While breastfeeding is considered the “gold standard” in terms of nutrition for your baby, it is not right for every mom. Some women may have medical reasons not to, while others may find it too stressful or challenging. Commercially prepared infant formula is designed to mimic breast milk and is a nutritious alternative.

Formula contains a complex combination of sugars, fats, proteins, and vitamins. Do not try to create homemade baby formula; it will not be able to match the nutritional value of commercially prepared formulas.

Advantages of Bottle-Feeding

Some advantages of bottle-feeding are that anyone can feed the baby. Because formula does not digest as easily as breast milk, your baby may eat fewer times a day. Formula contains ample vitamin D, whereas breast-fed babies often need a vitamin D supplement. In addition, moms who feed their babies formula do not have to worry about eating harmful foods, such as too much caffeine.

There are some disadvantages when it comes to bottle-feeding your baby:

• Organization: You must always have enough formula on-hand, as well as clean and sterilized bottles and nipples. Powdered and condensed formula needs to be prepared using sterilized water until your child is at least 6 months old. Middle-of-the-night trips to the kitchen are an inconvenient reality when bottle-feeding.

• Contamination: If bottles and nipples are not properly cleaned, or if liquid formula has sat out for too long, contamination can be an issue.

• Expense: Formula is very expensive. It is estimated that it can cost approximately $1,500.00 per year.

• Lack of Antibodies: Infant formula lacks the antibodies and other components that human milk contains. Because of this, a baby does not get the protection against illness and infection that he or she would if given breast milk. While manufacturers have come close to duplicating mother’s milk, there are still key elements that are missing.

Infant allergies and budget should be considered when selecting a formula.  The most commonly used formula is created using cow’s milk altered to improve digestion and nutritional content.  Although most babies consume this milk without a problem, some may be allergic to its proteins and need a different food source.  When this is the case, parents may choose to use formula derived from soy. Soy formula may eliminate allergies to cow’s milk as well as problems caused by lactose intolerance. Some babies can tolerate neither cow nor soy-derived milk. Protein hydrolysate formulas, otherwise known as hypoallergenic formulas, are an alternative to these food options. Protein hydrolysate formulas are least likely to cause digestive problems because the protein content is broken down to its basic elements.

In addition to source, formulas can vary in form. The most convenient and expensive formulas are ready to use and do not need to be mixed with water. More affordable but less user-friendly options include powdered formulas and concentrated liquid formulas that must be mixed with water before serving.

All commercial formulas must meet FDA nutritional standards. Products may vary by ingredients, but all must demonstrate the safety of their products.

All baby bottles and bottle nipples should be sterilized in boiling water after they come out of the package and before they are used. After that, unless there is reason to suspect that tap water is unsafe, sterilizing baby bottles and bottle nipples is unnecessary. Modern tap water should be harmless for adults and babies alike. Even when bottle nipples are sterilized, they can pick up environmental impurities, so it is unrealistic to expect completely germ-free feeding equipment.  Cleaning bottles with hot water and soap after each use is enough to keep them safe.

If there is reason to believe that water might be contaminated, bottles can be sterilized with dishwashers or boiling water. To sterilize using a dishwasher, place bottles and bottle accessories in the dishwasher and clean at a minimum temperature of 180 °F. To clean without a dishwasher, begin by cleaning the bottle and nipple with hot, soapy water, making sure to scrub out any remaining food scum. Next, line a pan with a dishtowel, place the bottle, cap, and nipple inside, fill with water, and boil for ten minutes with the pan covered.  After ten minutes, turn the heat off, and let the contents (still covered) cool. Once the water has reached room temperature, take the equipment out with tongs, and place it upside down on a clean towel to dry.

It is important to closely follow the manufacturer’s directions for mixing and preparing formula.  If the water to formula ratio is incorrect, the baby may receive an inappropriate amount of nutrients, potentially resulting in malnutrition. Before use, check that the formula has not expired. Thoroughly clean measuring cups, and, if using well or contaminated tap water, boil and allow for sufficient cooling time.

Warming Bottles

Although warming formula is not necessary, parents typically prefer to heat up food before feeding it to their children. Bottles should not be warmed in a microwave because doing so can cause the formula to heat unevenly. Furthermore, if using plastic bottles that are not BPH free, they can release unsafe chemicals when warmed in microwaves. Instead, bottles should be warmed by heating them in hot (not boiling) water for ten minutes. After the formula has been warmed, its temperature should be checked by spilling a few drops onto the inside of the wrist. If the mixture is the same temperature as the skin, it should be ready for use.