Mothers who have chosen to feed their babies formula may find their breasts uncomfortably full starting on the third day. A hot shower may cause the breasts to leak excess milk thus relieving some discomfort. This will not prolong the "drying out" process. Ice packs (a bag of frozen peas works very well) will also help. There is no need to bind the breasts or reduce fluid intake. Analgesics, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are appropriate.

You can purchase ready-to-feed, concentrate or powder formula. Powder is least expensive and lends itself well to traveling: before leaving home you can fill the baby's bottles with the correct quantity of warm water and add the formula powder just before feeding.

• Types of Infant Formula
• Preparation
• Quantity
• Heating
• Choices of Nipples & Bottles
• Burping
• Positioning
• Bonding

Types of Infant Formula

Iron Fortification

The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages use of low-iron formulas. Proper level of iron-fortification is necessary for normal infant growth and cognitive development.

Cow's Milk Formula

Most babies drink formula that is modified cow's milk. There are many competing brands and your baby's doctor will help you select one.

Hypoallergenic Formula

If your baby develops symptoms of a dairy protein allergy your baby's doctor may recommend a hypoallergenic formula. The American Academy of pediatrics also recommends these formulas for babies at high risk for developing allergy. Risk level is determined by family history. If either or both parents, or a sibling, have allergies you should discuss this option with your baby's doctor.

Soy Formula

Some parents try soy formula if their baby is fussy on cow's milk formula. However, there is no scientific evidence that soy formula prevents or controls colic. Neither does this formula prevent the development of allergies. If your baby's doctor determines that your baby has an allergy to cow's milk protein then he or she may recommend a soy formula instead.
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Preparation

Make sure you follow carefully the manufacturer's directions for preparing and storing formulas.

If you are on chlorinated water (as most of us are) you do not need to boil the water for mixing formula or for washing bottles and nipples. Follow the manufacturer's directions re cleaning the bottles/nipples when you first bring them home. After that, wash in hot water with some dishwashing liquid and rinse well in hot water.

If you have well water or non-chlorinated water, boil bottles and nipples for five to ten minutes. Bring to a full rolling boil for one minute the water that you plan to use to make the formula.
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Quantity

Babies steadily increase their intake through the first week and by day six you may notice your baby is following the general guideline of taking 2.5 ounces per pound of his/her weight. For example, an eight-pound baby at one week may be taking eight 2.5-ounce feeds. However, some babies will ask for more and some will need less - just as adults of the same size have different appetites.

Always fill the bottle with about one ounce more formula than you expect your baby to take. This allows the baby to take as much as s/he needs at each feed. If s/he sucks the bottle empty, probably the quantity was insufficient. When full, your baby will not be interested in sucking.
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Heating

Do not microwave. Severe burns may result. Your baby may accept the formula cold from the fridge but most prefer it to be warmed to at least room temperature.
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Choices of Nipples & Bottles

Pick a bottle and nipple that have just the right flow rate for your baby. Your baby is unique and a bottle that is great for your friend's baby may not suit yours. Your baby should be calm and relaxed during the feed, and content afterwards. A healthy, term baby may complete a feed in about twenty minutes. If the feed is very rapid (five to ten minutes), the baby may feel unsettled.

Air has to flow into the bottle to replace milk sucked out otherwise a vacuum forms and the baby will fidget or fall asleep as milk will stop flowing. You may see the nipple collapse. Make sure you do not over-tighten the ring that secures the nipple to the bottle as this can prevent air entering. The disposable-bag feeding systems do not have this potential problem.
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Burping

If your baby is relaxed and feeding contentedly, do not interrupt the feed to burp him/her. A baby who needs to burp will begin to fidget and will burp readily when brought to an upright position. Babies may not burp at every feed.
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Positioning

Feeding is a very special time for baby and you. Cuddle your baby against your chest during feeds, and (if you comfortably can) alternate the arm with which you hold him/her. You can position the baby so she is looking at you during feed. Let the baby's bottom rest on your thigh (or a pillow in your lap) while you support his/her head and upper back with your upper arm. Tickle your baby's lips with the nipple and wait for him/her to show interest before starting the feed.
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Bonding

You and your newborn will enjoy and benefit from some time spent skin-to-skin. Both parents can share this lovely experience. Undress your baby to the diaper and place against your bare chest with baby's head just under your chin. Cover with a blanket and enjoy!
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