All the Ins and Outs on Bottle Feeding

Bottle feeding is often overlooked in most childbirth preparation books and courses. Yet, if breastfeeding is not desired or not possible, it is important to be well-informed about formula feeding. Be aware: the market is large and lucrative, so don’t be fooled by marketing claims, and always seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals.

Which formula to give?
Which water to use?
Which bottle to use?
How to prepare bottles?
How much milk should I give?

1. Which formula to give?

In Europe, standards for infant formulas are very strict, and formulas are quite similar. For a newborn, approximately for the first 6 months, it will be a ‘first age’ formula. Some children have specific needs and may require specialized formula (allergies, reflux, intolerance, prematurity…) as recommended by a healthcare professional. Ensure that you give your baby a formula that you can easily purchase; you don’t want to change formulas every 10 days nor travel across town to buy more. Many pediatricians, however, recommend following these criteria:

Limited protein content: preferably less than 1.34 g/100ml (which represents the average protein content of first age formulas).
Addition of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Limited salt content: the sodium level should be below 24 mg per 100mL (which is the average sodium content of first age formulas). Other criteria may influence your choice, such as organic or non-organic formula, place of manufacture, price… Note that plant-based milks are not suitable for newborns’ diets.

2. Which water to use?

In most cases, tap water is the best source for baby feeding (highly regulated, no plastic waste, better for the environment, always available, and nearly free). If you’re unsure about lead contamination in your pipes, don’t hesitate to contact your local GGD/JGZ or VVE.

If you use bottled water, pour it into a glass rather than drinking directly from the bottle. Carbonated, flavored, or mineral-rich waters (especially those high in sodium) are not suitable for infant feeding.

3. Which bottle to use?

Again, the market is broad. Bottle nipples come in different flow speeds; start with the slowest. Some nipples are adaptive and allow for variable flow rates.

The bottle material doesn’t matter much—some are made of plastic or glass and may include anti-reflux valves.

4. How to prepare bottles?

Wash your hands: Always wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean utensils: Ensure the bottle, nipple, and cap are clean. It’s recommended to sterilize them before first use, but daily sterilization is not necessary. You can sterilize by boiling or using a bottle sterilizer. Note: Dishwasher cleaning may cause bottles/nipples to absorb detergent odors or flavors.
Prepare the water: Use fresh tap or bottled water, as previously mentioned. Pour the required amount into the bottle.
Add the correct amount of powdered formula: Follow the package instructions. Use only the scoop provided. Usually, it’s 1 scoop per 30ml of water.
Shake the bottle: Secure the nipple and cap, then shake gently until fully dissolved.
Check the milk temperature: As previously noted.
Discard leftover milk: If not finished, discard after 1 hour at room temperature, as bacteria from the baby’s saliva can multiply.

Prepared bottles can be stored for:

2 hours at room temperature, or
24 hours in the fridge (if stored in a sterilized bottle).

5. How much milk should I give?

To have an idea of how much formula to give to your baby, know that at birth, a baby’s stomach is about the size of a hazelnut, then gradually increases to the size of an apricot within a week, and finally to the size of an egg within a month. Since formula is less digestible than breast milk, it is recommended to have an interval of 2.5 to 4 hours between two feedings. Ideally, aim for 6-8 feedings within 24 hours. At the beginning, the baby will drink 10 ml per feeding, then gradually increase.

Always try to offer a little more so that your child can stop when no longer hungry. Offer amounts in multiples of 30 (as 1 scoop of milk corresponds to 30ml of water). When your baby finishes most of the 60ml feedings, offer 90ml, then 120ml, etc. Don’t hesitate to take breaks during your baby’s feeding. This will allow them to burp, digest better, and feel satiety approaching so they don’t drink too much.

If you are experiencing any struggle with feeding your baby, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, formula feeding or both, please do not hesitate to get support. Reach out to a lactation consultant on Parentally.nl.

→ Click here to connect with a lactation consultant.