Unable to Breastfeed?

If unable to breastfeed, formula feeding is a suitable alternative, here are some tips for bottle feeding.

Choosing the Right formula:

  • Infant formula based on cow’s milk is the next best choice to breast milk.
  • Iron fortified formula is recommended because many babies can easily become low in iron.
  • If you feel your baby has a problem with formula, check with your public health nurse or doctor.
  • Do not switch formulas often because it can be too hard on the baby’s system.
  • Iron fortified infant formula should be offered until baby is 12 months old.
  • From October to April, your infant will need vitamin D each day. Check with your health care professional for the appropriate dose. 

Steps to Preparing Infant Formula:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before you begin. Wash all the bottles and equipment in hot soapy water. Rinse well with hot water.
  • Sterilize- Health Canada recommends you sterilize all bottles and equipment for your baby’s first four months. To sterilize: cover the containers and equipment completely with water and boil for five minutes. Cool. Remove with sterile tongs. Disposable bottle liners do not require sterilization. For older babies, everything can be washed with hot soapy water and rinsed well or cleaned in the dishwasher.
  • Mix up to a 24 hour supply of formula at one time. The water for formula should be boiled for five minutes then cooled. The formula label gives directions on how much concentrated liquid or powder to add to the water. Measure exactly. If too much water is added your baby will not get enough energy. If too little is added your baby may become dehydrated.
  • Store the prepared formula in the refrigerator immediately. Formula can be stored up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The formula should never be left at room temperature for longer than one hour. Bacteria that can make your baby sick grow quickly in warm formula. When away from home, store the formula with ice packs or in a cooler. 

How to warm formula:

Warm bottle in a container of lukewarm water or run it under warm tap water. Shake the bottle well and test the temperature on your wrist, it should feel slightly cool.

Never microwave formula as this can cause a serious burn in your baby’s mouth.

Formulas made from evaporated milk are not recommended because they are missing important nutrients. They are harder to digest than breast milk or formula. If you decide that a homemade formula is your only option, check with a public health nurse for the right way to make it.

Wait until your baby is 9-12 months old before introducing cow's milk and don’t feed your baby 2%, 1% or skim milk before 2 years of age. These milks don’t have enough fat or energy for a baby.

Baby bottle tooth decay

A bottle given at naptime or bedtime while baby is lying down can cause tooth decay. The natural sugar in juice, formula, milk or sweet drinks stays in the mouth and can cause cavities. To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, hold your baby when feeding a bottle. Take your baby off the bottle or breast as soon as he or she falls asleep.  If your baby needs a bottle to go to sleep, use plain water.  Try to wean your baby from the bottle by 12 to 16 months of age. The first sign of a problem is white or brown spots on baby’s front teeth. See your dentist if you suspect a problem.

Reference: Learning to Bottlefeed-Helpful Tips! Resource from YHSSA Public Health.