Preparation
For those who have decided not to breast feed, we suggest the use of Similac® Advance®. Due to technical nutritional advantages of the formula (with iron), we suggest this formula rather than the use of evaporated milk “home brew” preparations. You may buy either the concentrate and/or the powder forms, which are more economical. The concentrate is to be mixed with an equal amount of regular tap water. The powder is prepared using one level scoop for each two ounces (60ml.) of water. Formula should never be mixed in more concentrated form than directed; dehydration and severe chemical imbalances in the blood may result.
How Much Formula
The amount of formula your baby takes will vary. Babies have a right to be hungry sometimes, just as you and I. You should not force your baby to eat a certain amount. Force feeding the last ounce to an infant may lead to overfeeding and obesity.
Most babies feed for 15-20 minutes. You may find that sometimes your baby will take all of the feeding and sometimes not. This is a normal variation. Newborns will take between 16 and 24 ounces per day. Your newborn will take between 2-3 ounces every 3-4 hours the first two weeks. By the end of the first month, your baby will usually be up to about 4 ounces per feeding with a fairly predictable schedule. If your baby wants to eat more often than every 3 hours, he/she probably wants more per feeding.
By 6 months, most infants want 6-8 ounces per feeding 4-5 times per day. Not every day will be exact; some days your baby will eat more, some days less. Formula or breast milk is the only thing your baby needs for the first 4-6 months. We will discuss introduction of foods at your baby’s well visits. Do not switch around to other formula brands without first seeking advice from us.
Sterilization
We do not feel it is necessary to sterilize formula bottles or boil water for formula. We do recommend that you wash the bottles carefully with hot, soapy water and then rinse well with hot water. Use of a dishwasher is acceptable. Likewise, nipples and caps should be washed and rinsed well. Formula may then be stored in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. This same period applies to open cans of either concentrate or ready-to-feed formula kept in the refrigerator.
Warming the Formula
Babies do not usually like their milk cold. It should be warmed to between room temperature and body temperature, either in a pan of warm water or under running warm tap water for several minutes. Do not warm in a microwave – microwaving can cause uneven heating which can burn your baby.
Position
Sit comfortably and hold your baby with his/her head supported.
Burping
Even when fed properly, babies usually swallow air. Burping gets rid of this air. Hold the baby upright over your shoulder or against your chest supporting the head, or across your knees on its stomach, and pat or rub the baby’s back gently until he/she lets go of the air. After feeding, you may place the baby in a semi-upright position in an infant seat for 20 or 30 minutes. An alternative position is to place the baby on his/her right side for half an hour. If your baby has been crying vigorously, or takes only a small amount of formula and then stops sucking, burp and begin feeding again. Some babies can burp once after feeding, and some require burping halfway through.
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