110. Feeding Baby

Breastmilk is the best type of milk for your baby. For medical or personal reasons, you may decide to formula feed your baby. Iron-fortified infant formula should be used until your baby is 9-12 months old. Homo, 2%, 1% and skim milk do not provide your baby with proper nutrition. These milks do not contain adequate energy or fat for your growing baby. The protein and minerals are not easily digested by young babies. Homo, 2%, 1% or skim milk are a poor source of iron.

Commercial formula is usually cow’s milk that has been changed to be more easily digested. There are a variety of formulas available.
You must follow the directions on the formula containers exactly. Your baby may get sick if the formula is not prepared correctly.

NOTE: Sterilize all equipment used to prepare and store milk for infants less than four months of age before each use. Place equipment in a pot of boiling water for two minutes, or according to manufacturer’s instructions. This is a precautionary recommendation made by Health Canada, and Alberta Health and Wellnes. The sanitizing cycle of the dishwasher is also acceptable. After babies are four months of age, it is recommended that items are washed in hot soapy water and rinsed in hot water.

Use glass or Bisphenol-A free (BPA-free) plastic containers.

Check artificial nipples before each use to make sure that they have no signs of damage (such as tears, cracks, swelling, tackiness or stickiness). This could result in a choking hazard for babies. If the nipple becomes cracked, torn, or shows signs of breakdown, replace the product right away.

• Powdered formula is not sterile. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly for formula use, preparation and storage.
• If you use water from a private supply, have the water tested before you feed it to your baby. Talk to your local community health centre about this.
• Bottled water is not sterile. Prepare water for making formula according to the formula manufacturer’s instructions.

• Pour the concentrated formula into sterile bottles. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount of water to be added. Boil the water for the first 2 minutes and then cool if before mixing. Follow this procedure until your baby is at least 4 months old.
• If you use water from a private supply, have the water tested before you feed it to your baby. Talk to your local community health centre about this.
• Bottled water is not sterile. It should also be boiled for at least two minutes and then cooled before mixing.

• Pour the formula into sterile bottles.

To warm refrigerated formula, place glass or BPA-free plastaic container in a pan of warm water until formula is lukeewarm. 

Please note: Warming milk in a microwave is not advised.
Microwaves heat milk unevenly and form hot spots that can burn your baby.

• Shake the warmed bottle of formula to mix it.
• Always test the formula temperature on your wrist. The formula should be cool to the touch. If it’s warm to the touch it may be too hot to feed your baby.

• Cuddle your baby during feeding. This is an important time for you and your baby to get to know each other.
• To prevent your baby from swallowing air, hold the bottle so that the formula fills the nipple.
• Do not prop the bottle in your baby’s mouth or put your baby to bed with a bottle. Your baby may choke on the formula. Also, developing teeth may be damaged and your baby may have more ear infections. Your baby may also drink more than is needed.
• Based on manufacturer’s instructions, use formula immediately or refrigerate bottles as directed. Throw out any unused formula after the recommended time.
• Check the expiry date on each can before you use it.
• Do not freeze infant formula. Freezing can change the texture of the formula. Powdered infant formula that has been frozen may not mix well with water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when preparing and storing commercial infant formula.

Most newborns will feed 6 to 10 times in 24 hours. Do no expect your baby to follow a schedule. Feed your baby whenever he or she shows signs of hunger (such as, moving hands to the mouth or making smacking noises with the mouth).

Babies are all different. Over time you will get to know your baby’s needs, and signs of hunger and fullness (turning away, closing mouth, falling asleep). The amount of formula that your baby drinks will increase. During your baby’s first few days you can expect your baby to drink about 30 to 60 ml (1 to 2 oz) at a time.

Do not wait until your newborn baby cries before feeding as she or he may be too upset to enjoy the feeding.

You’ll know that your baby is getting enough to eat if he or she:

• Has 6 to 8 wet diapers in 24 hours after about 4 days of age.
• Has pale-coloured urine.
• Has soft, easily passed stools.
• Wakens to be fed at least 6 times in 24 hours.

At about 2 weeks you can expect 6 to 10 feeds per day of about 60 to 90 ml (2 to 3 oz) of formula per bottle. From 3 to 8 weeks of age, this will change to 6 to 8 feeds of about 90 to 120 ml ( 3 to 4 oz) per feed. Call your nurse or doctor if you have questions about feeding.