When You Just Can’t Breastfeed
Breastfeeding your baby is the best for baby but there are circumstances where you just can’t breastfeed your baby. Whatever you reasons for not breastfeeding, the first thing to do is to give yourself a break. Do not be frustrated because everything will fall into place and your baby will be alright. Formula feeding will be your answer. Manufactured under sterile conditions, commercial formulas attempt to duplicate mother’s milk using a complex combination of proteins, sugars, fat, and vitamins.
The first thing to do when opting to formula-feed your baby is to buy the supplies needed. Shopping for formula-feeding supplies can be downright intimidating, especially for first timers. From formula to bottles, from nipples to sterilizers, the choices can seem endless. Do not get excited and buy everything that you can get your hands on. Buy the basic necessities first and get the additional latter. The basic items to buy first are:
1. Feeding bottles
Feeding bottles come in two sizes’ the small 4 0z. bottle and the big 8 oz. bottle. The small bottle is more suitable for newborns who can only take a little milk at a time. The bigger bottle is for older babies who can easily down a large feed. Each bottle generally comes with a nipple. Many different types of bottles are available. They may be standard reusable which comes in many varieties, such as wide-mouthed and angled or reusable with disposable sterilized liners or drop-ins good for quick clean-ups but you’ll need a steady supply of new liners. You may need to try a few different brands before you find the combination that works best for you and your baby.
2. Nipples/ teats
Each bottle generally comes with a nipple. For starters, nipples come in silicone (clear) or latex (brown), neither of which is better than the other. Which kind is best really depends on your baby and what he prefer. After all, every baby is different. Nipples also often come in different numbers, “stages,” or “flow rates” to reflect the size of the nipple’s hole, which affects the flow (i.e., slow, medium, or fast) of formula or breast milk. A nipple’s hole is the right size if you hold the bottle upside down and a few drops come out and then stop. Be sure to check nipples regularly for signs of wear and replace them as needed.
3. Formula milk
Do not just buy any formula milk. Consult your pediatrician first. If your baby will have diarrhea, then you have to change his formula. There are many causes why a baby will have diarrhea and one of these is lactose intolerance. If your baby is lactose intolerant, then he will need to have a special formula. That is why you have to consult your doctor first before trying on a new formula.
Sterilizing equipment: You have a choice of four ways to sterilize your baby’s feeding equipment. These are boiling, steaming, cold water sterilizing and microwave sterilizing. All feeding equipment should be washed thoroughly using soapy water and a bottlebrush before sterilizing.
Bottle and nipple brush
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Newborn Feeding Set: Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow baby bottles feature a patented internal vent system that helps reduce colic, spit-up, burping and gas. The positive presure design allows babies to feed comfortably, because the vent system eliminates the air bubbles and vacuum. All parts are dishwasher safe. Newborn Feeding Set includes 3-8oz bottles, 2-4oz bottles, 5-Level One silicone nipples, 2-Level 2 silicone nipples,5-Two piece patented internal vents, 2 storage/travel caps,3 stainless steel cleaning brushes, instructions.
Evenflo 4-Ounce Classic Glass Nurser 3 Pack: Nowadays, plastic bottles are the norm for bottle-feeding, which makes these small, shiny glass bottles seem almost nostalgic. They may look like quaint antiques from a bygone era, yet they are still highly functional and very safe. The glass holds heat well and they clean up without the common staining found in plastic bottles. The Sensitive Response nipples are soft and flexible, designed to adjust to a baby’s sucking pressure so it’s a comfortable feeding experience. Each bottle comes with a nipple, a cap ring, and a nipple cap. Warning: These bottles can break upon impact. While they are fine for infant feeding, they should only be used with adult supervision!
Playtex Premium Nurser Newborn Gift Set: This comprehensive set from Playtex is designed to make nursing easier for Mom. It features two four-ounce nursing bottles and two eight-ounce bottles along with 15 liners. Breastfeeding experts recommend using bottle nipples like the four found here. They’re broad enough to resemble a mother’s actual breast, which makes feeding easier and less confusing for baby. Also included is a breast pump adapter ring to allow milk from the pump to flow directly into a bottle. New moms especially can never have enough bottles and liners around the house so this is a perfect set to pick up for yourself or any mom you know.
Medela Breastmilk Storage and Feeding Set: Keep breast milk safely stored and ready for feeding with this set of four 5-ounce plastic breast milk containers. Designed to work with the Medela Breast Pump, each clear plastic bottle comes with two kinds of lids. Use the two-piece plastic lid when milk will be used within a few hours, and use the solid air-tight plastic lid for long-term storage. An orthodontic, slow-flowing silicone nipple is included with each bottle. To keep the bottle sanitary when you’re traveling, a small plastic cap (it can also be used as a cup) fits tightly over the nipple. All items are dishwasher safe, but they’re not for use in a microwave.
Philips Avent Express Microwave Sterilizer: The Avent Express II Microwave Sterilizer is a modern-day technological wonder and a joy for most parents, who will do anything for a little peace of mind and a few extra minutes to spare. Using a regular kitchen microwave, this lightweight sterilizer eliminates household bacteria and keeps contents sterile for up to 24 hours. It can be used to sterilize Avent feeding bottles of varying sizes (and their nipples, rings, and dome caps), Avent Isis breast pump accessories, Via cups and lids, Via Disposable Nursers, and other non-electrical Avent products. Its compact size and ease of use make the sterilizer perfect for traveling, too.
Philips Avent iQ24 Sterilizer with 2 Bottles (9 ounce): Baby care requires so much time and vigilant attention. Any appliance that takes the guesswork (and a few precious minutes) out of the endless feeding routine is a blessing to caregivers. The Avent IQ24 Sterilizer is a relatively small, simple appliance that sterilizes up to six (Avent brand) bottles and/or screw rings, nipples, pacifiers, and breast pump components in just six minutes. The contents then stay sterile for six hours, providing the lid is not removed. An optional second mode keeps bottle- and breastfeeding accessories sterile for up to 24 hours by continuously repeating the cycle, so baby can have clean, sterile bottles day and night. And as we know, babies actively require feeding 24/7, so this is no idle bonus!
Dr. Brown’s Sterilizer Gift Set: Dr. Brown’s Microwave Steam Sterilizer sterilizes Dr. Brown’s baby bottles and accessories effectively killing all household bacteria. This Gift set includes 1 Standard 4 ounce bottle and 1 Standard 8 ounce bottle.
The First Years Microwave Sterilizer with Soothie Bottles: TheSafe&Certain Microwave Sterilizer from The First Years is the only microwave sterilizer to “communicate” completion of the sterilization process: the indicator changes color when the sterilization cycle is complete. The steam-release vent offers added safety, and the ergonomic handles double as pour spouts. Features removable drying/organization rack. Holds up to four complete bottles at a time, including nipples and collars. Compact unit fits into most standard microwaves; unit measures 7.25″ x 11″ x 11″.
Sassy Baby Powdered Formula Dispenser: Sassy’s Powdered Formula Dispenser has 4 single-serving compartments to hold pre-measured powdered formula or cereal for meals anytime, anywhere. The snap on lid keeps powdered formula and cereal fresh and secure during travel. Features Four compartments for premeasured powdered formula or cereal. Snap on lid keeps formula fresh and secure. Easy pour spout for all bottle types. Ergonomic shape for comfortable hold.
The First Years Modular Drying Rack: The First Years Modular Drying Rack holds more in less space! Unique kitchen friendly design works with mom’s specific needs. The top shelf is height adjustable to work with all different sizes of bottles. Each shelf can turn independently to allow for easy access to its contents even when stored under cupboards. Includes an optional drip tray. Unit is dishwasher safe.
The First Years Night&Day Bottle Warmer System: About the size of a coffee maker, this electric baby bottle cooler/warmer will be a big convenience for bleary-eyed parents who are tired of stumbling down to the kitchen in the middle of the night. At the rear of the unit, an insulated compartment keeps two 8-ounce bottles cool for up to eight hours. (There’s no refrigerant, just a specially shaped container that can be filled with water, frozen, and then slipped into place.) At the front, an electrically heated water container produces steam, which heats one bottle to the correct temperature in about five minutes. There’s also a night-light built into the front of the unit. Note that the unit cannot be used with glass bottles.