How to Prepare a Formula Bottle
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Do you plan to feed your newborn baby formula? There are tricks to making formula properly. Watch this video to learn how to prepare a formula bottle.
Transcript: It'll be second nature soon, but preparing that first bottle can be baffling. Here, a step-by-step...
It'll be second nature soon, but preparing that first bottle can be baffling. Here, a step-by-step guide to formula mixology! Whether you choose to use powdered or concentrated liquid formula, it's vital to start by reading the mixing directions. Sounds obvious, but by not putting enough water in the mix, you can upset your baby's delicate tummy. And if you add TOO much, you risk depriving your infant of the calories and nutrients he needs. More importantly, too little water, or too much water, can upset your baby's sodium balance, and cause dehydration, even though this may seem confusing. In fact, this could lead to a need for a short hospitalization. So be careful with your measurements to avoid these predicaments. Once you've got your directions down, determine how much formula to prepare. Until your baby begins to eat solids, your infant will consume about 2.5 ounces of formula for every pound of body weight, every day. In other words, if your infant is eight pounds, he'll eat roughly 20 ounces of formula in a 24-hour period. Of course, this equation is a general rule! Your main indicator of how much formula to make depends on your baby. Don't freak out if your baby is eating more or less than this equation predicts...as long as there is good growth, plenty of diapers, and a happy baby, that is the main thing! That being said, babies tend to eat more during their growth spurts, which typically occur around three weeks, six weeks, three months and six months. Since infants eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full, it's OK to offer a bit more formula if your infant is still hungry after a bottle. Babies do not understand the concept of overeating, and they have not yet developed the socialized behaviors that adults have which center around food consumption! But no matter how much your baby tends to take, only mix what you think your infant will need in a 24-hour period. Store mixed formula in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 24-hours after you prepare it. And if you give a bottle that your baby does not finish, toss the rest of the mix. These simple steps keep your baby safe from bacteria and food borne illnesses. Finally, you might consider warming your baby's bottle. While not medically necessary, some infants, prefer warm milk. You can also run the liquid under a hot tap, or use a store-bought bottle warmer. NEVER heat a bottle in the microwave, as this creates "hot spots" in the milk that can burn your baby. Now, shake a few drops of formula on your inner wrist to test the temperature. If it feels just barely warm, it's safe for your little one to sip!More »
Last Modified: 2013-03-26 | Tags »
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