Bottle feed your child

Whether you’re bottlefeeding from the beginning or trying to wean your baby from breast to bottle, here’s your step-by-step guide.

Bottlefeeding your baby can seem a daunting prospect – what equipment do you need, how much milk should you give him, are you giving him the right formula? Mother and Baby is here to help with our step-by-step guide.

Why bottlefeed?

Everyone knows breast is best, but sometimes it doesn’t work out. ‘There may be a physical problem that makes breastfeeding difficult, for example,’ says Jackie. ‘What’s important is to do what’s right for you.’

Which formula to choose?

Formula is made from cows’ milk, modified to be as much like breastmilk as possible. It comes in powder form or ready-made in cartons. Formula milk contains protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals – all the essentials for your baby’s wellbeing. Some manufacturers add long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) found in breastmilk, which are believed to boost brain development.

Which formula you choose depends on personal preference. ‘I chose mine because it contains LCPs,’ says Sally. ‘I tasted it too and it was fine!’

Soya formula can be used for babies allergic to cows’ milk, but it’s high in sugar and not suitable for some babies. ‘Never switch formulas without consulting your health visitor or GP,’ says Jackie. ‘An allergy must be properly diagnosed. Then you can get alternative milk on prescription.’

‘There’s a mind-boggling array of equipment and milks out there,’ says Jackie. ‘It’s worth checking out what’s available and talking to other mums before your baby’s born.’

Be prepared

Bottles

· You’ll need at least six bottles for formula, plus a couple for cooled boiled water.

· Anti-colic bottles have air vents, tubes or collapsible bags to minimise the air your baby swallows.

· Disposable bottle bags that fit into a special holder are handy for journeys. You can also buy disposable bottles that you just use once then throw away.

Teats

· Different teats – newborn, slow, medium and fast – let milk flow at different rates.

· Latex teats are said to feel more like the nipple, and some babies, especially newborns, prefer them; silicone teats last longer.

· Anti-colic teats claim to reduce the air your baby takes in, orthodontic teats aim to minimise harm to developing teeth, and there are teats designed like a nipple for babies being weaned off the breast to the bottle, or for mixed feeding. ‘I used the Tommee Tippee Nuby teat with bumps on,’ says Sally. ‘It feels like a nipple to my baby’s mouth.’

Sterilisers

· Choose from electric steam sterilisers, microwave sterilisers or sterilising tablets/fluid with cold water. Or simply boil bottles and teats in a saucepan of water for at least 10 minutes.

· For holidays try sterilising bags. Some can be used in the microwave, others with sterilising tablets. ‘We used microwave sterilising bags on holiday, which was really convenient,’ says Helen.

Formula

· Most manufacturers make first- and second-stage milk. First-stage milk is most like breastmilk, so is best for newborns and young babies. ‘There’s no need to change to second-stage milk if your baby’s happy with first, as many are,’ says Jackie. Second-stage milk takes longer to digest and is designed for hungrier babies. Although it’s suitable from birth, the protein in second-stage isn’t as close to breastmilk as that found in first-stage milk.

· Follow-on milk can be given from six months. ‘This contains extra iron as the stores your baby is born with are depleted by six months,’ says Jackie.

· Tins or boxes of powdered formula are most economical. For going out, try made-up milk in cartons. ‘I keep one in the change bag,’ says Sally. You can also use small sachets of powdered milk to tip into a sterilised bottle of cooled boiled water.

If you’re on a low income, you may be able to get free or reduced-price formula. Call 0800 0562665 for information.

Extras

· Some mums swear by plug-in bottle warmers, while others hate them. ‘We tried one, but it made the milk too hot,’ says Sarah. For when you’re out, there are bottle warmers that plug into car cigarette lighters, or a special Thermos flask that carries hot water and has a cup in which to warm the bottle (see page 53 for our pick of the best travel products). Alternatively, simply warm bottles in a jug of hot water. ‘But don’t leave it within a toddler’s reach,’ warns Jackie. And don’t use the microwave – it may leave scalding ‘hot spot’ patches in the milk. Don’t forget, lots of babies are happy to take milk at room temperature.

· Formula powder holders can be filled with pre-measured powder. When you’re out you tip the powder into a sterilised bottle of cooled boiled water.

· Insulated bottle holders – these keep made-up formula cool when you’re out.

Watch out!

· Bottlefed babies are prone to gastroenteritis – a bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. Germs breed easily in warm milk, and if bottles aren’t clean and sterile, bugs multiply quickly. Before sterilising, wash off every trace of milk from bottles and teats. Once clean, sterilise by your chosen method. ‘Once your baby’s over six months and is taking milk from a beaker, simply wash thoroughly in hot soapy water,’ says Jackie.

· Made-up formula keeps in the fridge for 24 hours. Once warmed, keep for just an hour, then throw the remainder away.

· Bottlefed babies may gulp in air during a feed causing painful wind or colic. Hold your baby upright after a feed and rub his back to bring up wind.

· Drinking powdered milk can cause constipation. ‘Offer cooled boiled water between feeds if your baby’s constipated,’ advises Jackie.