I want to formula-feed my baby, but everybody says I should breastfeed. Why?

We, at BPA Free Baby Bottles Online, can't say enough how important the health benefits of breastfeeding are to your baby. If you and your little baby are both in good health, and able to, you may want to give nursing a try, at least for the first few weeks, so your natural immunities can be passed to your child. Or consider doing both. Many women combine breastfeeding and formula feeding.

That being said, baby formula feeding with a baby bottle is a valid, healthy choice for baby’s too— either right from birth or after a period of breastfeeding. If you're worried about your selection, try to separate the medical facts from the political and cultural language used by people all over the world. Remember, the most important thing you can do for your baby is love and nurture her — and that includes feeding her in the way that you choose. Feeding your baby must suit the both of you.

In the real world, there are a lot of good reasons women choose formula feeding over breastfeeding. Among them are having a baby with a poor sucking reflex (common in premature babies), prolonged mother-infant separation, painful nursing, the fear that your baby isn't getting enough milk, the need to return to work, a health problem that requires medication that shouldn't be passed to the nursing infant, and a desire to involve other family members in the feeding process.

What Brand Should I Use?

Baby formula, manufactured in western countries, is formulated to nutritionally and healthily simulate breast milk as closely as possible. While they can't pass along the resistance to infection that mother's milk does, baby formulas provide lot’s nourishment for a growing baby. Most formulas are based on cows' milk, goat’s milk or soybeans. Any formula you choose should be iron-fortified to prevent anemia.

Why can't I just feed my baby cows' milk?

In no way, under any circumstances, should you feed your infant regular cows' milk, in any form. Regular milk is not recommended until the first birthday because it doesn't have the proper nutritional elements needed by a growing infant and can trigger digestive trouble.

What are follow-up formulas and when should I switch to one?

Baby follow-up formula is specially formulated for babies 4 to 12 months old who are already eating some solids. Follow-up baby formulas contain more calcium, iron, protein, and calories than infant formulas, and can in most be a bit less expensive too. The majority of doctors encourage parents to introduce solid foods (baby cereal, pureed fruits and vegetables) to their babies at around 6 months rather than have them fill up on formula; it depends on the individual child though. Babies with allergies to food, those who are very sensitive to different foods, and those with a history of poor growth may benefit from follow-up formula. Talk to your doctor to find out what's best for your baby.

I'd like to supplement breast milk with formula. How should I do it?

Lactation specialists and midwives say waiting to introduce a bottle until your baby is 3 to 4 weeks old. By then, breastfeeding is likely to be going great but your baby's not so old as to be too resistant to a new kind of teat. (Breast and baby bottles require different types of sucking by your baby) It's best to have someone other than you give the first bottle because the baby will be able to smell you and your milk and may refuse anything except real breast milk.

If you plan to use baby formula for the odd feeding session, limit baby bottles to one per 24 hours to avoid slowing your breast milk production. If you're returning to work soon and plan on having your caregiver give your baby formula while you're away and nursing when you're home, ease into it by replacing one feeding with a bottle every 3 to 4 days