeks and has been drinking 5 ounces for about a month). The larger bottles come with size 2 nipples, so if your child is used to the slowest flow, you will want to order some size 1 nipples to go with the big bottles until they grow into the next flow.

Bottles:

Size 1 Nips:

The Formula.

This completely depends on your preferences.  I wanted to make sure I chose a formula that wasn’t full of too much junk- the same way I choose the foods I eat.  I highly recommend you check out https://babyformulaexpert.com/ to learn more about how to choose the right baby formula for your baby based on your specific needs. We originally went with Earth’s Best Organic but have recently switched to a more economical store brand with similar main ingredients- maybe I’ll do a post about that another time. 

Here’s the Earth’s Best:

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The Preparation.

There seems to be a couple different ways you can go about preparing your formula.

1. You can make your bottles as the baby is hungry. Pour the water and formula in a bottle and shake.

2. You can pre-measure and fill your bottles with your choice of water and then add formula in at time of feeding. This doesn’t require refrigeration which is nice. You can even pre-measure your formula in those little formula containers to make it even easier.

3. You can pre-make your formula ahead of time in a big batch, pour into bottles and refrigerate until feeding time. Then, just throw it in a bottle warmer.

I decided to go with method #3. It just seems to work best for us right now. However, if we are on the go for longer than 2 bottles worth (AKA all day), I will go with option 2 just so I don’t have to worry about refrigeration and warming.

I use this handy mixer to mix up the formula:

 

The Storage.

-Prepared formula should be discarded after 24 hours of refrigeration according to The Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-formula/art-20045791 )

-Discard remaining formula after your baby has drank from a bottle to prevent bacteria (don’t re-use for another feeding) (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-formula/art-20045791 )

-Discard formula that has been at room temperature for over 1 hour.

The Temperature.

You do not have to serve your baby’s bottle to them warm.  They can consume cold, room temp, or warm bottles (though your baby may have a preference).  To me, room temp or warm seems more appetizing so I try to serve bottles to Evvy one of those two ways.

Here is the bottle warmer we use:

It’s more economical to get it in the starter kit:

Tip- Don’t microwave your bottles to warm them.  Apparently this can cause hot spots despite mixing that can burn your baby’s mouth. 

Good luck! Let me know how it goes in the comments below.

-Abby

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