Digestible Formulas

Cow's milk is obviously not a good thing to feed your baby and certainly not to be used as a substitute for breast milk because babies cannot fully digest cow's milk. Feed your baby formula if you don’t want to breast feed or can’t. In truth, you should make sure that you talk with your pediatrician before choosing a formula because there are several types to choose from these days. Let’s look at some of them now which include:

Milk-based formula:

This is the most commonly sold kind of formula on the market today and about 80 percent of formula-fed infants drink it. It is based on cow’s milk but it has been changed in such a way that makes it safer for the baby and more easily digestible for infants. Most milk-based formulas are fortified with iron.

Soy-based formulas:

Some babies have milk allergies or are lactose intolerant which is found in milk-based formulas. When this happens, pediatricians will often recommend feeding your baby a formula that has a soy base instead of the milk.

Specialized formulas:

Sometimes babies who are born premature or are born with a metabolic disorder will require a specialized formula that is specifically designed for their needs.

Formulas come in several different types of forms. Some are very convenient while others are cheaper; these formulas include these specific conveniences:

Ready-to-use - This is the most expensive formula out there, but it's also the most convenient and easy to use. This formula needs nothing from you but you’re your ability to open it. The formula comes in 4-ounce and 8-ounce sterilized, disposable bottles that you can use once and throw away. All you have to do is attach a sterilized nipple and it’s good to go.
Ready-to-pour - This liquid formula comes in different-sized cans and you need only to pour it into a sterilized bottle and attach a sterilized nipple.
Concentrated/powder - This is the cheapest type of formula and is available in either a liquid or powder form. You will get packages and cans that are a lot like evaporated milk cans. These concentrated formulas are prepared by you when you dilute the powder or liquid in a sterilized bottle with sterilized water and then attach a sterilized nipple. When you choose to use this formula, measure the concentrate and the added water carefully as per the instructions, because you want to make sure your baby is getting the right amount of nutrients.

Prepared formula that is leftover can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before it needs to be thrown away. Most babies are happy with formula that is given to them at room temperature. If your baby prefers warmed-up formula, heat the bottle with the formula already in it by running it under hot water and not heated in the microwave as this can cause hot spots in the formula. Even though the bottle may be cool in your hand, but the formula inside may be hot enough to burn your baby's mouth and throat.

There are three types of baby bottles on the market today, which are: glass, plastic and plastic with disposable plastic liners. Glass bottles are very durable but they are a bit heavier and they can break. Plastic bottles are also very sturdy and are lighter which makes them more portable. Bottles with liners are convenient and help to seal in the formula which makes for less air pockets while drinking, but they can also be expensive to use as you must refill the liners.

You can choose several styles of nipples in either rubber or silicone. You should buy new nipples approximately every three months. As your baby gets older, you will have to buy nipples with larger holes.

Bottles and nipples that your baby uses have to be clean. For that reason, it is recommended that they be sterilized properly before each use. If you have tap water that is chlorinated in your home all you have to have to do is put the bottles and nipples in the regular dishwasher or use dishwashing liquid and hand wash them with the tap water.

If you don't have chlorinated water in your home, you have to boil the bottles and nipples in a large pot of water for about five to 10 minutes. You don’t want to boil it for too long because you may melt the nipples.

Below are some tips on how to make feeding time the best it can be when you bottle feed:

Wash your hands before doing anything.
Feed your baby in a relaxing place.
If your baby is not really hungry, take a little extra time to change your baby's diaper as being clean will make the baby more comfortable.
Find a comfortable position and support your back.
If your baby is fussing a lot, calm him down first if you can. Trying to feed a cranky baby may lead to your baby getting a tummy-ache.
Cuddling with your baby is great time to get in some skin-to-skin contact.
Burp your baby when he is about halfway through the formula in the bottle. Basically, you just need to burp your baby after every 2 ounces eaten.

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