Coming Home · Feeding
Formula feeding, with all the love.
Whether it's every bottle or some of them, formula feeding is a beautiful way to nourish your baby. Here's how to choose it, make it safely and enjoy every cuddle.
She's tucked in the crook of your arm, warm and heavy, one tiny hand resting on the bottle. Her eyes find yours and hold on. Little gulps, a sigh, a milky smile. Feeding time is closeness time, and every bottle is a chance to fall in love all over again.
Some moms formula feed from the start, some combine formula with breast milk, and some switch along the way. Every path can nourish a happy, healthy baby.
Choosing an infant formula
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends iron-fortified formula for all babies who aren't breastfed, from birth to one year. Low-iron formulas should not be used. Check the label when you shop to be sure you're choosing an infant formula.
A few things to skip:
- Homemade formula. The FDA advises parents not to make or feed homemade infant formula. Homemade recipes may lack nutrients your baby needs to grow, and some babies have been hospitalized after being fed them.
- Toddler formulas and drinks. These are not the same as infant formula. Don't give milks, drinks or "formula" made for toddlers to babies younger than 12 months.
If your baby needs something special, such as a soy or hydrolyzed formula, her pediatrician will help you choose.
Making a bottle, safely
Follow the same steps every time.
- Start clean. Wash your hands well, and clean the spot where you'll make the bottle.
- Use safe water. If you aren't sure your tap water is safe, contact your local health department.
- Measure exactly. Use the amount of water listed on the container. Always measure the water first, then add the powder.
- Never water it down. Too much water may not give your baby the nutrition she needs, and too little can cause dehydration.
- Warming is optional. Formula doesn't need to be warmed. If she likes it warm, hold the bottle under warm running water and test a few drops on your wrist. Never use a microwave.
If your baby is younger than 2 months, was born before 37 weeks or has a weakened immune system, the CDC recommends extra steps, such as boiling the water first. Ask her pediatrician what's right for her.
The one thing to remember
Use a prepared bottle within 2 hours of making it, and within 1 hour of when the feeding starts. If you won't use it within 2 hours, put it in the refrigerator right away and use it within 24 hours. Pour out whatever is left after a feeding.
Clean bottles, fresh formula
After every feeding, take the bottle apart, rinse each piece under running water, and wash it in hot, soapy water with a brush and basin you use only for feeding items. Rinse again and let everything air dry on a clean towel. For extra germ protection, sanitize feeding items at least once a day. That's especially important if your baby is younger than 2 months, was born early or has a weakened immune system. Older, healthy babies may not need daily sanitizing if everything is cleaned carefully after each use.
Keep powdered formula in a cool, dry place indoors with the lid tightly closed, not in the refrigerator, car or garage. Most formulas should be used within 1 month of opening, so check the label and write the date you opened it on the lid. Never use formula after its "Use By" date.
How much, and how often
These numbers are a gentle guide, not a test.
- The first week. About 1 to 2 ounces per feed.
- Through the first month. She'll gradually take more, until she's drinking about 3 to 4 ounces per feed, roughly every 3 to 4 hours.
- By 6 months. About 6 to 8 ounces at each of 4 or 5 feedings in 24 hours.
On average, babies take about 2½ ounces of formula a day for every pound of body weight, and usually no more than about 32 ounces in 24 hours. In the first few weeks, if she sleeps longer than 4 to 5 hours and starts missing feedings, wake her gently and offer a bottle.
Follow her lead
In the beginning, feed her whenever she's hungry. Watch for hands to her mouth, turning her head toward the bottle, puckering or licking her lips, or clenched little fists. When she closes her mouth, turns away or relaxes her hands, she's telling you she's full, even if there's milk left.
Paced feeding helps her set the speed. Hold her close and upright, with her head supported. Keep the bottle flat, touch the nipple to her lip, and let her draw it in. Every few sucks, lower the bottle a little so she can take a breather. Feedings usually take 15 to 30 minutes.
These are some of the coziest minutes of your day. Snuggle her skin to skin, sing softly, and let her study your face.
When to call the pediatrician
Call if she consistently seems to want more or less than these amounts, or if you have any questions about her growth or how much formula she's taking.
Her own rhythm
Before long, you'll know her hungry sounds before she makes them, and the two of you will settle into a rhythm all your own. That's not just feeding. That's you, knowing her.
Every bottle, given with love, is exactly right. Enjoy the cuddles, Mama.
Where this comes from
This article draws on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. It's here to help, not to replace your own doctor, midwife or pediatrician. If you have questions, ask them.
- Choosing a Baby Formula, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Amount and Schedule of Baby Formula Feedings, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Infant Formula Preparation and Storage, CDC
- How to Clean, Sanitize, and Store Infant Feeding Items Frequently Asked Questions, CDC
- How Much and How Often to Feed Infant Formula, CDC
- Signs Your Child Is Hungry or Full, CDC
- FDA Advises Parents and Caregivers to Not Make or Feed Homemade Infant Formula to Infants, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Paced Bottle Feeding, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment WIC