Bottle Feeding the Baby

Formula milk is usually based on cow's milk, modified in the factory to make it more suitable for a new baby's digestion. Soya milk formula can be prescribed on medical advice for babies with proven cow's milk intolerance.

The protein content of formula milk is either based on whey, or on casein (two different milk proteins). Whey-based formula is usually being suitable for babies from birth; casein-based formula is sold as being more suitable for older or hungrier babies. Still, both are suitable for babies of any age.


What you'll need to bottle feed:

• at least six 200 ml bottles, teats and bottle covers

• formula milk of your choice

• some means of sterilizing your bottles

• bottle brush

You can sterilize your baby's bottles and teats in one of four ways:

• by boiling the feeding equipment in a pan for 10 minutes.

• in a tank you can use with sterilizing fluid or tablets. If you wish to rinse the equipment before using, use boiled cooled water to get rid of the sterilizing fluid

• in a steam sterilizer that plugs in

• in a sterilizing unit to use in the microwave oven

Why is it so important to sterilize?

Sterilizing removes germs. But you must bathe everything thoroughly in hot soapy water first, brushing the bottles out and turning the teats inside out to get rid of the noticeable remains of milk. Rinse carefully afterwards to get rid of any detergent. Nowadays much of the equipment can go in a dishwasher.

Warm milk is a breeding ground for harmful germs. A fully bottle-fed baby doesn't get the natural safety against infection in breast milk, so it's necessary to sterilize equipment to minimize the risk.

The usual advice is to sterilize entire baby's feeding equipment until he is six months, and his milk feeding gear until he is a year.

* Teats are made of rubber or silicon, a durable synthetic substance. They have different-sized holes at the end. Generally speaking, smaller babies prefer smaller holes, but a bit of trial and error will help you discover what your baby prefers. Always check the wear and tear of teats. Worn teats can't be cleaned properly, and bits can be broken off and swallowed.

---

Making up feeds in advance

You can keep bottles in the fridge for 24 hours. Cover the teats with the bottle covers, or leave the teats off and keep the bottle openings covered with the plastic disc that comes with the bottle when you buy it.

Warm the milk by placing it in a jug of hot water, or in a special bottle warmer (don't use the microwave - it creates casual hot spots inside which could scald your baby's mouth).

1. Boil a kettle with fresh tap water. Allow it to cool.



2. Wash your hands thoroughly. Stand the bottle on a clean surface. Pour in the strict quantity of water.



3. Measure the exact amount of powder using the scoop provided. Level the contents in the scoop with the spatula or plastic knife supplied. Add to the water. Replace disc, teat and cover.



4. Shake well until all the powder has dissolved.


5. Make sure the milk is suitably cooled before giving it to your baby. The right temperature is when a few drops shaken on to the back of your hand feel somewhat warm. You can hurry the procedure by holding the bottle under a running cold tap.



Note: always discard unused milk.