Bottle-feeding 101

Though studies have shown that breastfeeding is best for babies, some women choose to use formula and bottle-feed their babies. These moms too can have a wonderful, fulfilling experience while meeting their baby's need for nutrition.

Choosing and Preparing Bottles

Though it is tempting to choose a brand and bring home scores of bottles, you may want to wait until baby arrives to invest in more than one of each variety. Some babies prefer one brand over another. Before you use a bottle or nipple for the first time, it is important to sterilize all parts by boiling them in water for five to seven minutes. After that, washing the bottle and its parts in the dishwasher is generally sufficient, although many moms still choose to sterilize bottles. If you have well water, you will need to sterilize your bottles with each washing.

Choosing and Preparing Formula

Discuss brands of formula with your pediatrician before making a decision. Formula may come in ready-to- feed, concentrate and powdered types. It is important to follow the exact directions printed on the bottle or can if you must mix the formula with water. Unless you have well water, there's generally no need to boil your water before mixing it with formula. Read all formula directions carefully before preparing baby's bottles.

How Much to Feed Baby

In the first weeks, your newborn will take from one to three ounces per feeding and eat every three to four hours. Over time, a schedule for feedings will likely materialize. As baby gains weight and her nutritional needs change, she will take more. Your pediatrician is the best source of advice on how much your baby should be eating.

Warming Bottles

There are three ways to warm a bottle. You can place the bottle in a pan of warm water, a bottle warmer, or hold it under warm running water. There is no health reason that a baby's bottle needs to be warm, so you may want to use one of these methods to just warm it room temperature. If formula is prepared in advance, it must be kept refrigerated until use. If a baby does not drink the entire bottle, it should never be placed back in the refrigerator for later use. It is important that you never use a microwave oven to heat bottles. Microwaves heat unevenly, which can create hot spots in the milk. Also, the microwave breaks down the nutrients in milk and formula. There are some studies that suggest microwaving bottles can cause chemicals from the plastic to leak into the formula.