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Formulas:
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies
under 12 months of age should be fed either breastmilk
or infant formula. No other type of milk provides all
of the nutrients in the right amounts to support optimal
growth. Formula companies use human milk as a standard
and produce a product, usually based on cows’ milk, which
contains proteins, fats and carbohydrates in a proportion
that is close to human milk. Then they add vitamins, minerals
and other ingredients to bring the final product as close
to human milk as possible. As ongoing research reveals
factors in mothers’ milk that were previously not known,
the drug companies that manufacture infant formula add
them, and advertise the product as being new or improved.
Some recent additions are ARA and DHA. The living cells
in breastmilk, so important to a baby’s immune system
cannot be duplicated. Read labels carefully to know what
is in the brand you purchase. When you choose a formula
for your baby, it is usually best to start with one that
is milk-based, since these are tolerated by most babies
and are lower in cost than the specialized formulas. If
your baby does not tolerate his formula, consult your
pediatrician about which one to try next. While soy based
formulas contain all of the nutrients needed to sustain
growth, they also contain phytoestrogens that may affect
a baby’s growth and development, and they hinder the absorption
of zinc and calcium. According to an FDA paper, the AAP
states Healthy full-term infants should be given soy formula
only when medically necessary." (http://www.fda.gov/Fdac/features/596_baby.html)
Specialized formulas for allergic babies are more expensive,
and should be used on the recommendation of a pediatrician.
Bottles:
If your formula feed your baby, you will need bottles,
nipples (teats), and a bottle brush for effective cleaning.
There are many types and styles of bottles available,
and what you choose depends upon your preference.
Bottles with disposable liners are fairly easy to use
and easy to clean, but they are more expensive than other
types because the liners have to be purchased throughout
the months that your baby uses a bottle. Plastic bottles
are lightweight, and most are easy to clean with hot soapy
water and a brush. In recent months, news articles have
warned about possible dangers from the leaching of a chemical
called bisphenol A or BPA into milk from the plastic when
bottles are heated, and also from the linings of the can
the formula comes in. Although the FDA states that plastic
bottles do not present a hazard to babies, you might want
to research the different brands to see which are considered
safer before purchasing bottles for your baby. A Google
search turned up lists of brands which are BPA free.
Different babies do better with different types of nipples.
You should choose those with a slow flow at first, especially
for a very young baby. If the milk flows too fast the
baby may choke, or take in too much air. Be sure to replace
nipples that become worn so that they do not break during
a feeding. At times a baby who is teething may chew on
the nipple and cause tiny pieces to come off, so inspect
them on a regular basis.
Formula Preparation:
Infant formula comes in three forms: ready to feed, concentrate,
and powder. Ready to feed formula is the easiest to use.
It can be stored at room temperature until the can is
opened, and is fed to the baby directly as it comes from
the can. It is, however, expensive compared to the other
types. Both other forms of formula must be mixed with
water before feeding. It is very important to read the
directions on the can to be sure that you add exactly
the right amount of water so that the milk the baby receives
is not too dilute (which could lead to malnutrition) nor
too concentrated (which could be hard on the baby’s kidneys).
Some pediatricians (and the World Health Organization)
recommend boiling all water prior to using it for a baby.
Other doctors feel that it is OK to use water directly
from the tap as long as it has been proven safe for drinking.
If you are not sure, ask your pediatrician. Powdered formula
is not sterile, and in recent months, reports have warned
about the potential contamination of some such formulas
with Enterobacter sakazakii, a bacteria that can cause
infections in all ages, but newborns (under 1 month of
age) and premature babies are at greatest risk. The World
Health Organization recommends that formula given to these
infants be ready to feed, or concentrate. If powdered
formula must be used for a newborn, it should be prepared
with boiling water or heated almost to boiling, then cooled
before feeding to kill the bacteria if it is present.
Once it is prepared, the formula should be refrigerated
or kept cold with ice packs until the baby is fed. Discard
any unused milk left in the bottle after feeding, since
bacteria multiply quickly in warmed milk. Heating baby
bottles in the microwave is not recommended because of
the hot spots that can scald a baby may occur. If you
do use a microwave, be sure to shake the bottle thoroughly
to mix the formula completely. (Never microwave expressed
breastmilk because that would kill some of the living
cells that protect the baby from illness.)
Feeding the Baby:
Feeding time is very important in terms of your baby’s
emotional and social well-being. You should always hold
your baby in your arms when giving him a bottle, and cuddle
him close. This is a good time to talk to your baby, look
into his eyes, and watch him smile and interact with you.
His head should be slightly elevated because most bottle
nipples flow fast enough to choke a baby who is lying
flat when he swallows. When feeding a newborn, stop and
try to burp the baby every ounce or so. As baby grows,
he can take in larger amounts without burping. Ask your
pediatrician how much formula to feed your baby. Don’t
force him to finish a bottle if he stops drinking and
acts full. Most babies know how much they need, and overfeeding
can predispose him to obesity later on. Never prop a bottle
because of the danger of choking, and don’t put your baby
to bed with a bottle. Milk that remains on his teeth during
the night will promote tooth decay.
However your baby is fed, feeding time should be very
comfortable and enjoyable for both of you.
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