The substitute – baby formula
Why didn’t anyone ever tell me?’ is a constant thought for new parents who rightfully feel overwhelmed by the newness of everything and the responsibility of feeding their new baby. The reason why no-one will tell you what daily life with a newborn is like is probably because they wouldn’t be able to give you the truth as it is. It is normally a chaotic period and most first time mothers describe it as the hardest job to love.
The fact is that, it is almost unlikely that the experience will be the same for you and the mother next door. For that reason, if yours proves a little bit difficult, just get on with it as you learn along the way. Keep in mind the fact that your opinion matters; in other words follow your intuition. And just how do you do this when introducing formula milk to your new born baby? You may ask.
This article aims to enlighten you on the basic facts about formula milk. But first you need to understand that your milk is (and will remain) your baby’s best source of nutrients. You can choose to breast-feed for as long as you wish. Nonetheless, if you cannot breast-feed for one reason or the other, your baby can be put on infant formula as soon as they are born.
Also, if you feel your baby is not having enough of your milk, you can opt to introduce formula milk as early as month three and do the two concurrently.
What’s in it?
The composition of formula milk has been based on your breast milk.
Most manufacturers follow a basic recipe that contains purified cow milk or soybeans, proteins and a blend of vegetable oil to supply the baby with fat, lactase for carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. This provides your baby with the entire nutrient requirement for growth.
According to a World Health Organization report (WHO) 2001, infant formula is a nutritionally adequate and a safe complementary food suitable as a substitute for breast milk.
Variety
In developing countries, you will mostly find infant formula in powder form. However, countries like the USA have it in liquid and ready to drink forms. Currently, the formula is divided into three:
» Infant formula – up to 6 months » Follow-on formula – 6 to 12 months and
» Toddler formula -12 months onwards.
You are however advised to try and breast-feed your child exclusively for six months and continue to even 24 months; supplementing it with formula milk and other solid foods as your baby grows.
Preparing it
Most of formula milk packages come with instruction on the amount to be used for preparation.
It is advisable therefore that you keenly follow those measurements or concentrations accurately so as to achieve the required nutrients in their appropriate portions. Otherwise, your child may suffer from malnourishment. Ensure also that the mixture is well mixed for ease of digestion.
Clean and sterilize all equipment that comes into contact with the formula milk before and after each use. In case you plan to prepare the formula in advance, try and refrigerate it.
Happy feeding
As you develop a bottle feeding routine adoptable by you and your baby, you will soon realise you are able to determine how much and how often to feed him. However, this routine may change as the child grows.
As a general guide, when it is time to feed you baby, dip the baby bottle with formula milk in a jar of water to warm it before giving it to your child. You may also want to tilt the bottle a little to allow the milk to fill the nipple to minimize air swallowing.
Hold your baby as close to you as possible. This helps to enhance social interaction. Your baby’s head should also be kept straight in relation to the rest of the body to ease swallowing.
Small, more frequent feedings work well. Your baby will suck his fist or fingers, smack his lips or cry to let you know they need to be fed again. To show satisfaction, your baby will slow down on drinking, turn his head away from the bottle or close his lips. When you notice those signs, hold your baby upright, rubbing his back slowly to help him burp.
Formula milk facts
-It has every nutrient your baby needs to grow healthy
-Formula milk rarely causes constipation
-When your baby is constipated, give water using a bottle or spoon (not honey). Honey might be dangerous to your baby’s health unless they are one year or older
-Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before starting to use any formula milk
-Your child may develop allergy to some ingredients in the formula. In such a case, consult your physician for alternatives
-Use before expiry date on the label
-Throw away formula that remains in the bottle after a feed
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