In this section, you will find information on safe and responsive feeding, infant formula facts, how to safely make up a feed and sterilising.
Responsive feeding is important when helping to build close and loving relationships with your baby. It is a great time to help create that bond between you and your baby and support optimum brain development. Offer your baby a bottle when they show signs of hunger. It is important to recognise early feeding cue signs such as stirring, mouth opening and rooting. Paced bottle feeding allows your baby to take the milk at their own pace, so they are not overwhelmed with the fast flow of milk.
- Hold your baby in a semi upright position. Encourage eye contact and interact with your baby to help them feel reassured. It is recommended to alternate sides with every feed
- Gently rub the teat on the top lip and invite baby to open their mouth
- Allow your baby to gently take the bottle into their mouth, holding the bottle in a horizontal position. This is well help prevent the milk from flowing too fast
- Observe baby for signs of wanting a break. Gently remove the teat/tip bottle down to stop the flow of milk
- Your baby may want a break for a cuddle/burp
- Never force your baby to take the whole feed
- Never prop the bottle or leave your baby unattended
First infant formula is the only formula you need in the first year or your baby’s life. It doesn’t matter which brand you choose, as they are all very similar. There is no evidence to suggest using milk such as hungry baby or anti-colic have any additional benefits. Please visit the first steps to nutrition website for more information.
Infant milks for parents & carers — First Steps Nutrition Trust
Your baby’s immune system is still developing, therefore it is important to protect them from infections such as vomiting and diarrhoea by sterilising all feeding equipment. It is recommended that all equipment is sterilised until they are 12 months old.
It is important to wash all feeding equipment as soon as possible after it has been used in hot, soapy water. You can use a bottle brush to clean the inside of the bottles and a small teat brush to clean the inside of the teats. All equipment should then be rinsed under a cold running tap before sterilising. Feeding equipment can be placed face down in a dishwasher, however this will only clean the equipment and not sterilise it.
There are many ways to sterilise equipment such as steam, cold water solution and boiling. UV sterilising is not recommended.
It is important to make up one feed at a time and discard any unused formula after one hour.
- Ensure all equipment is sterilised before use
- Fill the kettle with at least one litre of fresh tap water
- Boil the kettle and allow to cool for no longer than 30 minutes (ensuring the water is above 70 degrees Celsius)
- Always put the water into the bottle first and follow the manufacturers instructions as to how much water to use
- Using the scoop provided, loosely fill the powder scoop and level off. Only add the suggested number of scoops as per manufacturer’s instructions
- Ensure teat is firmly screwed on to the bottle and cover the teat with the lid
- Shake the bottle to dissolve all the powder
- It is important to cool the formula down by holding the bottom of the bottle under cold running water
- Test the temperature of the formula on the inside of the wrist before feeding
- The temperature should feel warm/cool but not hot
Currently we do not have the facilities to be able to make bottles using powdered formula. If you are planning on formula feeding, please bring pre-made first infant formula into the hospital with you as we are unable to provide this. These usually come as starter kits and contain 6x70mls pre-made formula bottles.
