The major health organizations - including the American Academy
of Pediatrics (AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), the
American Dietetic Association (ADA), and the World Health
Organization (WHO) - agree that
breast milk
is the ideal form of nutrition for babies (especially during the
first 6 months). However, only you can decide what's best
for you and your baby. And commercially prepared formulas are
designed and strictly regulated to provide the nutrients your baby
needs.
Whether you've decided to formula feed your baby from the
start, are supplementing your breast milk with formula, or are
switching from breast milk to formula, you're bound to have
questions. Here are answers to some common inquiries about formula
feeding.
Is it OK to prop a bottle in my baby's mouth?
No. You shouldn't leave your baby unattended or feeding from
a "propped" bottle. Propping a bottle is a choking hazard
and can also lead to ear infections and baby bottle
tooth decay
, a serious dental condition that results from formula (as well as
breast milk or juice) pooling in your baby's mouth.
Always
hold your baby during feedings.
It is OK to let my baby sleep with a bottle?
No. You should
never
put your baby to bed with a bottle. Like propping a bottle, it can
cause choking, ear infections, and tooth decay.
How will I know if my baby has an allergy?
Some babies are
allergic
to the protein in cow's milk formula. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction may include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- rash
- even some blood in the baby's stools
Report any of these symptoms to your baby's doctor, and
follow his or her advice on switching to a special hypoallergenic
formula. But even if the doctor suspects an allergy, don't
spend too much time worrying that your child might be allergic
forever. Kids often outgrow milk protein allergies within a few
years.
Is soy formula safe for my baby?
Most doctors usually recommend giving babies cow's milk
formula unless there seems to be an allergy or intolerance, in
which case the doctor may recommend soy or hypoallergenic formula.
Soy formula - with added iron - contains the nutrients your baby
needs.
Some parents may worry after hearing or reading about certain
soy concerns, particularly about phytoestrogens (hormone-like
chemicals from plants) that are found in soy formulas. These
concerns need to be studied further, but so far research has not
found definite evidence that soy formulas negatively effect a
child's development or reproductive system.
Soy formula should be used under the direction of your doctor,
but it can be an alternative to cow's milk formula for
full-term infants. However, soy formulas are not recommended for
premature infants.
Do I need to give my formula-fed baby vitamins?
No. Commercial infant formulas with iron are manufactured to
contain all the nutrients your baby needs.
Does my baby need fluoride supplements?
Infants -whether breastfed or formula-fed - do
not
need
fluoride
supplements during the first 6 months. From 6 months to 3 years,
babies require fluoride supplements
only if
the water supply is severely deficient in fluoride. Ask your doctor
about what your little one needs.
My baby is really fussy. How can I help?
Your baby's fussiness may or may not have anything to do
with gas
or
the formula, nipple, or bottle you use. Some babies are simply
colicky
(continuously crying for long periods of time), especially during
the first 2 to 3 months.
If your baby does seem to be gassy or colicky, here are some
things that may help ease the gas pains and comfort your
little one:
- Walk with your baby or sit in a rocking chair, trying various
positions.
- Try
burping
your baby more often during feedings.
- Place your baby belly-down across your lap and rub his or her
back.
- Put a warm towel or warm water bottle on your baby's
belly, checking first to make sure it's not too hot.
- Hold your baby upright.
- Put your baby in a swing - the motion may have a soothing
effect.
- Put your baby in an infant car seat in the back of the car
and go for a ride. The vibration and movement of the car often
calm a baby.
- Try playing music - some babies respond to sound as well as
movement.
- Try turning on the dishwasher, clothing dryer, or a white
noise machine. The continuous gentle noise may sooth a crying
baby.
Sometimes, fussiness and gas may be a sign of milk allergy or
lactose intolerance. But be sure to talk to your doctor first
before switching your baby's formula. Let the doctor know how
your baby is acting so that he or she can rule out any other
possible causes.
Is it normal for my baby to spit up after feedings?
Sometimes, babies spit up when they:
- have eaten too much
- burp (the notorious "wet burp")
- drool
- cough or cry
Many infants will spit up a little after eating or during
burping because their digestive tracts are immature. That's
perfectly normal. But spitting up
isn't
the same as vomiting all or most of a feeding.
If you're concerned or your baby is vomiting (that is,
forcefully vomiting much of a feeding) more than once a day, call
your doctor. In rare cases, there may be an allergy, digestive
problem, or other problem that needs medical attention.
It also may help your doctor to properly diagnose the problem
(if there is one) if you keep a record of exactly how often and how
much your baby seems to be spitting up. He or she should be able to
tell you if it's normal or something that's cause for
concern.
But again, it's important to remember that spitting up is
usually perfectly OK. If the doctor says your baby's spitting
up is normal, here are some ways to help alleviate it:
- Burp your little one every 3 to 5 minutes during
feedings.
- Try giving smaller feedings more frequently.
- Hold your baby upright after feedings.
- Don't jiggle, bounce, or actively play with your baby
right after feedings.
- Make sure the nipple hole in your baby's bottle is the
right size for your baby. For example, fast flows may cause
babies to gag or may simply give them more than they can handle,
whereas slower flows may be frustrating to some babies and may
cause them to suck more vigorously and gulp too much air.
- Keep your baby's head above his or her feet while feeding
(in other words, don't hold your baby in a dipped-down
position when feeding).
- Raise the head of your baby's crib or bassinet. Roll up a
few small hand towels or receiving blankets (or buy special
blocks) to place under (
not
on top of) the mattress. But
don't use a pillow
under your baby's head, and always put your baby on his or
her back to sleep.
Also, keep in mind that many babies grow out of spitting up by
the time they're 1 year old.
How do I safely switch to a different formula?
Before making the decision to switch, be sure to talk to your
doctor. Parents often assume that formula plays a part in a
baby's fussiness, gas, spitting up, or lack of appetite. But
often that's not the case.
If giving the OK to switch formulas, your doctor will
recommend a way to do it so that your baby's feedings and
digestion aren't interrupted. The doctor may suggest mixing the
two formulas together little by little, then eventually eliminating
the original formula altogether.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: March 2009
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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