Bottle feeding with infant formulas and follow-up milks

When baby is not breastfed or in the case of mixed breastfeeding, it is essential to use an infant formula.

Infant formulas meet the needs of infants at different ages.

There is a wide variety of milks, some of which are reserved for special situations. Ask your pediatrician or dietician for advice.

Shops sell formulas in liquid form, ready to use or in powder form to be diluted and are subject to legislation.

Milk from animals (cows, goats, mares, sheep, etc.) or vegetable “milks” (almond milk, soy milk, etc.) are not suitable for feeding infants. The composition of these drinks is not adapted to the needs of infants and cannot ensure optimal development of your baby.

INFANT FORMULAS (0-6 MONTHS)

Their composition is such that they fully cover the needs of infants up to the age of 6 months. They provide the energy and nutrients necessary for baby’s healthy development. It is therefore not advisable to enrich bottles.

FOLLOW-UP MILKS (FROM 6 TO 18 MONTHS)

Around the age of 6 months, baby formula is replaced by follow-on milk.

Follow-on milks are developed especially to meet the nutritional needs of infants aged 6 to 12 months, and comply with the relevant legislation. Their composition is perfectly adapted to feed infants up to 18 months.

Special formula milks

Milks with special therapeutic properties are prescribed or recommended by a pediatrician or dietician.

FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

No supplements/medication should be taken without the advice of your pediatrician.

In recent years, many new infant formula products have appeared on the market. Some of them meet the needs of infants and the expectations of parents. They are based on scientific research and are regularly evaluated and adapted based on new knowledge.

Others respond more to a “marketing” concern than to a real need.

TEATS AND BOTTLES

There are different types of teats: choose one according to baby’s age and the consistency of the milk. Above all, do not pierce the teats, and replace them as soon as they are damaged, as there is a risk that baby will swallow broken pieces.

Favour glass or stainless steel bottles. This way you can be sure that no undesirable substances will get into the milk.

FLOURS AND FLAKES FOR BABY BOTTLES

The addition of flour to the bottle is not recommended for proper feeding. Infant formulas contain enough energy to cover baby’s needs. Adding flour to the bottle may cause an imbalance in baby’s diet.

Flours and flakes are dissolved in the milk. They increase the energy intake and prolong the feeling of satiety.

It is important to make sure that baby always drinks the daily amount of milk recommended for his age to avoid deficiency symptoms.

However, if fortification is recommended by your doctor or dietician, it is important to make sure that you:

• do not feed your baby flours or flakes before the age of 4 months;
• gradually introduce the flour: start with a bottle and add one, then two teaspoons per 100 ml of liquid;
• choose flours or flakes without added sugar and flavouring;
• do not use milk flours to add to the bottle. They already contain milk and must be diluted with water;
• choose a suitable teat.

Cooking flours, such as cornstarch, are not suitable for thickening the bottle. Baby formula cannot be boiled.

HOW TO BOTTLE-FEED A BABY

Promote the pleasure of eating by making the “meal time” a positive experience:

• Make yourself comfortable.
• Take your time.
• Create a pleasant atmosphere (! noise, room temperature, distraction ...).
• Ensure a positive attitude of the bottle-feeder.
• Maintain eye contact with baby, communicate with baby, and pay attention to baby (no TV, mobile phone ...).
• The angle of the bottle is important: when baby sucks, small bubbles should be seen in the bottle. The nipple of the bottle should always be full of milk to avoid baby swallowing air.
• Let baby drink at her own pace.
• Respect your baby’s appetite, do not insist if she does not finish the bottle.
• Remember to let your baby burp.

VOLUME AND NUMBER OF BOTTLES

The table below provides an idea of the usual amounts that infants drink during a 24-hour period (based on the average weight for the age of the baby). Infant feeding is however on demand, so trust your baby to adapt her intake to her needs. There is no need to insist if she does not drink the indicated quantities as long as her growth and weight curve evolves normally.