Infant formula
All modern infant formulas contain proteins, electrolytes, iron, Vitamins
A, B group, C, D, E and K. The protein in formulas can be derived from
cow’s milk, soy or goat’s milk. When using cow’s milk formula, the protein
is usually either more whey or cow’s milk dominant. The fat content
is usually a mixture of vegetable oils. Standards for the quality, composition
and labelling of infant formulas sold in Australia are regulated and meet
the relevant nutritional and quality-control standards.
Cow’s milk based formula is suitable and usually recommended for well full term babies over Soy and Goat’s milk formula. Research suggests that there is no benefit in changing the type of formula because of minor rashes or irritability. If you are concerned about your baby’s feeding or behaviour consult your G.P., Early Childhood Nurse or other health professional.
Safe preparation of formula depends upon:
- Safe water supply
- Effective refrigeration
- Clean surroundings
- Sterilisation of equipment
The following equipment is needed:
- 2 – 6 bottles. These come in either small 120 -150 mls or large 260 mls. Whilst baby is going to only drink small quantities initially they will gradually increase the amount as they grow.
- Teats – most bottles come with teats. They are made from either latex (brown) or silicone (clear). They also come in different shapes and flow rates.
- A knife for levelling the formula.
- A bottle brush to clean the bottles.
- Sterilising equipment. It is recommended that equipment be sterilised until the baby is 12 month.
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Sterilisation
methods
For effective sterilisation all equipment should be rinsed in cold water, washed in hot water with detergent using a bottle brush to thoroughly clean bottles and teats, and then rinsed again before sterilising.
| Boiling
Saucepan with lid |
Chemical
An antibacterial solution i.e. liquid or tablet form
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Steam Microwave & Electric
Automatic units that raises the temperature quickly to kill harmful bacteria. |
| Place equipment in a large saucepan on the back of the stove.
Cover with water, making sure there are no air bubbles in bottles. Bring water to the boil & boiled for 5 mins, turn off. Allow to cool in saucepan until hand hot. Avoid getting scalded. Store in a clean container in fridge. Boil all equipment every 24 hrs even if not used. Gives consistent & reliable results. |
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when making up solution.
Needs to be changed every 24 hrs. Scrub the container and equipment in warm water with detergent then make up as directed. All equipment needs to be plastic or glass as metal corrodes. Submerge everything making sure no air bubbles are present in the bottles. Equipment can be left in the solution until needed. Drain the equipment but do not rinse. Store chemical solution out of reach of children. |
Place thoroughly cleaned equipment inside the unit and add required water as per manufacturer’s instructions.
For microwave: follow recommended time for your particular microwave. Usually takes 4-8 mins. For electric: switch on, the unit will switch off when finished. Usually 5 mins. |
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Do’s and don’ts of preparing infant formula
- Always wash your hands and work surfaces before preparing formula.
- Formula is designed to remain at a constant strength. Never, add any more scoops than instructed.
- Always use the scoop provided with the brand of formula being used. Scoops are not interchangeable between brands. Never use half scoops.
- Brands differ with amount of water to scoop. Always check on the can for correct amount of boiled water to scoop.
- Always use cooled boiled water, as hot water can destroy vitamins and other nutrients.
- It is common practice to use an electric jug to boil water. These have cut-off switches. Boil the water then reset cut-off switch and boil again. This will be about the same as boiling for 5 mins.
- Bottle water is safe to use but still should be boiled.
- Mineral water and soda water are unsuitable for use in the preparation of formula.
- It is recommended that the safest way of preparing formula is in the bottle one at a time, thus reducing the potential for contamination and the possibility of making mistakes with the count of scoops to water.
- Measure the required amount of cooled boiled water and pour it into each bottle.
- Using the scoop from the formula container, place the required number of scoops into each bottle. Use a knife to level off each scoop. Do not pack down the formula in the scoop.
- Put the teat and cap on the bottle and shake to mix.
- Store all made-up bottles in the centre at the back of the fridge. Not in the door of the fridge as it is warmer.
- Throw out any unused bottles after 24 hrs.
- Discard the contents of partially used bottles after an hour.
- Check the expiry date on formula containers and discard if out of date. Once opened shelf life is 1 month.
- The safest way to transport formula is to take the cooled boiled water and powder in separate containers. Mix when needed. (C2N container)
- Just warm to room temperature. Babies can drink it cold if needed.
- Do not leave bottles in bottle warmers for longer than 10 mins.
- Microwaves are not recommended for warming bottles, as they do not heat milk evenly. Hot spots can burn the baby’s mouth.
- Shake the heated bottle to mix the liquid and test on your forearm before giving to baby.
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Bottle feeding
Whether using expressed breastmilk, formula or combining the two, all mums would like a solution that is closer to natural feeding. That’s where the new Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature range comes in. Our bottles and teats have been designed to mimic the natural flex, feel and movement of a mum’s breast. An ideal solution for those mums who are either unable or choose not to breastfeed.
Remember when bottle feeding:
- It is important to hold your baby when feeding. Do not prop the bottle and leave the baby unattended.
- Infants need to be held, cuddled and talked to when they feed.
- Babies should never be put to bed while drinking from a bottle. Risks including choking and tooth decay.
- Feed baby to their need, just like breastfeeding. There are many individual variations in the amount of formula and number of bottles babies drink in a day.
- The information on formula cans is a guide only. Remember plenty of wet nappies, consistent weight gain and a thriving baby indicate all is well.
- As a guide babies over 1 week old to 3 months will require 150ml per kilo per day. 3 – 6 months 120ml/kg/day. 6 – 12 mths 100ml/kg/day.
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Teats
- They are made of latex or silicone.
- Their shape varies from standard, orthodontic or the new flexible closer to nature range.
- The flow rates differ from slow, medium, fast and a variable flow.
- Variable flow has a cross-cut allowing your baby to control the flow rate.
- To test the flow of a teat hold the bottle upside down, the milk should drip steadily when the milk is warm.
- Most teats have an anti-colic valve, to help with the reduction of baby swallowing air.
- Teats should be checked and replaced regularly.
Comforters
- Most babies have a very strong and natural urge to suck.
If baby is drinking their bottle quickly they may not be getting the same sucking time as if they were breastfeeding. Comforters will help this.
- Many women find comforters very useful for settling their babies.
- For hygiene and safety reasons, you should change a comforter around every 4 weeks.
- Always inspect a comforter before you give it to a baby, replace it if it is worn or torn.
- Always keep comforters clean. Can be sterilised by any method.
- Types: latex rubber, soft and gentle but need replacing often.
- Types: silicone is slightly firmer and last longer.
- Both come in either cherry or orthodontic shape.
- It’s a good idea to keep a couple of spares handy in case of loss or accidents.
- It has been suggested (British Dental Assoc.) that comforters are better than a baby sucking on a thumb.
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Allergies & intolerances
The immaturity of baby’s gut and immune system may cause an abnormal
reaction or allergy to cow’s milk protein. This allergy occurs in
only a small percentage of babies. Soy milk and goat’s milk formulas
do not reduce allergies. If there is a strong family history of allergies
then discuss with your doctor about using a hydrolysed cow’s milk
protein formula.
An allergic reaction to cow’s milk may be immediate or within 48 hours. It generally lessens with time. Reactions vary and include:
- Breathing problems
- Skin rashes
- Vomiting
- Unsettled behaviour
- Abdominal pains
- Diarrhoea
Always consult with a health professional and get a proper diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy as this will impact on all dairy products made with cow’s milk. This is important when you start introducing solids.
Looking after yourself
As a parent looking after yourself is paramount. The job of raising children
is a time of many adjustments and demands. It affects your confidence,
relationships, sleep patterns and way of life. So:
- Take a break every so often to help renew your strength
- Eat well, exercise and sleep where possible making healthy lifestyle choices
- Remember when having a bad day tomorrow will be better
- Recognise your limits and when to call for help, friends, family or health professionals
- Call your doctor when concerned about baby’s abnormal behaviour
- Communicate with your partner, problems can be solved – 2 heads being better than 1 at times
- Keep your expectations realistic about yourself and your baby – there is no perfect parent or baby
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