Frequently Asked Questions About Formula Feeding
Here is a quick “cheat sheet” of the most frequently asked questions about formula feeding. We know how hard it is to find information on formula feeding, so we hope this sheet will help you.
Remember this is for informational purposes and you should always seek medical advice.
Can you pre-make formula and do you have any tips on formula feeding at night?
It is generally not a good idea to pre-make formula. Being a milk product formula should be consumed when made to ensure freshness.
However, we all know how hard it is at 2am fumbling around in the kitchen making bottles so here are a few tried and true tips to make life easier!
Make up your bottles with the correct amount of boiled water and store them in the fridge ready to go.
Using the microwave is not ideal to heat water but it is very quick. If you choose to use a microwave ensure you shake the water well to avoid heat spots and test the temperature before giving bottle to baby. Also ensure you heat the water before adding the formula to ensure it mixes correctly.
Pre measure the formula and place a serving into a small container. This way you can empty the container in without needing to measure.
How long can you keep pre-made formula and how do you reheat formula?
It is always best to make formula when you need it rather than pre-making. However sometimes you may have unused feeds or may need to pre-make formula for daycare or trips.
How to pre-make and store formula -
If you need to pre-make formula ensure you mix the powder into fresh hot boiled water. If you mix the powder into cold water it will not mix well and will leave lumps. Lumps in the formula could leave your baby under nourished.
Be sure to store the formula in the fridge at all times,
If you are traveling use ice bricks inside an esky or insulated bag to ensure the formula stays cold.
How to reheat formula -
It is not idea to reheat pre-made formula in a microwave as the microwave can remove important nutrients from the milk. Pre-made formula is best reheated using a bottle warmer or a jug filled with boiling water.
Place the bottle in the jug and leave it to heat for around 4-5 minutes. Check bottle temperature after 1-2 minutes and shake to ensure even heating.
Is it important to get the measurements exact?
Getting the measurements (water and formula powder) exact is actually a matter of life and death.
Too much water - will dilute the formula powder and will leave baby lacking in nourishment and will essentially "starve" the baby.
To much formula - can leave baby dehydrated specially when formula is baby's only intake between birth at 4 months.
So ensuring the measurements of formula and water are exact is of utmost importance.
What are your top tips on formula feeding?
Connection and bonding! The biggest tip I can offer anyone when it comes to formula feeding is to make sure you use the feeding time to bond and connect to your baby. It is easy to fall into the trap of leaving baby in their rocker or on the floor and mindlessly hold the bottle for them. It is important to remember that feeding your baby no matter how you choose is a special time and a time to connect and bond with your baby.
Hold them close, whisper sweetly to them, stroke their hair and most of all make lots of eye contact. Eye contact is how your baby will connect with you and will make your heart melt.
Trial and error! Formula feeding like anything else is all about trial and error. Choosing the right bottles and formula might not happen the first trip to the pharmacy, you may need to try a few before you find the right fit for you and your baby. Make sure you communicate your needs to your pharmacist and go armed with all of the questions you have written on paper. Remember, you can never ask to many questions!
Check your guilt at the door! We all feel it no matter what our reasons are for formula feeding. Mothers guilt never ends, but you need to stop the feeding guilt! You are making the right decision for you and your baby no matter the reason behind it. So arm yourself with all of the information to make the right choices, gather all the support you can and feel comfortable with your decision. A happy mother and a happy baby is the most important factors and you can’t have one without the other!
Written by Jen - Beyond The Baby Editor In Chief
Remember this is for informational purposes and you should always seek medical advice.
Can you pre-make formula and do you have any tips on formula feeding at night?
It is generally not a good idea to pre-make formula. Being a milk product formula should be consumed when made to ensure freshness.
However, we all know how hard it is at 2am fumbling around in the kitchen making bottles so here are a few tried and true tips to make life easier!
Make up your bottles with the correct amount of boiled water and store them in the fridge ready to go.
Using the microwave is not ideal to heat water but it is very quick. If you choose to use a microwave ensure you shake the water well to avoid heat spots and test the temperature before giving bottle to baby. Also ensure you heat the water before adding the formula to ensure it mixes correctly.
Pre measure the formula and place a serving into a small container. This way you can empty the container in without needing to measure.
How long can you keep pre-made formula and how do you reheat formula?
It is always best to make formula when you need it rather than pre-making. However sometimes you may have unused feeds or may need to pre-make formula for daycare or trips.
How to pre-make and store formula -
If you need to pre-make formula ensure you mix the powder into fresh hot boiled water. If you mix the powder into cold water it will not mix well and will leave lumps. Lumps in the formula could leave your baby under nourished.
Be sure to store the formula in the fridge at all times,
If you are traveling use ice bricks inside an esky or insulated bag to ensure the formula stays cold.
How to reheat formula -
It is not idea to reheat pre-made formula in a microwave as the microwave can remove important nutrients from the milk. Pre-made formula is best reheated using a bottle warmer or a jug filled with boiling water.
Place the bottle in the jug and leave it to heat for around 4-5 minutes. Check bottle temperature after 1-2 minutes and shake to ensure even heating.
Is it important to get the measurements exact?
Getting the measurements (water and formula powder) exact is actually a matter of life and death.
Too much water - will dilute the formula powder and will leave baby lacking in nourishment and will essentially "starve" the baby.
To much formula - can leave baby dehydrated specially when formula is baby's only intake between birth at 4 months.
So ensuring the measurements of formula and water are exact is of utmost importance.
What are your top tips on formula feeding?
Connection and bonding! The biggest tip I can offer anyone when it comes to formula feeding is to make sure you use the feeding time to bond and connect to your baby. It is easy to fall into the trap of leaving baby in their rocker or on the floor and mindlessly hold the bottle for them. It is important to remember that feeding your baby no matter how you choose is a special time and a time to connect and bond with your baby.
Hold them close, whisper sweetly to them, stroke their hair and most of all make lots of eye contact. Eye contact is how your baby will connect with you and will make your heart melt.
Trial and error! Formula feeding like anything else is all about trial and error. Choosing the right bottles and formula might not happen the first trip to the pharmacy, you may need to try a few before you find the right fit for you and your baby. Make sure you communicate your needs to your pharmacist and go armed with all of the questions you have written on paper. Remember, you can never ask to many questions!
Check your guilt at the door! We all feel it no matter what our reasons are for formula feeding. Mothers guilt never ends, but you need to stop the feeding guilt! You are making the right decision for you and your baby no matter the reason behind it. So arm yourself with all of the information to make the right choices, gather all the support you can and feel comfortable with your decision. A happy mother and a happy baby is the most important factors and you can’t have one without the other!
Written by Jen - Beyond The Baby Editor In Chief
