Do I Have to Breastfeed All The Time

Although there is no doubt that breastfeeding is best for your baby, most babies will get some formula milk some of the time. Breastfeeding is not always possible. You might be an adoptive mother or have a medical reason not to breastfeed. Others might just decide that breastfeeding is not for them or, may breastfeed for a short period after the birth before moving onto formula feeding. If you wish to supplement your breastfeeding with formula milk wait until you have been breastfeeding for three to four weeks to preserve your own milk supply.

During breastfeeding is a wonderful time for mothers to bond and build a unique closeness with their baby. If you move onto formula, perhaps so Dad can take some of the strain, make sure that you continue to feed in the same manner and, that the cuddles your baby got whilst you were breastfeeding continue. Hold your baby close with their head slightly elevated at an angle and make sure that the bottle is upright to minimise the possibility of your baby taking in air whilst feeding.

When you purchase your infant formula you can be confident that it will meet your baby’s nutritional needs in full. The major brands are all very similar and, unless you are told otherwise by your doctor make sure you get one that is fortified with iron. Formula milks come in three basic types;

• Powder (very economical)
• Liquid concentrate (a bit more expensive)
• Ready-to-use (the most expensive)

Unsurprisingly, the formula’s which are ready to use and require little effort are the most expensive. However, don’t feel that you have to buy these to get the best for your baby. If they are mixed properly, in accordance with the instructions the powder concentrates are equally as good.

Water to mix with formula

In most cases you don’t have to use any special water with your formula unless there is a problem with your water supply. If you have doubts check with your doctor and your water company.

How much formula is enough?

New-borns start with a very small stomach which can only hold 1-2 teaspoons (5-10ml) of milk for the first week but, this amount will start to increase almost immediately. By the end of the first month your baby will be taking around 120ml per feed every four hours.

Age Amount of feed Frequency of feed

New-born 60-90ml every 3-4 hours

One month 120ml every 4 hours

Two months 120ml 6-7 feeds every 24 hours

Four months 120-180ml 6 feeds every 24 hours

Six months 180-240ml 5 feeds every 24 hours

One year 480-720ml 3-4 feeds every 24 hours

The above table is a guide only as the actual amount a baby takes may vary significantly depending on your baby’s size. Needs and appetites also vary day by day and, month by month. Your baby will feed as often as they need too as long as you learn to read the signs and interpret them properly. Don’t offer the bottle every time your baby cries, especially if it is just after a feed. Remember, babies cry for many reasons. Learn to read if they are hungry or if they just want your attention.

Formula milk moves more slowly through a baby’s digestive system so expect feeds to be less frequent if you have been breastfeeding and switch to formula. Also, the stools may be a little harder and drier.

Remember all babies are individuals so, don’t force-feed if you think they are not drinking enough and, don’t leave them wanting more if they empty a bottle and show signs of wanting more. Also, a baby who often regurgitates after a feed may do better with smaller, more frequent feeds.

Things you should know

• Babies often loose a little weight straight after birth. As long as they continue to feed normally you have no need to worry.
• All equipment used in feeding your baby needs to be washed using warm soapy water and sterilised before use. Most sterilising is now done in a microwave using a sterilising unit.
• Always wash your hands before making up a batch of feed.
• Prepared formula can be stored in a fridge for up to 48 hours if the teat is untouched by the baby. If it has been touched you should throw away the rest of the feed.
• You don’t have to warm the mix but most babies don’t like it straight out of the fridge. Don’t warm milk using a microwave as they can heat the mixture unevenly leaving “hotspots” in the mix.
• Most formula milks are based on cow’s milk so if your family has an intolerance to this discuss it with your doctor before you give it to your baby. There are alternatives based on Soya.

Be aware of the following

• Unused formula “goes off” very quickly and the teats can be like magnates to bacteria. Throw away any unused milk and always sterilise your equipment.
• Evaporated milk is the wrong balance for baby’s digestive system and can put unnecessary stress on your babies guts and kidney’s.
• Do not use cow’s milk until your baby is at least 12 months old.
• Don’t add honey to anything. It can contain spores which can cause serious illness in children under 12 months.
• Don’t dilute formula. If you are struggling financially talk to you health visitor who will be able to help.

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Bathing your baby safely

You could make bath-time part of your evening routine. It can be fun for you and your baby but, there are several safety tips you should keep in mind.

• The single most important thing to remember is that you must never leave you baby unattended for even a second whilst they are in the bath. Get everything you will need ready before you start the bathing process: towels, toiletries, new nappy, night-clothes. Once you have your baby in the bath you will be unable to leave them. If the phone rings, ignore it, they will call back. Children can drown in under a minute in less that 2.5cm of water.
• Never put your baby in the bath whilst the water is still running. The water temperature could change and scold them. The water needs to be comfortably warm, not hot, about 100 degrees Fahrenheit/ 38 degrees Centigrade is proven to help babies retain their body heat. Put cold water in first, then add hot to bring up to temperature.
• If you are using your family bath, make it safe by adding a rubber bathmat, to prevent slipping and, cover the taps. Don’t allow your child to touch the taps. One day they will be strong enough to turn them on and the hot water tap could lead to serious injury.
• For new-borns and babies up to six months old you only need about five inches of water. Just enough to allow your baby to settle in the water with their shoulders covered. Never allow older children to have the water more than waist height.
• For older children a bath seat might be useful. It will give you two free hands because of the support it offers. However, you still need to be alert at all times. Children have died when they were left unattended in a bath seat.
• Never allow a child to stand in the bath.
• Many babies and parents love bath-time whilst other don’t. There is no real for a daily bath but, if your baby enjoys it you could make it part of your night-time routine. It will help relax your baby and they will learn that it’s soon going to be bedtime. This may help their sleeping pattern. Your baby’s hair does not need washing every day. The hair follicles produce little oil and one wash per week will probably be enough.
• Use soaps, shampoos and bubble baths sparingly as you could cause you babies skin to become dry and sensitive. Use mild products, which have been specifically designed for babies.
• When you remove your baby from the bath you need to minimise body heat loss. This is particularly important for new-borns. Make sure the room is warm and wrap your baby in a large towel as soon as you lift them out. Dab your baby dry gently and dress them immediately. Once dressed, give them a cuddle to ensure they warm up quickly.

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Make Your Baby Smile

You will always remember your baby’s first belly laugh and, once you’ve heard it you will do almost anything to hear it again. On some days, when you need a shower desperately, because your child has just decided to throw up into your hair, it will be the only thing that could possibly make you smile. With that in mind, here are my top five ways that seem to have what it takes to make babies smile.

Blowing Raspberries

Gently blowing a raspberry onto your baby’s tummy or, tiny hands and feet is the perfect way to make them smile.

Playing Peek-a-Boo

This is one from everyone’s childhood and is usually a favourite with babies. Hide behind a piece of furniture, their favourite blanket or just use your hands. However you do it, you’re sure to get smiles in return.

Silly and “Over the Top” Movements

The more exaggerated you make your face the better. Your baby will love the attention and making silly faces at them only emphasises the attention you’re giving. Even something a simple as a sneeze can put a smile on a babies face.

Silly Noises

My husband used to “beep” every time my youngest pressed his nipples. We had a couple of years worth of entertainment on Sunday mornings out of that one. It guaranteed a proper belly laugh every time. Any silly noise could do the trick so try a few and see what works for you.

Tickle Time

If all else fails a gentle tickle will usually bring a smile from your baby, and this form of touch can also act as a bonding ritual. Touch is very important as it emphasises to your baby the fact that you are there and, everything is well.

Parents can expect their baby to smile responsively to family members from around six weeks of age. Social smiles and laughs will start at around 4 months.

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