| name: | Bottle Feeding |
| also known as: | Formula Feeding; Feeding Formula |
| also see: | Breast Feeding; Burping |
| description: | When and infant is to be fed artificial milk, it can begin right away as it is usually not necessary to test bottle feeding with water or with sugar water, unless sucking or swallowing ability is in question. The nipple should be firm with a small opening in order to prevent swallowing too much air, unless otherwise indicated (cleft lip, cleft palate). Feeding should be on demand and bottle fed infants usually feed every 3-4 hours, starting with 1/2 oz of formula each feeding for the first few days and then graduating to 1-2 oz per feeding during the first week eventually increasing to 3-4 oz per feeding with 6 feedings per day (18-24 oz per day). Newborn full term infants can tolerate full strength formula so there is no need to water down formula and risk malnutrition. Infants can be offered water between feedings, especially in hot weather and to avoid overfeeding. Commercially available formulas containing iron are satisfactory and come in powder, concentrated liquid, and pre diluted liquid. Special hypoallergenic formula and predigested formula are available (see Food Allergy, Lactose Intolerance, Cystic Fibrosis). Cow's milk is NOT recommended for at least one year. Additionally, in order to prevent food sensitivities, wheat, eggs, chocolate should also be avoided for one year. |
| treatment: | Infants should be cradled, head slightly elevated, and burped frequently. |
Last updated 4/20/2008