Formula & Bottle Feeding Basics

We strive to help and support all new mothers and their decisions. Here is some information from Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program about how to safely feeding your newborn with formula.

• Always wash your hands before feeding your baby.
• Hold your baby in a comfortable, upright position.
• Look into your baby’s eyes—feedings are a time for bonding.

Newborns only drink a few ounces at a time. They need to be fed small amounts throughout the day, because their stomachs cannot hold large amounts of liquid. The amount babies drink changes as they grow older and begin to eat solid foods.

All babies have different feeding times. Babies that are also breastfed will not need as much formula. Ask your provider questions about your baby’s feeding pattern.

When your baby is full they may turn away from the bottle, shut his/her lips, or fall asleep.

Some babies do not mind drinking cold bottles. If you choose to give your baby a warm bottle, warm the bottle in a pan of hot water or under hot, running water. Gently shake or mix, then test a few drops on your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot. Do not microwave, since microwaving can create hot spots in the bottle that can burn your baby’s mouth.

Babies under 6 months old should not be given water. Older babies may need a little water in certain situations, such as hot weather. If your baby is sick, ask your doctor before giving your baby water.

• Breastmilk and formula are the only things that should go in a bottle. Older babies who drink juice should learn to drink juice from a cup.
• If you are feeding your baby breastmilk and formula, it is best not to combine them in the same bottle. Offer breastmilk first, and then formula if you have run out of breastmilk.

• Newborns should start with a one-hole nipple and progress to more holes as the baby gets older and develops a stronger suck.
• Do not cut, enlarge, or add holes to a baby bottle nipple as this can cause choking, overfeeding, and excessive intake of air, which can lead to gas or colic.

You can begin to give your baby sips of expressed breastmilk or formula in a cup around 6 months. Your baby should drink mostly from a cup by 12 months of age and should only use cups by 14 months.

• Shake the can of formula well before opening.
• Only use clean bottles, nipples, mixing containers, and utensils.
• Before making formula, run tap water for 1-2 minutes or until cold to the touch. Never use hot water from the faucet.
• Boil water for one minute after water has come to a rolling boil. Allow water to cool before use.
• Pour concentrated formula into clean container, such as a glass container.
• Fill the empty can to the top with water and add to the same container.
• Stir formula.
• Pour mixed formula into bottles, or leave in covered container, and store in refrigerator until ready to use.

1 can (13 ounces) concentrated formula + 1 can (13 ounces) water = 26 ounces prepared formula

• Refrigerate prepared formula for up to 24 hours.
• Refrigerate opened containers of concentrated formula for up to 48 hours.
• Only put the amount of formula that your baby usually drinks in the bottle. After feeding, throw away any leftover formula. Do not store or re-use it!

Safety:

• Always wash your hands and rinse top of can before making formula.
• Use clean bottles, nipples, mixing containers, and utensils.
• Before making formula, run tap water for 1-2 minutes or until cold to the touch. Never use hot water from the faucet.
• Powdered formula is not sterile and should be prepared with boiled water.
  • Heat water to a rolling boil for 1-2 minutes
  • Let it cool just enough so that you don’t burn yourself while preparing the formula (no more than 10 minutes in an open container)
  • Mix the powdered formula as directed using this hot water
• Cool the bottles by running under tap water or placing in an ice bath to make sure it’s not too hot for your baby to drink
• Always check the temperature on your wrist before feeding

Storage:

• Refrigerate prepared formula for up to 24 hours.
• Only put the amount of formula that your baby usually drinks in the bottle. After feeding, throw away any leftover formula. Do not store or re-use it!
• Powdered formula should be used within one month of opening and before its expiration date.
• Note: If you use spring water or your own well water, ask your doctor about fluoride supplements.