You may be thinking about starting to feed your little one formula. Maybe you want to supplement it with breast milk, or maybe you want to switch from breast milk to formula completely. Whatever the reason, you probably have a lot of questions on your mind, right? "Which formula is best?", "How do you make it?", "Will it be good for the baby?" Things like that. Don't worry, we'll talk about all of these today.
What is this formula milk?
Simply put, formula milk is a type of milk that is given to babies when breast milk is not available or when breast milk is not enough, and is designed to contain nutrients as similar as possible to breast milk. It is made in a way that it provides everything the baby needs for growth, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals .
Now look, there are different types of formula milk powder:
- Cow's milk-based formula: This is the type most babies are given. The cow's milk protein in this has been modified to make it easier for babies to digest.
- Soy-based formula: Some babies may have allergies to cow's milk protein, or may have difficulty digesting the sugar lactose in milk (Lactose intolerance). Soy-based formula is given to such babies. However, this should only be given on the advice of a doctor.
- Specialized/Hypoallergenic formulas: Some babies may have severe allergies, may have increased reflux, or may be born prematurely. There are also formulas that are specifically formulated for these situations. These should be chosen only on medical advice.
How do I choose the right formula for my baby?
This is the biggest problem that many mothers have. You may have heard stories like "The afternoon brand is good", "The aunt at home told me to give this". But the most important thing here is to talk to your baby's pediatrician or family doctor.
The doctor knows best about your baby's health and what is best for him. Therefore, don't suddenly change formula or start a new one based on what others say.
Sometimes, if the formula you give your baby doesn't work, he may experience increased gas, bloating, frequent vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. If you notice any of these signs, see a doctor immediately for advice.
What do you need to start giving powdered milk?
Okay, now let's look at what you'll need when you start giving your baby formula. It's not a long list, but these are the main things you'll need:
- You have chosen a good type of powdered milk: Talk to your doctor and choose the one that is best for your baby.
- Feeding bottles and nipples: Choose bottles that are appropriate for your baby's age and labeled "BPA-free ." Nipples also come in different sizes and come in different sizes. It's best to use a nipple that comes in slowly at first.
- Water: Always use boiled water . If you are sure that the tap water in your area is clean, you can boil it. If in doubt, boil bottled water.
- Bottle and nipple brush: This is a must. You need this to thoroughly clean the inside of the bottles and nipples.
- Burp cloths: These help prevent your clothes from getting dirty when your baby is finished drinking or when they are burping while breastfeeding.
Let's learn a little about bottle sterilization.
You don't need to spend a lot of money on a bottle sterilizer. However, before using the bottles and nipples for the first time , you should definitely sterilize them by boiling them in water for about 5 minutes to remove any germs.
Then, after each feeding, wash the bottles and nipples well with soap, brush, rinse with hot water, and let them dry. You don't have to boil them every day, but it's a good idea to boil them at least once a day, especially when your baby is very young. Cleanliness is the most important thing!
How do you make milk for a baby? What is the best way?
This is something that needs to be done very carefully, because if the milk is made incorrectly, the baby can have various health problems.
1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap. This is very important.
2. The place where milk is made (like a table) must be clean.
3. Pour the boiled water (about the amount of water that you can boil, test it by putting it on the inside of your hand) into the bottle. Add the exact amount of water as indicated on the instructions on the powdered milk can.
4. Next, measure the flour using the scoop that comes with the powdered milk can. Scoop the flour into a spoon and level it off at the top of the can. Do not add more or less. Add the exact amount of scoops that are listed on the can's instructions.
Remember: If there is more flour than water, the baby may become constipated and have kidney problems. If there is less flour, the baby will not get the nutrition it needs.
5. Now close the bottle and swirl or gently shake it. The lumps should disappear. However, do not shake too hard, as this will create air bubbles in the milk, which can get into the baby's stomach and cause bloating.
6. Before giving it to your baby, be sure to put a few drops of milk on the inside of your hand (like your wrist) to see if it's warm. Lukewarm is the right temperature.
How much milk should I give and how often?
This is something that varies from one baby to another. Not all babies are the same.
- Look at your baby's hunger cues: If your little one is fussing, crying, moving their mouth, or sucking their hand, it means they are hungry.
- Newborns: Usually, drink about 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) at a time, every 2-3 hours.
- After a few months: The amount of milk consumed and the time between feedings gradually increase.
- When babies are done drinking, they will either put the bottle away or fall asleep. Don't force them to drink.
- Your doctor can give you the best advice on this. He or she will tell you how much milk is appropriate for your baby's age and weight.
Consider these things when breastfeeding your baby.
Just as important as making the milk properly is how you feed the baby.
- How to hold your baby: Hold your baby in your arms, with his head slightly higher than his body, and breastfeed him. Do not feed him completely lying down , as this can cause the milk to get stuck and run down his throat.
- How to hold the bottle: Hold the bottle at a slight angle so that the nipple is filled with milk. If you feed with half of the nipple filled with air, the baby will take in some of that air, which can cause stomach upset.
- Burping: Burp your baby once or twice during feeding, and after feeding. Hold your baby over your shoulder and gently stroke his back, or lean him forward slightly while he is on your lap.
- Bonding: This breastfeeding time is a great time to strengthen the bond between you and your baby. Look into your baby's eyes, talk softly, sing songs. This time is very special for both of you.
Small problems that can arise when feeding formula milk
Sometimes small things can seem like problems. The important thing is not to worry.
- Gas/Bloating: Things like gently burping, holding the baby's legs as if they were riding a bicycle, and rubbing the baby's belly can help relieve the discomfort.
- Spitting up/Reflux: This is normal for most babies. Don't be alarmed if a little milk comes up. Hold your baby upright for a while after feeding. However, if he is vomiting frequently (forceful vomiting), tell your doctor.
- Constipation: Make sure the formula is made exactly as directed. If your baby has not passed stool after a few days, or if the stool is very hard and painful, tell your doctor . Don't give him extra water without your doctor's advice.
- Diarrhea: If you have frequent, watery stools, it could be due to an infection, or it could be due to not touching the milk. See a doctor immediately.
- Allergies: If you experience symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, severe vomiting, or diarrhea, it could be an allergy. Seek medical advice immediately. This is when special milk formulas like the previously mentioned ``(Hypoallergenic formula)`` are needed.
Can you keep formula milk?
It's good to know exactly about this too.
- The best thing is to make fresh milk for every feeding.
- If you need to make it in advance, just in case, put it in the refrigerator immediately after making it. The milk should be used within 24 hours.
- If there is any milk left in a bottle that your baby has drunk, do not give it back. Throw it away within an hour. This is because bacteria can mix with the baby's saliva and cause the milk to spoil.
- If the baby has not swallowed any room temperature milk, it can be used within an hour or two. However, it is best to give it as soon as possible.
- Do not store processed milk in the freezer.
- When heating milk from the refrigerator, never use a microwave oven. This can cause hot spots in the milk and burn your baby's mouth. Heat the bottle by placing it in a bowl of hot water.
When should I see a doctor?
It is very important to pay attention to these things:
- If you vomit frequently, especially frequently.
- If the diarrhea is severe, or if there is blood in the stool.
- If the baby shows signs of dehydration (very few wet diapers per day, dry mouth, sunken eyes).
- If you have rashes on your body and are showing signs of allergies.
- If the baby is not breastfeeding, or is very lethargic and sleepy.
- > Mom, if you have any doubts or fears about your baby, don't delay in talking to a doctor. Don't think, "Oh, why should I go to the doctor for this little thing?" It's best to listen to what's on your mind and find out.
When switching from breast milk to formula milk
Sometimes you may need to switch completely from breast milk to formula. When doing so, consider these things:
- If possible, do it gradually, rather than switching all at once.
- At first, you can give a little breast milk and a little formula in the same bottle (start with more breast milk and gradually increase the amount of formula).
- Or, start giving formula instead of one breast milk feeding per day. Another feeding over the next few days... and so on.
- Be patient. It will take some time for your baby to get used to this new thing. It may take some time for you to adjust to this change. That's normal.
Things that come to mind...
Some mothers may feel sad and guilty when they are unable to breastfeed or when they have to stop. They may even wonder, "Am I not a good mother?"
But, the most important thing you need to remember is that you love your baby and take good care of him. Whether you breastfeed or formula feed, your baby will get the nutrition he needs. Formula is a nutritional supplement designed specifically for that purpose.
When you hold your baby and breastfeed him with love, that bond is still there.
You are a good mother. You give your baby the best. Think about that and be happy.
Important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
From what we've discussed, here are some things you need to keep in mind:
- Cleanliness number one: Do everything right, from washing your hands before making milk to keeping bottles clean.
- Follow the instructions exactly: Add the exact amounts of water and flour specified on the formula packet.
- Listen to your baby's signals: Your baby will tell you when he or she is hungry.
- Seek medical advice: Get the best advice from your doctor on everything from what formula to give, how much to give, and what to do if any problems arise.
- Make breastfeeding a loving experience: This is not just a hunger quencher, but a time to bond with your baby.
I hope this information is useful for you and your little one!
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