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What is formula feeding?
Formula feeding means your baby drinks formula milk instead of breastmilk. Formula milk can give your baby the nutrients they need for the first 6 months. At around 6 months, you can start giving your baby solid foods, as well as formula. 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 the national 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 formula that is labelled ‘suitable from birth’ or ‘stage 1’, unless your family doctor or maternal child and family health nurse give other advice.
- choose a formula with less than 1.3 grams of protein per 100mL.
After 12 months:
- you can stop formula and give your baby normal full-fat cow's milk in a cup.
If you need support with infant formula feeding, ask your midwife, GP or child and family health nurse for information and help.
How much formula does my baby need?
All babies need different amounts of formula at different times.
As a guide:
- At 2 months: most babies will have about 6 bottles a day.
- By 4 months: some babies might only want 4 to 5 bottles a day.
The formula tin has instructions for how much formula to give your baby each day. This is just a 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 tin instructions
- use the correct number of scoops and water
- never add extra scoops or water
It is important to follow the formula tin instructions to see how many scoops of formula are needed for the amount of water in each bottle. This is to make sure your baby is getting enough nutrients and water, and prevents poor growth and 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.
Alertness
When your baby is awake, they are 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 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
When you feed your baby, two special things are happening:
Bonding time: this is when you and your baby get closer. They learn your voice, your touch, and your love.
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.
Bottle feeding your baby
When to get help
Talk to your Child and family health nurse or family doctor if:
your baby seems hungry all the time
feeding feels stressful
your baby is not growing well
you are worried about anything
Help is always okay to ask for.
