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What is formula feeding?
Formula feeding means giving your baby infant formula milk instead of breastmilk. Infant formula milk can give your baby the nutrients they need for the first 12 months of life. At around 6 months, you can start giving your baby solid foods, as well as formula and/or breastmilk. This is also a good time to try giving drinks from a cup instead of a bottle.
If breastmilk is not available, formula is the only safe option.
Which baby formula to choose
In Australia:
- all baby formulas must meet strict safety standards.
- no brand is better than another.
- choose one you can afford and find easily
For babies under 12 months:
- use infant cow’s milk based formula that is labelled ‘suitable from birth’ or ‘stage 1’, unless your family doctor or maternal child and family health nurse gives other advice.
- If available, choose a formula with less than 1.3 grams of protein per 100mL of prepared formula.
After 12 months:
- you can stop giving formula and bottles and start giving your baby normal full-fat cow's milk in a cup, with a variety of family foods.
If you have questions about feeding or your child has any allergies, speak with your Child and Family Health Nurse or doctor for more information and help.
How much formula does my baby need?
All babies are different. Their feeding needs and amount of formula they need will change over time as they grow
- It is best to look at their hunger and fullness signs. Your baby will show you when they are hungry and when they have had enough milk. Responsive feeding practices help your baby learn to regulate their appetite.
- Your baby may not finish every bottle. This is normal. Younger babies will feed on smaller amounts more often, and older babies will drink larger amounts and feed less often as they grow.
The formula tin has instructions for how much formula to give your baby each day. This is just a general guide, and each baby is different. Look for signs from your baby to tell whether they are hungry or full. Your baby will drink as much as they need, so they may not always finish the bottle. Just like us, sometimes their appetite will be different every day.
Always:
- follow the instructions on the infant formula tin
- use the correct number of scoops and water
- never add extra scoops or more water. Making infant formula stronger or weaker can affect your baby’s growth, development and hydration. It can affect how much nutrients your baby gets and cause constipation.
Signs your baby is getting enough milk
Wet nappies
Babies should have about 6-8 wet nappies in 24 hours. Nappies should feel heavy and clear in colour.
Poos
Baby’s poo about 1-2 times a day or sometimes every 1-2 days. Their poo should be soft or runny and usually yellow/greenish or brown in colour.
If your baby’s poos are hard like pebbles, they seem to be in pain when they poo, or if you see blood in their poo, talk to your Maternal, Child and Family Health Nurse or Family Doctor.
Skin
Baby's skin should have a healthy colour, and if you gently press down anywhere on their skin it should come back up straight away. Your baby should have good muscle tone
Alertness
When your baby is awake, they are alert, aware and looking out for noises and activities happening around them.
Growth
Your baby should be gaining weight and growing in length and head circumference.
Every time you visit your Maternal, Child and Family Health Nurse or Family Doctor ask them to help you measure, monitor and record their growth in your baby’s Personal Health Record or blue book.
If you feel your baby regularly needs a top up of milk after their initial feed, you are recommended to discuss the feeding, weight gain and settling behaviours with your Maternal, Child and Family Health Nurse or Family Doctor.
Bonding during bottle feeds (or feeding your baby with love and care)
When you feed your baby, two special things are happening:
Bonding time: this is a special time when you and your baby get closer. They learn your voice, your touch, and your love. You both will make eye contact, talk, smile and respond to their sounds and facial expressions. This will help your baby's learning and development.
Food time: your baby gets the important nutrients they need to grow and be healthy.
It can be helpful to find a quiet place to feed your baby. Holding them close during this time makes them feel safe and loved.
Sometimes, your baby might stop, look at you, or even try to talk to you by making little sounds. This is how they learn and develop new skills. They may try to hold their bottle. You can hold the bottle together. Always have an adult feed your baby to keep them safe.
Always hold your baby while bottle feeding. Never prop the bottle (rest the bottle on a pillow, blanket or other object so your baby feeds without you holding it), put your baby to bed with a bottle, or leave your baby alone while feeding. This helps reduce the risk of choking, ear infections and tooth decay.
Bottle feeding your baby
When to get help
Talk to your Child and family health nurse or family doctor if:
your baby seems hungry most of the time
feeding feels stressful or hard
your baby is not growing as expected
your baby is refusing feeds
your baby is vomiting frequently
you are worried about anything
It is always OK to ask for help. Support is available for you and your baby.
