Feeding the baby with infant formula

What is infant formula?

Infant formula, often the first choice for newborns without breast milk, is mainly based on cow's milk and is specially developed for the nutritional needs of the first six months of life. This formula contains an adapted protein content and lactose as the main source of carbohydrates. It is optimally adapted to the baby's digestive capacity and offers everything necessary for the first year of life, supplemented by complementary foods in the second half of the year.

Selection of bottles and teats

For bottle feeding, we recommend glass or polypropylene bottles that are easy to clean. Teats made of rubber or silicone, which resemble the mother's breast, make it easier for the baby to drink. The teat size should be selected so that it corresponds to the developmental stage of the baby's jaw and delivers about one drop per second.

Preparation of the bottle feed

Powdered infant formula is not germ-free. Ideally, therefore, prepare the food fresh before each meal to minimise the risk of bacterial growth. Always follow the instructions on the packaging regarding the dosage of milk powder and water. Preparation with fresh, cool tap water at around 40 degrees Celsius ensures the nutritional quality of the milk.

The exact preparation instructions and proportions of milk powder and water can be found on all milk powder packaging and must be adhered to. More or less milk powder than prescribed can have harmful consequences for the baby's health. For correct dosing, use the enclosed measuring spoon, which should only be levelled. excess powder can be scraped off with a knife.

• Wash your hands before preparing infant formula and ensure that the work surface, bottles, teats and accessories are clean.
  
• Use fresh, cool tap water for preparation. If desired, the water can be boiled and must then be cooled to approx. 40 degrees before it is mixed with the milk powder. Water that is too hot (≥70 degrees) destroys the proteins in the milk powder. Water that has not been boiled must first be heated to drinking temperature (37 degrees). For travelling, warm water can be filled in a thermos bottle used only for this purpose. The use of bottled mineral water is not recommended due to the increased mineral salts, unless the bottle is labelled "suitable for preparing infant formula".
  
• Pour the water and milk powder into the clean bottle in the ratio indicated, close the bottle with the teat and lid and shake until the powder has dissolved.
  
• The food must be fed within one hour at drinking temperature (37 degrees) or room temperature. Do not keep milk that has not been drunk after one hour, but pour it away. Milk formula must not be reheated due to bacterial colonisation.
  
• For cleaning, everything used for feeding and preparation should be cleaned and rinsed inside and out under hot water with a little washing-up liquid before first use and immediately after each meal. For healthy babies, this can also be done in the dishwasher at 65°C. Bottles and accessories do not need to be boiled at home as previously recommended. Teats should be replaced every four weeks as the material wears out and becomes porous through cleaning and boiling.
  
• Microwaves are not suitable for preparing infant formula. Microwaves heat unevenly and can cause hot spots in the artificial milk, which can scald the child's mouth.
  

Feeding with the bottle

Bottle feeding is more than just feeding; it is a time of closeness and bonding. When feeding, hold your baby so that eye contact is possible and alternate sides to promote even development. Pay attention to your baby's signals and adjust the amount you drink accordingly.

• If possible, bottle feeds should be given by the parents or by people who have a relationship with the child. The meal should be given calmly, relaxed and without disturbance. A lot of skin, eye and body contact and loving attention to the child are very important. This allows the bond with the child to be strengthened and consciously nurtured.
  
• When bottle-feeding, the child should be held in your arms and turned so that eye contact is possible between the mother/father and the child. The baby likes a lot of skin contact, so hold the baby by the bare skin if possible (unbuttoned blouse, sleeveless T-shirt, etc.). Alternate between holding the baby in your left and right arm when feeding. This promotes the child's bilateral motor and visual development.
  
• At the beginning of the meal, touch the baby's lips with the teat or finger and wait until the baby opens its mouth and sucks in the teat itself. The baby's nose must be free, the lips are parted and the teat must be held so that it is always filled with milk (see below). This prevents the baby from swallowing too much air.
  
• The baby usually signals on its own when it is full (e.g. by falling asleep, spitting out the teat). The bottle does not have to be completely empty. Breaks are taken during and after the meal to burp.
  
• It is important for bottle-fed babies to be fed on demand. Babies do not always drink the same amount. The intervals between feeds can also vary. The important thing is that the baby gets the intended total amount throughout the day. Children only develop a fixed rhythm after a few weeks or months.

How much should an infant drink?

The daily amount an infant should drink varies and depends on individual needs. A general guideline is the amount based on the baby's current body weight. Follow the recommendations on the packaging of the infant formula and adjust the quantities as required.

Outpatient breastfeeding counselling at Bethesda Hospital

If you have any questions about feeding your baby or need support, our certified breastfeeding counsellors at Bethesda Hospital offer individual consultations. Three consultations are covered by health insurance.

For more details on infant feeding and support, visit our website.