All you need to know about Formula Feeding?

Formula Feeding is defined as man-made milk for infants. Some women have difficulty breastfeeding and this is the primary reason why formula is used. Just like mother’s milk, the formula also keeps the baby healthy and happy. You don’t need to get stressed or feel guilty about the same. Below is all the information you will need regarding formula feeding. 

When to start Formula Feeding?

Infants require mother’s milk and it is not advised to begin straightaway with formula. Formula feeding must be started between two to six years of age. So, how to feed your baby with formula? 

Well, the most common and easiest way to feed your baby is through a bottle. Make sure that the bottle you are using is not made of plastic. Go for steel if you are formula feeding your baby. 

So, here arises a question, i.e., is formula feeding safe? Well, there are situations where the mother faces difficulty in breastfeeding her infant. In such situations, formula feeding is the second-best option. Formula feeding is healthy and safe for the child. You can begin giving your infant formula after three weeks. 

Formula milk is good for infants. It is the best possible alternative for breast milk. Do not feed your baby with cow’s milk or some different kind of milk. Formula powder is better than other kinds of milk. It helps in easy digestion and keeps the digestive system of your infant happy and healthy. 

When can I start supplementing with formula?

Well, you can start anytime. You can start supplementing with formula when and as you like. Do not forget to consult your lactation consultant before providing your baby with formula. 

One of the major benefits of formula feeding is that your baby will get immunity-boosting antibodies. Well, if you ask your doctors, regarding supplementing formula, you will be advised to wait at least three weeks. When your baby is past 4 weeks, you can start supplementing with formula. 

When can I start giving powder formula?

When a baby is born full time, i.e., after 37 weeks or more of pregnancy, you can feed your infant with formula. Below are the do’s and don’ts of formula feeding.

DO’s

• Make sure that the powdered formula is right. Formula powder is not sterile; therefore, babies under two months of age must not be given formula. 
• Do check the expiry date of the formula.
• Do maintain cleanliness while formula feeding your child. Use clean utensils and bottles for formula feeding. 
• Do mix and measure the formula carefully. Boil the measured water and then add powder formula. 

DON’Ts

• Do not warm the bottle in the microwave.
• Don’t use the formula that has been kept at room temperature for more than two hours. 
• Don’t force the baby to finish the formula powder. It will make the baby puke or will lead to excessive weight gain. 

So, these are the do’s and don’ts of formula feeding. Make sure your child is healthy if he/ she is ingesting formula. In any case, if you feel that your baby is not well, then you must stop feeding your baby with formula and immediately consult your doctor. Formula is not harmful for infants. It’s just that, some might not digest them effectively because of a weak immune system. 

So, this is all the information you need regarding formula feeding. Man-made milk is good for your baby. It can give your baby immense nutrients. It is the best alternative for your infant. Thus, formula feeding is as good as breastfeeding and can be started after three to six weeks of delivery.  Though many mothers opt for formula feeding, breastfeeding is one of the most natural and healthy way of feeding a baby. Here are few benefits of breastfeeding too, for both mom and baby. Many mothers go for formula feeding only because they don't have enough milk, so here are few foods which help to increase breast milk.