The decision of whether to breastfeed your baby or opt for formula feeding is one of the primary decisions you will have to make when your baby is born. Studies have shown that it is ideal to choose breast milk for at least the first 6 months since your baby is born.

However, for some mothers, it might not be possible to breastfeed and they might choose formula feeding. The meaning of formula feeding is to give formula milk to your baby in a bottle. It is essentially cow’s milk that has been enhanced to make it easily digestive for young babies.

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding:

• Breastfeeding protects your child from various illnesses and infections and is considered the most natural and healthy food for your baby

• Breast milk is easier to digest and lighter on the stomach of your babies

• Formula feeding is more convenient and flexible and can be done by anyone. It is ideal for working women

• Your partner can also participate in formula feeding at night and develop a bond with your baby

• You don’t have to worry about what to eat if you are not breastfeeding

For new moms, it can be quite confusing to decide how much formula to feed a new born. There is no definite answer since every baby is unique and it depends on individual needs that how much formula feeding is required for your baby. At Mothers Zone, we get you some expert formula feeding guide that will help you along the growth of your baby.

How much Formula to Measure Out?

If your baby is not having solids, you can use this guide by Mothers Zone to roughly determine the formula requirements for your baby:

Ideally, your baby will want 150 ml to 200 ml of formula per kg of his body weight. So if your baby weights 4 kg, he will need 600 to 800 ml over 24 hours to complete his hunger. However, in the first week, your baby’s tummy will be weak so he will need quite less. To know how much formula to feed, you can also start by giving 30 ml to 60 ml servings, around 8-10 times a day. Once the baby becomes 2 months old, he will require food 6-8 times in a day. The ideal amount of servings will be 120-180 ml at each time.

Best Positions for Formula Feeding:

•Cradle your Baby – Hold the baby in your arms with your other arm around or underneath him. Lift your arm with the baby’s head. You must never feed your baby in a lying down position.

• Sit up the Baby – If your baby has a gas or acid reflux problem, sit your baby in your lap so that he is upright.

• Place Him in your Lap – This position is ideal for when you are lying down. Place the baby in your lap with his head on your knees and feet on your stomach. This is a great position since you and your baby can have a great eye contact and can establish a strong bond while feeding.

• Tilt the bottle – You must ensure that you tilt the bottle while feeding so that the baby does not have painful gas.

Risks of Formula Feeding Baby:

It is natural to worry about the risks of formula feeding for new mothers. We at Mothers Zone bring you some insights about the risks so that you can be assured of your baby’s good health.

• Risk of Lung Infections – Children who are formula fed have a 16.7 times higher chance of having pneumonia than children who are breastfed

• Risk of Ear Infections – Formula fed babies have a 50% higher chance of ear infections compared to breastfed babies

• Risk of Allergy and Asthama – Studies show that formula fed babies have a higher chance of having an allergy or developing asthama or wheezing.

• Risk of Diarrhoea – Babies who are formula fed are twice more likely to have diarrhoea than breastfed babies

However, you must remember that in spite of the risks, formula feeding babyis a common and flexible solution for mothers who are not comfortable with breast feeding. When proper precautions are taken, you can avoid these risks and give your baby a safe life ahead. In order to choose the right formula for your baby, you must consider the form it comes in, the protein and carbohydrate form it uses and the other ingredients that are part of the milk. The three types include ready-to-use, liquid concentrated and powdered. You must choose one that suits your baby and your family lifestyle the best.

Formula feeding can be just as rewarding as breastfeeding to develop a bond with your baby. With the right formula feeding guide from Mothers Zone, you can definitely enrich this experience and provide good health and meals for your baby.