In this article you will find advice on infant formula. How to mix it, and how to possibly combine it with breastfeeding.

Every family has a different approach when it comes to the little baby and food. Some breastfeed, some formula feed and some do both. How you do it is up to you and the needs of your family. If you choose to give your baby formula for the first few days, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Infant formula provides babies with the energy and nutrition they need, and the formula available for purchase is made to be as similar as possible to the nutrient content of breast milk.

There are different types of allowances to choose from. You can get advice from your child's health center on which type is most suitable for your baby. However, you should never mix your own infant formula from regular milk or similar, as it is not possible to get the right proportions of nutrients yourself. Also, do not add oil or other ingredients to the formula you buy. The wrong proportions can damage the baby's kidneys or prevent the baby from growing properly.

Combining breastfeeding and infant formula

Sometimes you may want to combine breastfeeding with formula feeding. For many, this works well, but for some it leads to an earlier than planned cessation of breastfeeding. This may be due to insufficient stimulation of breast milk production or because the baby prefers to suck on the bottle, as food comes out of it more quickly.

It is also a good idea to wait until milk production is well established and stable before starting to give formula, if possible. On the other hand, there are mothers who may need to formula feed at first, but then switch to breastfeeding only.

At the BVC, you can get practical advice on what to do if you combine breastfeeding and formula feeding, based on your specific situation.

Mixing infant formula

As children are susceptible to infections, it is important to pay attention to hygiene when preparing the replacement. Therefore, always wash your hands before you start. It is also important to use clean bottles and teats and to wash them thoroughly, but they do not need to be sterilized.

When mixing the substitute, you should use cold water which you then heat up, as the hot water from the tap may contain copper from the pipes. Mix the substitute according to the instructions on the package.
It also tells you how long ready-mixed formula lasts. Any formula left over after the child has eaten should be discarded.

Want to read about dietary advice for children aged 1-2? Click on the link here!