Bottle Feeding

If you are unable to breastfeed:

  • infant formula is strongly recommended as the main source of food until your baby is 12 months old
  • choose a formula suitable to the age of your baby. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Cows’ milk, sweetened condensed milk, powdered milk, soy milk, goats’ milk and evaporated milk are not suitable for young babies
  • switching from one formula to another is not recommended. Avoid special formulas (eg soy) unless recommended by your General Practitioner or Family and Child Health Nurse

It is not recommended that you heat bottles in the microwave as the milk heats unevenly and may cause burns to your baby’s mouth.

Discard any formula left over at the end of the feed

 

Sterilisation of feeding equipment

  • Sterilisation of bottles, teats and/or dummies reduces the risk of infection in your baby
  • Wash bottles, teats and/or dummies in hot soapy water. Rinse well
  • Bottles and teats may be sterilised by microwaving, boiling or using chemical solution

For specific advice on feeding your baby contact your Family and Child Health Nurse.