Bottle Feeding Basics Washington DC

Preparation and sterilization

• There are many opinions on what water to use when you make up formula. Generally, if you have city water, it is safe to add the water to concentrated formula without sterilizing from 4 months onward. 
• Formula comes in numerous forms, ready to feed, powder, and concentrate. When you purchase formula there will be directions on how to use it on the outside of the container. If you are not clear on the instructions, check with your health care provider.
• Sterilization of bottles is usually done by boiling them for 5-10  minutes. Lie the bottles on their side in the boiling water so the water fills it up. Using some tongs you can 'fish' out the bottles and place them on a clean dish towel to dry. You can also do this by placing them in a dishwasher with a temperature set at or above 180 degrees. Immediately after a feed wash the bottle and the nipple in warm soapy water to remove any of the milk. Wait until you have about five or six bottles before you boil water and sterilize them. An unused bottle will remain sterile for a couple of days.  If you are unsure on how long to actually continue with sterilizing your baby's bottle we recommend you talk with your health care provider about this. There is quite a bit of conflicting information about this - so talk with your trusted doctor about this.

How long does the milk last in the bottle?

• A bottle of prepared formula milk will last up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• A ready to feed bottle will last up to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Make sure it is covered tightly.

Bottle basics

• When feeding your baby hold the bottle at just enough of an angle so that the nipple is full of milk and not of air. If your baby swallows quite a bit of air this can definitely cause an upset tummy. Never prop a bottle up for a baby to feed on her own -always hold your baby during feeds and make the most of this intimate time together. It's a great time for a long cuddle.
• Babies cry  vigorously when hungry - they are serious and intense about their feeding as they grow rapidly. Formula can be given at room temperature. Your baby may even prefer a bottle straight from the refrigerator.  Trial and error will help you both figure this one out.
• Do not use the microwave to heat up formula, as the milk can get hot spots that may burn your infants mouth. Instead hold the bottle under warm running water from a faucet or place it in a container of warm water to heat it up a little. Always squeeze out a little milk onto your wrist to check the temperature. Never feed a warmed up bottle to a baby without checking its temperature.
• Bubble or burp your infant when he/she acts as if she/he is slowing down in the feeding process, after 1-2 ounces is a good time. To do this gently place your infant on your shoulder and gently pat their back. Some infants swallow air and produce a lot of burps, others are more efficient and do not burp as readily.
• Generally infants bottle feed every 3-4 hours or more often at first, and take between 2-4 ounces at feedings. Rapid growth may change the formula requirement over time.
• After about 2 months, babies may take 5-7 oz every 3-4 hours.Then by the time they are around one year, they may take as much as 8 oz. per feeding and have approximately 2 bottles a day. 
• There is no need to add vitamins to formula, as they are already added. 
• Promoting good dental care involves not letting your baby go to sleep with a bottle in his/her mouth. Putting your baby to bed with a bottle can cause tooth decay and ear infections.