Breast milk is best for babies, but breast-feeding isn't
always possible. If you choose to bottle-feed, be sure to
always use formula until your baby is 1 year old. When your
baby is 1 year old, you may start to give your baby whole
cow's milk.
Formulas are made especially for babies. Most are made with
cow's milk. Others are made from soybeans for babies who
are allergic to or have a hard time digesting regular
formula.
You can get formula in three ways:
- Powder
- Concentrated liquid
- Ready-to-serve liquid
How do I mix formula?
- If you use powder, mix each level scoop of powder with 2
ounces of water.
- If you use concentrate, mix it with equal parts of water.
- If you use ready-to-serve formula, do not add any water.
Always follow the directions. Do not add more powder or
liquid or water than you are directed. If the formula is
too concentrated or too diluted, your baby will not get what
he needs.
Most city water supplies are safe. If you are making one
bottle at a time you can use fresh, cold water from your
tap. Let the water run for 2 minutes before you use it. Do
not use warm or hot tap water. The warm water can cause
lead to get into the water from the pipes. After you mix
the formula with cold water, you can heat the bottle to the
temperature your baby prefers.
If you have well water, you need to boil the water for 10
minutes (plus 1 extra minute for each 1000 feet you are
above sea level). You can buy and use distilled water
instead of boiling well water.
If you would rather make a batch of formula:
Use boiled or bottled water. Follow the directions
printed on the side of the formula can. Put formula in the
refrigerator. Use it within 48 hours.
How often should I feed my baby?
Most babies need:
- 6 to 8 formula feedings per day for the first month
- 5 to 6 formula feedings per day from 1 to 3 months
- 4 to 5 formula feedings per day from 3 to 7 months
- 3 to 4 formula feedings per day from 7 to 9 months
Your baby may start with 1 ounce per feeding. By 7 days, he
may take 3 ounces. Divide your baby's weight (in pounds) in
half to find the amount (in ounces) he will probably need.
For example, if your baby weighs 8 pounds, your baby will
probably drink 4 ounces per feeding.
When you are traveling, ready-to-serve formulas are the
easiest.
What about fluoride?
When your baby is 6 months old and until she is 16 years of
age, she may need fluoride to prevent dental caries. If the
water supply where you live has fluoride and your child
drinks at least 1 pint each day, the water should provide
enough. Otherwise, it may be a good idea to use fluoride
drops or tablets. Talk to your health care provider.
Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2005 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.
This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.