Choosing food for the baby
Artificial feeding
Are you unable to breastfeed (anymore) or do you very consciously choose instead to breastfeed artificially, also called bottle feeding?
Difference bottle feeding and breastfeeding
If you are unable to breastfeed (anymore) or if you very consciously choose to breastfeed artificially, there are many brands of artificial formula for sale. Manufacturers try to approximate the composition of breast milk as much as possible. However, copying the exact composition of breast milk is not yet possible. This is because breast milk is tailored to a baby’s development and corresponding needs. Moreover, breast milk varies in taste depending on what the mother has eaten. Breast milk does not change in composition and therefore does not develop along with a child’s needs. A one-day-old baby receives the same nutrition in terms of composition and taste as a one-month-old baby, only the quantity is adjusted. Breast milk also contains antibodies and other bodily substances that stimulate the baby’s immune system; these substances cannot yet be imitated in formula. These substances protect your baby from certain infections.
Have questions or want more info?
Do you find it difficult to make choices what foods and what all are involved? Then we are here for you, our midwives on your team can give you tips and advice. You can also schedule an appointment with our lactation experts at the special nutrition consultation at 040verloskunde!
What formula should I buy for my baby?
Bottle formula sold in the Netherlands is basically approved. There are many different brands for sale with very varying costs. Try (as difficult as this may be) to look at the contents of the milk when choosing which formula.
- For starters, complete infant formula 1 is ALWAYS used.
- Bottle formula numbers 2 and 3 are for older infants and thus should not be used for the first 6 months not be used.
- Other varieties of food are best used only after consultation with one of our midwives, physician or nurse practitioner at the health clinic.
- Switching too much in brands and varieties can cause side effects.
‘Specialized’ power supplies
There are often several varieties available for each brand, for example, complete formula 1, 2 or 3, formula for hungry babies, hypoallergenic formula, formula for cramps and so on. These “specialized” foods are not necessary for a newborn unless a professional specifically recommends special foods! In fact, a baby who responds to crampy foods would do the same with breastfeeding, so an antispasmodic formula is not immediately needed.
Bottles and teats for artificial feeding
In terms of both bottles and teats, there are many different ones. It is not a given that your child will drink smoothly with the bottle-teat combination you purchase.
- It is important to start with a slow bottle with a narrow teat so that the formula does not flow into the stomach too quickly and the sucking need is satisfied.
- It is also impossible to tell in advance which combination bottle and teat your child will drink well with.
- It is sometimes in the first week anyway to figure out what works best for your child.
- So it is advisable not to buy too many of 1 kind of multiple bottles and teats until you are sure you have the right combination for your child.
- For the first period, though, it is helpful to buy a bottle that has a small scale (so you can measure out small amounts of milk).
- A pacifier specifically for newborns is also recommended.
Preparing bottle feeding
Before you get started, make sure your hands and materials are clean. A newborn baby still has little resistance to various bacteria that you are resistant to as an adult. It is therefore important to be hygienic. When preparing formula by the bottle, use cold water from the tap (it contains less calcium, bacteria and metals than hot water), then heat the formula to drinking temperature. Heating prepared formula is easy in a bottle warmer, but it can also be done in a pan of warm water. Be sure to swivel the bottle up and down a bit in between and at the end during heating to distribute the heat properly. If you heat the bottle using a microwave, follow these instructions:
- Use a maximum of 600 watts:
- Bottle 90 milliliters: 25 seconds
- Bottle 120 milliliters: 35 seconds
- Bottle 150 milliliters: 45 seconds
- Bottle 180 milliliters: 55 seconds
The bottles and teats should be boiled out before first use, 8 minutes for the bottles and 5 minutes for the teats. After this first time, it is safest to boil out the bottles and teats once a day. The bottles 3 minutes and the teats 1 minute.
- Boiling out is fine in a pan of water. You use cold water for this because it contains less lime, bacteria and metals than hot water.
- You put 2/3 of the bottles in the water and let it boil.
- Add the teats later and cook with them.
- When the cooking time is over, the pan can be drained and you can drain and cool the bottles and teats on a clean tea towel, then store them, preferably in the refrigerator.
Daily boiling applies for the first 3 months, after that your child has sufficient resistance and it is sufficient to wash the bottles and nipples after each feeding. Official guidelines state that with good hygiene, normal washing will suffice from the beginning and that boiling will not be necessary. Many experts are still debating this.
What food you feed your baby is an important choice. Not only for development, but also for the health of you and your baby. You can choose between breastfeeding or powdered milk (formula/bottle feeding). Our practice encourages breastfeeding, but your freedom of choice is very important. If (full) breastfeeding is not an option - for whatever reason - we will of course respect this. You will always get the information, guidance and support you need. If you would like to have a personal conversation with a breastfeeding consultant, please make an appointment at our breastfeeding consultation hour.
Give your baby 10 micrograms of vitamin D every day from the 8th day after birth. Vitamin K is only needed for the first 3 months if your baby is given less than 500 ml of formula per day.