Parent’s Guide: Formula Feeding (Basics & Questions)

Important Rules of Thumb

• Maximum Daily Limit: Doctors recommend no more than 32 ounces (1 Liter) of formula in 24 hours. If your baby wants more than that, talk to your doctor about starting solid foods.
• Appetite Swings: Just like adults, babies are hungrier at some times than others (especially during growth spurts).
• Don’t Force It: If the baby pulls away or loses interest, stop the feeding. Overfeeding leads to vomiting and excessive weight gain.
• Night Feedings: Most formula-fed babies can sleep for longer stretches (giving up night feeds) by 4 months old.

Choosing the Water

• Tap Water: In most cities, cold tap water is safe. Run the tap for 1 minute before using to flush the pipes (avoids lead). Never use warm tap water from the faucet. Heat cold water to the desired temperature.
• Boiled Water: If you have well water, or live in an area with unsafe water, boil water for 10 minutes (add 1 minute per 1,000 feet of elevation).
• Bottled/Distilled: This is necessary if your baby has immune issues or your water source is contaminated.

Mixing Powder

• The Golden Rule: Always mix 2 ounces (60 mL) of water per 1 level scoop of powder (unless your specific can says otherwise).
• Warning: Never add extra water to stretch the formula. Diluted formula can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances and seizures.

Storage Rules

• Leftovers: If the baby has drunk from the bottle, throw away any leftovers after 1 hour. Bacteria from the mouth grows quickly in milk.
• Prepared Batches: If you mix a pitcher ahead of time, it must be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.
• Open Cans: Once a powder can is opened, keeping it in the fridge (covered) preserves freshness.

Should I switch formulas?

Parents often want to switch formulas when a baby is fussy, gassy, or spitting up.

• Reality Check: Switching is rarely helpful for gas or mild spit ups.
• When to switch:
  • Soy Formula: Sometimes helpful for severe diarrhea or vegetarian families.
  • Hydrolysate (Hypoallergenic) or Amino Acid Based formula: Used for true Cow’s Milk Allergy (1-2% of infants).
• Advice: Don’t switch without talking to your doctor first.

Do I need vitamins?

• No. Iron-fortified formula contains all the vitamins and minerals a baby needs.
• Cow’s Milk: Do not give regular cow’s milk before 12 months (it causes anemia).

What about “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay”?

• Never let a baby fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice in their mouth. The liquid pools around the teeth and rots them.
• If they need a bottle to sleep, use water only.

Is this poop normal?

Formula-fed stools look different than breastfed stools.

• First week: 1 to 8 stools per day.
• Color: Yellow, thick (like peanut butter), or green are all normal.
• Consistency: After 2 months, stools may become firmer and less frequent (once a day or every other day).

If you are formula feeding from birth, you may still experience breast engorgement.

• Manage Pain: Take Ibuprofen (400mg, 3 times a day).
• Cold Packs: Apply ice packs for 20 minutes to reduce swelling and milk production. Avoid heat (heat stimulates milk).
• Support: Wear a supportive sports bra 24 hours a day.
• Pumping: You can hand-express or pump a tiny amount just to relieve severe pressure, but emptying the breast will signal your body to make more milk.