Formula Feeding Guide

Choosing a Formula

There are approximately 47,000 options and they're all basically the same. The FDA regulates infant formula strictly. Any formula on the shelf meets nutritional requirements.

We used: Similac Pro-Advance. Why? It was what the hospital sent us home with and she tolerated it well. That's it. That's the whole decision process.

Types of Formula

• Cow's milk-based: The standard. Start here unless there's a reason not to.
• Gentle/sensitive: Partially broken-down proteins. For babies with mild fussiness.
• Soy-based: For dairy allergies (though many dairy-allergic babies are also soy-allergic).
• Hypoallergenic: Extensively hydrolyzed. For confirmed dairy/soy protein allergies. Expensive and tastes terrible but works when you need it.
• Specialized: For reflux, premature babies, etc. Your pediatrician will tell you if you need these.

See Dairy/Soy Allergy Guide if you suspect allergies.

Preparation Safety

Formula preparation is chemistry. Follow the directions exactly.

Mixing Formula

• Water first, then powder. Not the other way around. Order matters.
• Exact measurements. Use the scoop that comes with the formula. Level it off. Don't pack it down.
• Follow the ratio. Usually 2 oz water per 1 scoop powder. Check your specific formula's instructions.
• Don't add extra powder. It won't make baby fuller - it will make them dehydrated and can damage their kidneys.
• Don't dilute. Watering down formula to save money is dangerous.

Water for Formula

Under 3 months or immunocompromised babies: use boiled water (cooled to room temp) or sterile bottled water.

Over 3 months with healthy immune systems: tap water is usually fine if your water supply is safe. We used tap water run through our Brita.

When traveling or water quality is questionable: nursery water or boiled water.

Bottle Preparation System

This is how we stayed sane:

Our Method

Once per day (usually morning):

• Made 4-5 bottles for the day
• Stored them in the fridge
• Labeled each with date/time made (formula only good for 24 hours once mixed)

Before each feed:

• Warmed bottle in bottle warmer (4 minutes) or warm water bath
• Tested temperature on inside of wrist
• Fed baby

After each feed:

• Discarded remaining formula (can't save it - bacteria from baby's mouth)
• Rinsed bottle immediately
• Put in dishwasher or washed by hand

Equipment We Used

• Dr. Brown's bottles: Reduced gas. More parts to clean but worth it.
• Baby Brezza Formula Pitcher: For mixing multiple bottles at once. Game changer.
• Bottle warmer: Faster than water bath, consistent temperature.
• Multiple bottle sets: We had 12 bottles total. Never ran out between dishwasher cycles.
• Drying rack: OXO Tot. Bottles dry faster when air can circulate.

How Much and How Often

General guidelines (check with your pediatrician):

Total daily amounts:

• Birth-1 month: 16-24 oz/day
• 1-6 months: 24-32 oz/day
• 6-12 months: 24-32 oz/day (decreases as solids increase)

These are guidelines. Your baby might eat more or less. Follow their hunger cues.

Paced Bottle Feeding

This mimics breastfeeding and prevents overfeeding.

How to do it:

• Hold baby semi-upright, not lying flat
• Use a slow-flow nipple
• Keep bottle horizontal, not tipped fully up
• Let baby pull nipple into their mouth, don't force it
• Take breaks every few minutes - remove nipple, let baby breathe
• Watch for fullness cues: turning away, slowing down, falling asleep

Night Feeds

The advantage of formula: anyone can do night feeds.

Our system:

• Kept bottles pre-made in fridge
• Bottle warmer in the bedroom
• My husband did the 2am feed, I did the 5am
• Split nights = both of us got some consecutive sleep

After 6 months, we sleep trained and night feeds stopped. See Sleep Guide.

The Cost Reality

Formula is expensive. Let's not pretend otherwise.

What we spent: About $150-200/month on Similac Pro-Advance.

Ways to save money:

• Sign up for formula brand's rewards program - they send coupons and samples
• Buy in bulk at Costco or Sam's Club
• Generic/store brand formulas are FDA-regulated the same as name brands - they work
• Ask your pediatrician for samples
• Don't buy specialized formulas unless you need them

Common Issues and Solutions

Gas and Fussiness

• Try anti-colic bottles (Dr. Brown's, Tommee Tippee)
• Ensure proper mixing - foam creates gas
• Burp frequently during feeds
• Consider sensitive formula if issue persists

Constipation

• Normal for formula-fed babies to go a few days without pooping
• If they're straining or uncomfortable, call pediatrician
• Sometimes switching formulas helps
• Don't add anything to formula without doctor approval

Spit-up

• Some spit-up is normal
• Try smaller, more frequent feeds
• Keep baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding
• If it's projectile or baby isn't gaining weight, call pediatrician

Switching Formulas

You don't need to transition gradually unless switching to hypoallergenic. Just switch. The "upset stomach from switching" is mostly a myth.

That said, don't switch constantly. Give a formula at least a week unless there's an obvious allergic reaction.

Dealing with Judgment

People will have opinions. Here's what to know:

• You don't owe anyone an explanation for why you formula feed
• "That's what works for our family" is a complete sentence
• Your baby's doctor supports your feeding choices - random strangers' opinions are irrelevant
• Formula-fed babies grow up to be just as healthy and smart as breastfed babies