Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides withĀ your most fertile ovulation days, you'llĀ increase the chances of conceiving.Ā Get to know each phase of your cycle to get pregnant faster.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY

    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

    Spend an afternoon making these Valentine's Day cards, decorations, and edible projects for kids. Bonus: These craft ideas are perfect for preschoolers and the ideal homemade gift for a few special someones!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Babies
  3. Feeding
  4. Formula
  5. Formula Must-Knows

Formula Must-Knows

By Linda Diproperzio
July 14, 2015
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Once you've made the decision to formula-feed, all the choices and steps can leave you scratching your head. This guide can help you figure out the ins and outs of formula-feeding.
Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Basics

Credit: Alexandra Grablewski

Choosing a formula for your baby can be a bit overwhelming. There are three types of formula: powders, which are mixed with water; concentrates, which are liquids that must be diluted with water; and ready-to-use liquids that can be poured directly into bottles. The formula type you choose depends on your budget (powder is the least expensive; ready-to-use is the most costly) and your baby's preference.

1 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Your Options

Credit: PhotoAlto/ Matton

Once you've narrowed down the type of formula, more choices await you. Among them:

  • Cow's-milk-based formulas. Most babies will start with this formula.
  • Soy-based formulas for babies who may be lactose intolerant or allergic to cow's milk.
  • Hypoallergenic formulas for babies with allergies to milk or soy proteins. The proteins are easier to digest.
  • Specialized formulas designed for low-birthweight babies.

In addition, there are also organic formulas on the market, which have the same components as regular formula, but the cows that supplied the milk have not received any antibiotics.

2 of 11

3 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Making the Right Choice

Credit: Michael Kraus

To help you decide which formula to choose, ask your pediatrician which brand he recommends. Some parents find they need to try a few different kinds before finding the right match. "Most pediatricians recommend staying with a formula for at least one week to see how a baby reacts to it," says Jose Saavedra M.D., a pediatric gastroenterologist and medical and scientific director of Nestle; Nutrition North America. "A baby's digestive system is just developing, and switching brands too often could cause some digestive distress."

3 of 11

Advertisement

4 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

How to Buy Baby Formula on a Budget

4 of 11

5 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What About DHA?

Credit: PhotoAlto/ Veer

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is linked to healthy brain and nerve development, is naturally found in breast milk. So is it beneficial to buy an infant formula with these ingredients? "Most babies make their own DHA from building blocks (other fatty acids) in the diet or in formula," Dr. Saavedra says. "However, a significant amount of research suggests that additional DHA in the diet may provide an added benefit. As a result, today, practically all formulas sold in the United States today contain DHA. But remember, while there may be some benefits, DHA-containing formulas are no guarantee your baby will later get better grades in school!"

5 of 11

6 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

How to Prepare a Bottle of Formula

6 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Accessories

Credit: Bryan McCay

In addition to the formula, you'll also need 4- and 8-ounce bottles (make sure they're BPA-free), nipples (you might have to try a few kinds until you find a style your baby likes), a bottle brush and nipple brush for cleaning, and a bottle warmer. And be sure to sterilize bottles and nipples regularly, especially for newborns. You can buy an electric bottle sterilizer, run them through the dishwasher (top rack only and place nipples in a dishwasher basket), or do it the old-fashioned way by submerging them in boiling water for no longer than five minutes.

7 of 11

8 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Preparation is Key

Credit: Bryan McCay

If possible, prepare one bottle of formula at a time and feed immediately. But if you have to make a few for the day, be sure to store the bottles immediately in the refrigerator and use them within 24 hours. Don't leave a bottle out of the fridge for more than two hours, and throw away any of the formula left in a bottle after a feeding. Why? Bacteria from your baby's saliva will multiply in the bottle. Finally, it's best not to microwave formula, which can result in uneven heating and hot spots that can burn Baby's tongue and throat. Plus, a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published in the August 2018 edition of Pediatric says that plastics heated in the microwave leak harmful chemicals—like BPA and phthalates—into food, including infant formula and pumped breast milk. Instead, invest in a bottle warmer to bring formula to the ideal temperature. 

8 of 11

9 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

How Much Formula Does Baby Need?

Credit: Bryan McCay

Between birth and 6 months of age, your little one will need an average of 2-2.5 ounces of formula per pound per day. So if your baby weighs 10 pounds, she will need 20-25 ounces per day. Keep in mind that no baby -- regardless of age -- should have more than 32 ounces of formula each day.

  • Newborns may take only an ounce or two at each feeding
  • 1-2 months: 3-4 ounces per feeding
  • 2-6 months: 4-6 ounces per feeding
  • 6 months to a year: as much as 8 ounces at a feeding

9 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bonding with Baby

Some moms fear that they won't share the same personal connection with their baby while formula-feeding as they would if they breastfed. Don't worry! You can still make it a special time for both of you. Choose a quiet space and make sure both of you are comfortable. Support your arm and your baby's head with a pillow, and hold Baby in a semi-upright position. Keep the bottle tilted so the nipple and the neck of the bottle are always filled with formula. This prevents your baby from taking in too much air.

  • Learn more about bottle-feeding.

10 of 11

11 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Big Burp

Credit: PhotoAlto/ Veer

Bottle-fed babies tend to take in more air than breastfed babies, so be sure to burp your baby in the middle and at the end of his feeding. Several different positions work, but the two most common are sitting your baby up, supporting him under the chin, and patting his back until he burps, or leaning him against your shoulder and rubbing or patting his back.

Copyright &copy 2010 Meredith Corporation.

11 of 11

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 11 The Basics
2 of 11 Your Options
3 of 11 Making the Right Choice
4 of 11 How to Buy Baby Formula on a Budget
5 of 11 What About DHA?
6 of 11 How to Prepare a Bottle of Formula
7 of 11 The Accessories
8 of 11 Preparation is Key
9 of 11 How Much Formula Does Baby Need?
10 of 11 Bonding with Baby
11 of 11 The Big Burp

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Parents

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
  • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Parents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

View image

Formula Must-Knows
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.