Many parents choose to bottle-feed their baby using humanised formula. Modern formulas are derived from cow’s milk, and are modified to resemble breastmilk nutritionally although they do not carry the same protection against infection.
Strict attention must be paid to sterilisation of equipment and only freshly prepared formula should be used, following the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Be accurate with amounts, as deviations from those recommended may give your baby diarrhoea or constipation. Always wash your hands thoroughly before starting, and make sure that the water has been boiled for at least 5 minutes then cooled before mixing. Prepared formula should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours; after this time it should be discarded due to the risk of contamination. Never reheat formula after it has been used. When transporting milk, it is best to keep it chilled to prevent the formation of bacteria.
The amount and frequency of feeds will vary from baby to baby, and is best determined according to demand. Most babies will initially require feeds every 3-4 hours. Feeding time is usually around 20-30 minutes duration and your baby may need to stop halfway through a feed to be burped. You can prevent your baby from developing excessive wind by ensuring that you hold the bottle at an angle so that no air can pass into the teat. If your baby does not wish to finish the whole bottle, do not try to force him.
The same intimacy can be achieved between you and your baby while bottle-feeding, as with breastfeeding. The biggest advantage of bottle-feeds is that the father can share equally in the experience. Feeding is a time for closeness and pleasure for both parent and child, no matter which method you decide to use.
A small proportion of babies may be allergic to cow’s milk protein, and soya milk formulas may be a preferable alternative. If you feel that your baby cannot tolerate cow’s milk formulas, speak to your maternal and child health nurse, or your doctor.
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