How to feed baby formula on the go
Simple Tips for Making a Bottle of Baby Formula on the Go – The Baby's Brew
Going out for errands and day trips was so much easier pre-baby, right? In fact, you probably took it for granted...but gone are the days of grab your keys and go. Heading out the door with a little one in tow requires a lot more planning and ensuring you have all the essentials to give your baby what they need and when they need it. Preparing a bottle of formula on the go is one of those tricky things you’ll want to get right.
Luckily, with a bit of prep, a solid plan, and a couple of key tools, making a bottle of baby formula on the go will be something that soon becomes second nature, making those outings with your baby that much easier.
Making a Plan for Your Outing With Your Formula-Fed BabyBefore you even head out the door, you want to have a plan in place for your day. Consider where you’ll be going, what’s available there, how many stops you’ll have to make, how long you’ll be gone and how many times you’ll have to feed your baby while you’re out.
These considerations may seem like a lot in the moment, but as you go out more with your baby, you’ll be able to more quickly plan for what you’ll need to bring along for your baby and how much.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to best prep ahead of time:
1.) Where are you going?
Going to the zoo for several hours is a lot different than doing a couple of quick errands near your neighborhood. A lot more planning needs to go into packing for a day trip with a baby than a couple of stops where you’ll be back in your car after a half hour or so.
2.) Will there be water there?Obviously water is pretty readily available in most places, but is getting water from the bathroom tap ideal? Honestly it’s most likely fine, but if you can avoid taking out your baby’s bottle out in a public bathroom it’s probably best. Bringing your own water in most situations usually ends up being more convenient anyway.
3.
) How many stops are you making?Sometimes it’s just easier to feed your baby in a parked car than inside somewhere, especially if your baby isn't old enough to hold their bottle themselves in a stroller. So if you have several shorter errands you may just want to plan to feed your baby this way in between stops.
4.) How long will you be gone?More prep is required for outings that last more than an hour or two. If you can squeeze your outing in between feeding time and/or naptime, that is the best way to go, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way. Being gone for a longer amount of time will require you to prep more formula bottles ahead and/or on the go.
5.) How many times will you need to give your baby a bottle?You’ll want to consider the duration of time you’ll be away from home and plan accordingly. Newborns are much more unpredictable with their feeding needs, and it’s important to feed on demand at that young age. So if this is the case, make sure that you have plenty of formula to meet their needs.
Older babies usually have more of a routine when it comes to feeding time, so it will be easier to know if you’ll need just one bottle or more. We recommend always having at least enough for one extra bottle just in case you end up needing to be gone longer than expected.
Making a bottle of formula on the go doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little bit of forethought to get everything prepped ahead of time and have the right containers and tools with you as you head out will make for the most seamless experience possible. Thinking and planning ahead makes for a happy baby and stress-free parents!
1.) Make One (Or More) Bottles Ahead of TimeA lot of parents wonder if you can make formula bottles in advance.
Once a formula bottle is prepped, it can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. So, even if you don’t have a cooler bag, it’s ok to prep one bottle ahead of time as long as you plan to give it to your baby in this timeframe.
If you don’t want to worry about actually making formula bottles while you’re out and don’t mind taking a cooler bag along for storage, you can go ahead and make all of your bottles before you leave. This way you won’t have to worry about dealing with powdered formula while you’re out which can be a little tricky.
It’s also a little bit easier to make sure everything is cleaned properly when you prep bottles in advance. We touch on these safe practices and more in our article, “How to Prepare Baby Formula Safely.”
2.) Pre-Measure Formula and Use a Formula DispenserIf you don’t want to take a cooler bag with you or are trying to minimize what you bring along on your outing, one of the best ways to simplify the process of making a bottle of formula on the go is by measuring out the formula in advance. They sell great little containers, such as ones we mention here, that can hold and dispense the exact amount of formula you’ll need.
3.) Bring a Travel Bottle WarmerOne of our favorite gadgets is the Baby’s Brew portable bottle warmer.
Not only can you opt-in for the detachable mess-free dispenser that perfectly measures out your baby’s powdered formula (and keeps it all contained!), but it also quickly and safely warms your baby’s bottle on the go. With four temperatures to choose from, you'll be able to give your baby their bottle just the way they prefer it. Plus, it's completely cordless and holds a charge for up to 12 hours, making it ideal for whatever outing you have planned.
As mentioned earlier, it’s best to bring your own water if you can. Though tap water is perfectly safe to prepare a baby’s formula bottle, having to fill it in a public restroom can be a bit unsanitary. Using bottled water is another option and is safe to use in your baby’s formula bottle. No need for it to be warm if you have a portable bottle warmer as mentioned above.
5.) Don’t Forget the Clean Up!Messes with a little one are inevitable. And this is especially true on the go.
It may be just a bit of a spilled formula or it could be a huge blowout from your baby who sucked down their bottle 15 minutes earlier...either way, make sure you’re prepared so you don’t have to cut your outing short. Here a few things to have on hand to keep it all cleaned up:
- Bottle Wipes - These are great to give your baby’s bottle a quick wipe after they’re finished or to sanitize before they drink from it if need be. However, these should not replace a full-cleaning between bottles.
- Burp Cloths - Even if you have a baby who rarely spits up, don’t forget to bring the burp cloths and actually use them. We know you won’t regret it. Plus these work great for a quick wipe if any formula gets on the stroller, car seat, etc.
- Baby Wipes - Do you ever NOT need baby wipes?!
- Extra Diapers - All those yummy formula bottles you give your baby on the go means your baby is um, going to have to “go” too. Be prepared with more than enough diapers.
- Extra baby outfit - On that same note, make sure you ALWAYS have an extra outfit when you head out with your little one in case that diaper just can’t hold it all in.
- Plastic Grocery Bags - I never left home without a couple of grocery bags stashed in my diaper bag or car. This is a great place to store a dirty diaper until you’re near a trash can when you can toss it.
We also recommend having a diaper bag that you can easily wash and/or wipe clean.
How do you travel with baby formula?It’s one thing to go out for a few hours and have to figure out how you’ll give your baby their bottle, it becomes next level when you have airplane travel or a road trip to navigate. Many of the above tips apply to these circumstances, but a little more forethought and planning is required. And of course, bringing a lot more formula along with you!
We recommend checking out our article, “Tips for Traveling With Your Baby” to make your trip as simple and successful as possible when it comes to feeding and caring for your little one.
Baby Formula on the Go, Michelle LaRowe
Perrigo purchases Nestlé’s Gateway infant formula plant and acquires the U.S. and Canadian rights to Good Start® infant formula brand. Learn more
By Michelle LaRowe
Whether you’re venturing out for the day or heading out for just a few hours, you’ll want to make certain you’re prepared to feed your baby whenever and wherever he or she sees fit. For formula fed babies, be sure you’re prepared to feed your baby formula on the go. Consider these key tips for the mobile mom.
Invest in a washable diaper bag. Whoever said don’t cry over spilled milk has never had a pool of leftover infant formula from a leaky baby bottle at the bottom of their designer diaper bag. When it comes to diaper bags, practicality reins king. Opt for a bag that can be tossed into the washing machine or one that can be completely wiped down in the event you experience a formula spill.
Always pack extra infant formula.
You never know when you’re going to get stuck in traffic or when a doctor’s visit is going to go much longer than expected. Add a crying, hungry baby to an already stressful situation and voila: you have the perfect recipe for a mommy meltdown. Always bring extra water, powdered baby formula, diapers, wipes, burp clothes and a change of clothes with you and you’ll be prepared for whatever situation you face.
Avoid overpriced options. It can be tempting to purchase single-serve tubes of powered formula or individual servings of readymade infant formula, but don’t. These solutions are short-lived and overpriced. Individual serving solutions are typically prepared in 4 ounce servings for formula fed babies. If your baby typically eats more than that, you can end up spending a small fortune per feeding or wasting a substantial amount of unused baby formula since it can’t be prepared in two ounce servings.
Pick up a formula dispenser. For less than four bucks, you can purchase a reusable, divided canister that will hold premeasured amounts infant formula.
In each compartment, add the appropriate scoops of formula for your baby’s feeding amount; in your baby’s bottle, add the appropriate amount of water. When you’re out and about simply open the dispenser and pour it into the premeasured, water-filled bottle for quick and easy bottle prep.
Be formula prep savvy. If your baby only drinks warmed infant formula, consider heating water, adding it to a small thermos, and bringing it with you to avoid having to warm prepared formula on the go. Alternatively, place warmed water in a bottle and store the bottle in an isolated bag. If you’re not going to have access to a sink to clean bottles or if packing space is limited, consider using bottles with disposable liners and packing extra nipples and rings instead.
Brush up on bottle feeding safety. If you’ll be away less than two hours, you can make bottles in advance and store them in an insulated cooler with ice packs. If you’ll be away for more than two hours, prepare bottles as needed.
And remember, if a previously chilled bottle of baby formula is left out for more than an hour, you’ll need to toss it. It’s also important to remember that once your baby starts eating from a bottle, uneaten formula can’t be saved for later use. Discarding excess baby formula is important in preventing the growth of bacteria that can occur from contact with your baby’s saliva.
While it can be tempting to take shortcuts to save time and money, when it comes to feeding your baby, shortcuts aren’t allowed. If you’re feeling pressured to stretch your formula further by saving uneaten formula for later or increasing the amount of water you add to your baby’s bottle, don’t. The health consequences your baby could encounter aren’t worth it. Instead, consider smart ways to save by avoiding high priced, single-serving solutions and by opting for store brand formulas. Store brand infant formulas meet all nutritional and quality standards set forth by the FDA; our baby formula calculator will show you how you can save you up to 50% on formula without sacrificing quality.
About the Author
Michelle LaRowe is the author of the Nanny to the Rescue! parenting series, Working Mom's 411 and A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists. A return-to-work mom and expert on formula fed babies, Michelle is called on by the media as a parenting expert and has appeared on local, national and international television and radio and has been featured in print.
How to formula feed your baby | Nutrilak
02/15/2022 Reading time: 5 min 23606
Contents of article
- Can I formula feed my baby?
- What formula to feed the baby
- How do I choose formula for my baby?
- How long should I formula feed my baby?
The ideal food for an infant is breast milk.
This position is voiced by the World Health Organization and shared by Russian pediatricians. But there are times when breastfeeding is impossible for objective reasons, and sometimes mothers underestimate its importance and think about whether it would not be easier to transfer the child to a formula.
Can I formula feed my baby?
In cases where breastfeeding is not possible, the child is not only possible, but also necessary to be fed with mixtures. Modern adapted milk formulas for baby food are close to breast milk and contain all the necessary components for the normal growth and development of the child.
Milk formula is much better for feeding a child in the first year of life than, for example, whole cow or goat milk, liquid semolina. The baby's digestive tract is not ready for such loads, they can cause serious disturbances in the body.
If the baby is separated from the mother, if the woman is forced to take medications that are incompatible with breastfeeding, if she has diseases that make natural feeding impossible, then formula milk is a means of salvation.
It will not only allow the child to stay alive without mother's milk, but will also give the opportunity to live a full life.
At the same time, without objective reasons, formula feeding a child is a bad decision. Although the milk formula is close in composition to breast milk, it does not reproduce it: this is not yet possible at the current level of development of science. The mixture does not adapt to the needs and condition of the baby, as it happens with breast milk.
Transferring to a mixture should be treated in the same way as taking a medicine: if there are indications for it, then artificial nutrition, like a medicine, will be for the good. If it is possible to feed the child with breast milk, then at least in the first 3-4 months after birth, one should strive to maintain breastfeeding. This is necessary for the baby's digestive system to mature and begin to produce enough enzymes, the intestines to be populated with normal microflora.
WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months, and then, combining it with complementary foods, continue to breastfeed the child up to 2 years and longer, at the request of mother and baby.
Russian pediatricians recommend the introduction of complementary foods from 4 to 6 months.
What formula to feed the baby
If there is a need to give the baby formula milk, you need to discuss this with the pediatrician. He will recommend what kind of mixture to feed the child, so as not to harm his digestion.
Whichever formula you use, there are general rules to follow when feeding your baby:
- Use sterile bottles and teats for feeding. After each feeding, they must be thoroughly washed and sterilized so as not to become a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria.
- Do not store reconstituted formula, feed immediately to baby. In case of emergency (it is not possible to dilute a new portion, leave the baby with a relative who does not know how to cook baby food, etc.
- The mixture must be prepared immediately before feeding.
This is important!
The prepared mixture should be used within 2 hours.
For subsequent feeding, the remains of the prepared mixture in the bottle cannot be used.
- Label the date the pack or can of formula was opened. It is necessary to use baby food from an opened package within 3 weeks. After the expiration of the period indicated on the packaging, the manufacturer does not guarantee the safety of its products.
- If you need to switch your baby to a different formula, do it gradually: on the first day, give a couple of teaspoons of the new formula in one feeding, then during the week increase the amount of new formula and the number of feedings in which you will give it until you completely replace the old mixture for a new one.
- The introduction and change of formula is stressful for the body, so do not change formulas without indications from the child's health. Be sure to consult your doctor if you are concerned about any symptoms in your baby while taking the mixture.
This is important!
You can heat the finished mixture only once.
How do I choose formula for my baby?
Formula for a child should be recommended by a doctor, but you also need to understand the types of baby food in order to understand why such an appointment is made, whether options are possible and when to change the prescribed mixture.
To choose the right formula for your baby, you need to consider the following conditions:
- Child's health status. If the baby is healthy, he is prescribed a standard mixture. If he was born prematurely, his mother had a caesarean section, if he was allergic to cow's milk protein or lactose intolerance, if functional digestive disorders are expressed - regurgitation, constipation, colic - the child will need a specialized or therapeutic mixture.
- Child's age. Standard mixtures are produced under the marking 1, 2, 3, sometimes 4. These numbers show what age the mixture is designed for: 1 - for babies in the first half of the year, 2 - for children from 6 to 12 months, 3 - over a year, 4 - over one and a half years.
- Mix availability. If possible, choose a brand of infant formula that you can easily buy at your nearest store or pharmacy. If a child needs a certain type of therapeutic mixture, which will be brought to you on order, nothing can be done, you will have to purchase food with a margin and replenish it in time. But if the child is healthy, then choose the food that is easier for you to purchase so that you can buy a new package at any time.
- Individual reactions of the child. Sometimes a child may react differently to mixtures of the same composition from different manufacturers. It is impossible to calculate in advance whether the mixture is suitable. Therefore, without a doctor's prescription, you should not transfer the child to another mixture, for example, goat's milk or with some additives, based only on the fact that these mixtures are more expensive, “premium”, more environmentally friendly, more popular.
- Expiration date, package integrity.
Check the expiration date of infant formula, the condition of the packaging. Do not use a mixture from damaged, dented, wet packs and cans.
How long should I formula feed my baby?
During the first year of life, infant formula, like breast milk, is the main food for the baby. For children older than one year, formula, or baby milk, is an important addition to the basic diet, a source of essential vitamins and minerals. If the mixture is selected in accordance with age, then it is possible to feed a child with it up to one and a half to two years, and sometimes longer. However, the number of formula feedings at this age is reduced to 1-2 times a day, for example, as an afternoon snack or second dinner.
As for specialized and therapeutic mixtures, only the doctor determines the duration of their intake. The pediatrician will explain how to switch to special formulas correctly and how and when to leave them for standard nutrition.
List
- The baby can be formula fed if breastfeeding is not possible.
- A mixture for a child is chosen based on his state of health, age, individual reactions. It is important that the mixture is always available for purchase, has a good shelf life and presentation.
- You can feed your baby with formula for as long as breast milk. In the first year of life, infant formula is the main food for the child, and up to two years and beyond, it is an addition to the main diet.
(6 ratings; article rating 2.8)
feeding rules, types of mixtures, tips for nursing mothers
If breastfeeding is not possible, do not be upset: modern technologies make it possible to achieve maximum compliance of artificial feeding with all healthy nutrition standards. We talk about the basic rules of artificial feeding and common mistakes.
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If you can breastfeed, great, this is the best food for your baby. But if for some reason natural feeding is not possible, this is not a reason to panic: there are now many healthy mixtures that can replace mother's milk. Study our rules for artificial feeding, and everything will work out!
When to switch to artificial feeding
- Inability to breastfeed for medical reasons. With some diseases, as well as when taking a number of medications, breastfeeding is prohibited, since milk can be dangerous for the baby due to the content of toxic substances. Sometimes the reason to stop breastfeeding may be the child's disease (for example, cleft lip or severe malformations).
- Cessation of lactation. If there is not enough milk or it has disappeared completely, there is nothing to do, you need to supplement the baby with mixtures.
As a rule, mixed and artificial feeding solve the problem. - Impossibility of regular feeding. For example, you can go to work or end up in a hospital, and this is not a reason to starve a child, but a reason to switch to mixed or artificial feeding: the rules for feeding and portion sizes change somewhat.
- Inadequate nutritious milk from the mother. Sometimes the problem is solved by changing your diet, but if the milk remains watery and the baby is screaming with hunger, then it's time to supplement him with mixtures, and later switch to them completely.
- The wish of the mother of the child. No matter how pediatricians talk about the benefits of breastfeeding, sometimes women who have every opportunity to breastfeed still prefer to give their baby a bottle. Well, that's your right. Just learn first the rules of artificial feeding of infants!
Rules for artificial feeding of a child
1.
How to choose a formula? It is best to consult a pediatrician for recommendations, but in principle, if the baby is not lactose intolerant, any formula approved by the Union of Pediatricians of Russia will do. It is great if the mixture contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, they contribute to the harmonious development of the nervous system.
For example, Nutricia's "Baby" formula meets all the standards and rules of artificial feeding, is produced according to European technologies with the strictest quality control and is recommended as an alternative to breast milk even for newborns. Nutricia regularly evaluates the quality and demand for its products among consumers and doctors, analyzing the results of independent surveys of pediatricians and mothers with children up to 24 months of age.Iodine, selenium, zinc, iron with enough vitamin C (for better absorption), choline, taurine, L-carnitine are modern ingredients, the amount of which is specially selected in formulas to meet the needs of children.
The quality is monitored by the Dutch research center Numico, the milk base for formulas is made in the most environmentally friendly country - Ireland, and production is open in Russia, at a plant in Istra, which received the international ISO 22000 certificate - maximum food safety control who in.
A mixture of the New Zealand brand "Bibikol" is made on the basis of healthy goat's milk. The range of the brand includes mixtures for the smallest and older children, and the quality of the products is confirmed by Russian pediatricians. As a rule, formula feeding does not cause serious side effects even during the adaptation period.
The Dutch brand Kabrita also makes milk formulas based on goat's milk, which is easier to digest than traditional cow's milk. The brand's products contain vitamins, microelements and other functional ingredients necessary for the development of the child.
The mixes of another Dutch brand, Friso, are considered among the best due to their high quality.
The brand offers mixtures for both newborns and older children. Subject to the rules for artificial feeding, this is an excellent choice for babies of different ages.
2. How do I know if formula is right for my baby?
If possible, the transition to artificial feeding should be done according to the rules, gradually replacing breast milk with formula. Pediatricians believe that adaptation to a new diet in babies under the age of one year takes from 3 to 7 days. During this period, stool changes, gas formation are possible, and this should not be frightened. As a rule, after a week, the baby stops worrying about the tummy and gets used to the new mixture. If this does not happen, it is worth choosing another food for him. For example, instead of the usual milk mixture, offer a fermented milk analogue. Major brands, like Nutricia's Malyutka, always have both options in their product line.
Formula milk can be used from birth
To improve digestion, a pediatrician can recommend fermented milk formula for formula feeding
3.
How to choose a feeding bottle? Feeding bottles are available in plastic and glass and each has its own advantages, there are no strict rules for bottle feeding in this regard. Plastic ones are safer because they don't break. They are lighter, so it is convenient to take them with you for a walk. Glass is good because it can be sterilized many times, while plastic can deteriorate. Which bottle to choose for a newborn depends on the age of the baby. For the smallest, glassware is better, since sterility is in the first place. For older babies outside the home, it is better to use plastic bottles, but for home feeding, still leave glass bottles.
4. How to properly store baby food?
Prolonged exposure to non-standard temperatures, both low and high, can change the organoleptic properties of the product, affect its solubility, and cause swelling of the foil bag or the protective membrane of the can.
In case of repeated heating and cooling of the mixture, especially in winter, further use of the product may cause a painful reaction in the child. Therefore, it is very important to observe temperature control from 0ºС to +25ºС. Formula feeding regulations do not recommend storing product near heat sources such as stoves, electric kitchen appliances, radiators, or on windowsills.
5. How long can I keep formula formula?
Less than an hour. If the baby has not finished eating, and you intend to finish feeding him in 15-20 minutes, you can not prepare a new mixture. But if the baby has eaten enough, and the feeding regimen for artificial feeding provides for the next feeding only after 2.5 - 4 hours, then the leftovers should be poured out, and a new portion should be prepared for the next time.
6. Does my child need probiotic formula?
GOS/FOS prebiotics are natural dietary fibers similar in composition to breast milk prebiotics, they are added as high-quality mixtures to improve digestion.
The child quickly and painlessly gets used to such a mixture, absorbs it well and encounters stool disorders less often. Rules for artificial feeding of newborns and older children recommend giving preference to such mixtures, although this is not a strict requirement.
7. How do you know if your baby is eating enough?
You can use the Shkarin formula: The volume of the mixture per day = 800 ml + 50 x (M-2), where M is the number of months of the child's life. But this method is only suitable for babies older than 2 months. For newborns, everything is very individual, since babies are born with different weights and heights, so if you are afraid that the baby is malnourished or overeating, consult a doctor before feeding the baby formula again.
8. Should I change my formula?
If there is no reason to doubt the quality of the formula and its tolerance by the baby, you should not change the child’s usual diet just because the new mixture seems more useful, modern, etc.
to you. Replacing the mixture can be a real stress for the child's body. And there is no guarantee that a new diet will not cause any signs of intolerance. Replacing the mixture is justified when passing the next age limit, and even in this case, the rules for artificial feeding recommend remaining faithful to one manufacturer.
9. What is the correct way to mix?
According to the rules of artificial feeding, most mixtures are prepared as follows: boiled water is cooled to a temperature of 50-60 ° C (a higher temperature cannot be used, live bifidobacteria die and some vitamins are destroyed). Pour it into a bottle, add the exact amount of the dry mixture there. Close the bottle, mix the mixture thoroughly, shaking the contents of the bottle. Look at the light so that there are no lumps, the milk should turn out homogeneous. To check the temperature of the food - put a few drops on your wrist or elbow crease (the most sensitive place).
The mixture should be slightly warmer than body temperature—i.e. practically not felt.
10. Technique and rules of artificial feeding
How to formula feed correctly? In order to make it comfortable not only for the baby, who should be in a semi-vertical position, but also for the mother during feeding, you can use additional pillows by placing them under the back. The position of the mother's legs can be different: you can put your foot on the foot, you can put a low bench under your feet, you can feed the baby in the prone position, while gently holding the baby. To reduce air swallowing, tilt the bottle so that the milk fills the nipple and the air rises to the bottom of the bottle. Hold your baby upright for a few minutes after feeding to reduce the chance of spitting up.
Mistakes in artificial feeding
- Blame yourself for being an "artificial" baby.
Yes, mother's milk is considered the best food for babies, but if for some reason you cannot provide a child with them, this is not a reason to declare yourself a bad mother. Numerous children were bottle fed and did not experience any fatal consequences. Learn the rules of artificial feeding and follow them without blaming yourself needlessly. - Feed on demand. Artificial feeding rules suggest feeding by the hour, not on demand. The mixture is digested longer than mother's milk, so it is important to withstand breaks between feedings.
- Ignore the rules for the introduction of complementary foods when artificially fed. Do not introduce complementary foods earlier than at 6 months, and be sure to consult with your pediatrician beforehand.
- Forgetting to drink water. For high-quality assimilation of mixtures, water is necessary! Be sure to let the baby drink.
- Feeding regular milk instead of formula. Neither cow's nor even wholesome goat's milk is suitable for children.
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