Mother's milk is more than a baby's natural food.
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for the growth and development of the baby. It also provides antibodies and lives immune cells from the mother, chemical yeasts, and other valuable substances that cannot be obtained from infant formula. These ingredients boost the baby's immunity and also reduce the chances of hospitalization due to chest infection or diarrhea. Breast milk also helps in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Breastfeeding is easy, saves time and money, and is also environmentally friendly. It enhances the bond between mother and child and gives the child a sense of security. Breastfeeding also benefits mothers. Breastfeeding mothers are less likely to experience anemia and excessive bleeding after birth. It burns calories and helps the uterus return to normal size, so breastfeeding mothers get back in shape very quickly. Breastfeeding also protects mothers from ovarian and breast cancer.
But If for some reason parents cannot breastfeed or have decided not to breastfeed their baby, they can give infant formula only for the first few months of life.
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Formula milk
Infant formula milk is available in two forms: commercially prepared sterile liquid formula milk and powdered infant formula milk. Powdered infant formula milk is not a sterile product. Safe preparation of formula milk and proper use of food sterilizing equipment are essential to protect the baby from the risk of infection.
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What equipment is needed for bottle feeding?
Sterilizing equipment (such as a large pot, electric or microwave steam sterilizer)
Bottle and nipple of suitable size and material
Bottlebrush and nipple brush
Forceps to pick up the milk bottle and nipple after sterilization
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How to choose a milk bottle?
Choosing a milk bottle
Use glass or plastic bottles that are bisphenol A (BPA) free.
Decorative colors and symbols on bottles should not easily come off and be innocuous.
Bottles should be clean enough that the markings on the rim can be easily read. The interior of the bottles is easily visible.
They should be easy to clean.
The size of the bottle should be appropriate.
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Choosing a nipple
The size of the nipple should be appropriate for the age of the child.
The shape and material of the nipple usually do not affect breastfeeding. A latex nipple is soft and flexible. A silicone nipple is more durable and can stay in shape for longer.
The nipple opening should be of adequate size so that when the bottle is tilted, the milk will drip at a rate of about one drop per second. If the hole is too small, the baby may get tired while sucking. If it is too big, the baby may choke when feeding because the formula milk comes out too quickly.
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How to prepare infant formula food safely?
Follow these steps:
- Boil the water
Boil fresh tap water or distilled water. If you use an electric kettle, the water should boil until the kettle's power supply is turned off.
- Clean food preparation surfaces and wash your hands
- Clean and disinfect the surface on which you are going to prepare the infant formula.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry with a clean towel or tissue paper
- Take a sterile bottle and mix the water and nipple in the bottle. If the bottle is drained of the disinfectant solution, shake off the excess solution and rinse with a kettle of boiled water.
- Bottled water
- Mineral water has high salt content. It should not be used for breastfeeding babies.
If using bottled distilled water, boil it before making infant formula.
Read the instructions on the packet of infant formula milk. Measure the amount of water and milk powder accurately.
- Do not use water below 70°C to make the formula. Prepare a new bottle of formula each time your baby needs a feed. Following these practices will reduce your baby's risk of infection
- Fill the feeding bottle with the correct amount of warm water
Pour the correct amount of hot water into a sterile bottle. The water should not be colder than 70ºC. Typically, water will remain at 70ºC or higher for 30 minutes after boiling.
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Add the right amount of powdered infant formula
Measure the formula powder with the spoon provided in the packet or container. Fill the spoon loosely with the formula powder. Then level with the straight edge of a knife.
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Gently shake the bottle
Attach the nipple, cap, and other accessories to the bottle. Stir/swirl until the powder dissolves.
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Refrigerate the food
Cool the food to the proper temperature by placing it under running tap water or in a container of cold water. Make sure the cold water is below the cap and not touching the nipple.
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Check the temperature
To prevent burning the baby's mouth, test the temperature of the formula on the inside of your wrist before feeding. Refrigerate again until the food remains lukewarm.
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How to store ready-made infant formula food?
It is best to prepare fresh food whenever your baby needs it and consume it immediately.
If you have to prepare food in advance, cool it immediately after preparation and store it in the refrigerator at 4℃ or less.
Throw away refrigerated food if not used within 24 hours.
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How to reheat food?
Do not reheat refrigerated food for more than 15 minutes. Reheat the food by placing the bottle in a container of hot water. Make sure the water surface is not touching the cap or nipple. Swirl the bottle occasionally to ensure the milk is heated evenly.
If you use a bottle warmer, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Never reheat leftover food.
Never use a microwave oven to reheat refrigerated formula food. A microwave heats food unevenly. It can burn the baby.