Top feeding for babies

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding (for Parents)

Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed their baby is one of the biggest decisions expectant and new parents will make.

Healt experts believe breast milk is the best nutritional choice for infants. But breastfeeding may not be possible for all women. For many, the decision to breastfeed or formula feed is based on their comfort level, lifestyle, and specific medical situations.

For moms who can't breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is a healthy alternative. Formula provides babies with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Some mothers worry that if they don't breastfeed, they won't bond with their baby. But the truth is, loving mothers will always create a special bond with their children. And feeding — no matter how — is a great time to strengthen that bond.

The decision to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is a personal one. Weighing the pros and cons of each method can help you decide what is best for you and your baby.

All About Breastfeeding

Nursing can be a wonderful experience for both mother and baby. It provides ideal nourishment and a special bonding experience that many mothers cherish.

A number of health organizations — including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) — recommend breastfeeding as the best choice for babies. Breastfeeding helps defend against infections, prevent allergies, and protect against a number of chronic conditions.

The AAP recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months. Beyond that, breastfeeding is encouraged until at least 12 months, and longer if both the mother and baby are willing.

Here are some of the many benefits of breastfeeding:

Fighting infections and other conditions. Breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula-fed infants. During breastfeeding, antibodies and other germ-fighting factors pass from a mother to her baby and strengthen the immune system. This helps lower a baby's chances of getting many infections, including:

ear infections
diarrhea
respiratory infections
meningitis

Breastfeeding also may protect babies against:

allergies
asthma
diabetes
obesity
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Breastfeeding is particularly beneficial for premature babies.

Nutrition and ease of digestion. Often called the "perfect food" for a human baby's digestive system, breast milk's components — lactose, protein (whey and casein), and fat — are easily digested by a newborn.

As a group, breastfed infants have less difficulty with digestion than do formula-fed infants. Breast milk tends to be more easily digested so that breastfed babies have fewer bouts of diarrhea or constipation.

Breast milk also naturally contains many of the vitamins and minerals that a newborn requires. One exception is vitamin D — the AAP recommends that all breastfed babies begin receiving vitamin D supplements during the first 2 months and continuing until a baby consumes enough vitamin D-fortified formula or milk (after 1 year of age).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates formula companies to ensure they provide all the necessary nutrients (including vitamin D) in their formulas. Still, commercial formulas can't completely match breast milk's exact composition. Why? Because milk is a living substance made by each mother for her individual infant, a process that can't be duplicated in a factory.

Free. Breast milk doesn't cost a cent, while the cost of formula quickly adds up. And unless you're pumping breast milk and giving it to your baby, there's no need for bottles, nipples, and other supplies that can be costly. Since breastfed babies are less likely to be sick, that may mean they make fewer trips to the doctor's office, so fewer co-pays and less money are paid for prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines.

Different tastes. Nursing mothers usually need 300 to 500 extra calories per day, which should come from a wide variety of well-balanced foods. This introduces breastfed babies to different tastes through their mothers' breast milk, which has different flavors depending on what their mothers have eaten. By tasting the foods of their "culture," breastfed infants more easily accept solid foods.

Convenience. With no last-minute runs to the store for more formula, breast milk is always fresh and available whether you're home or out and about. And when women breastfeed, there's no need to wash bottles and nipples or warm up bottles in the middle of the night.

Smarter babies. Some studies suggest that children who were exclusively breastfed have slightly higher IQs than children who were formula fed.

"Skin-to-skin" contact. Many nursing mothers really enjoy the experience of bonding so closely with their babies. And the skin-to-skin contact can enhance the emotional connection between mother and infant.

Beneficial for mom, too. The ability to totally nourish a baby can help a new mother feel confident in her ability to care for her baby. Breastfeeding also burns calories and helps shrink the uterus, so nursing moms may be able to return to their pre-pregnancy shape and weight quicker. Also, studies show that breastfeeding helps lower the risk of breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and also may help decrease the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer.

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Breastfeeding Challenges

Breastfeeding can be easy from the get-go for some mothers, but take a while to get used to for others. Moms and babies need plenty of patience to get used to the routine of breastfeeding.

Common concerns of new moms, especially during the first few weeks and months, may include:

Personal comfort. Initially, many moms feel uncomfortable with breastfeeding. But with proper education, support, and practice, most moms overcome this.

Latch-on pain is normal for the first week to 10 days, and should last less than a minute with each feeding. But if breastfeeding hurts throughout feedings, or if their nipples and/or breasts are sore, it's a good idea for breastfeeding mothers to get help from a lactation consultant or their doctor. Many times, it's just a matter of using the proper technique, but sometimes pain can mean that something else is going on, like an infection.

Time and frequency of feedings. Breastfeeding requires a big time commitment from mothers, especially in the beginning, when babies feed often. A breastfeeding schedule or the need to pump breast milk during the day can make it harder for some moms to work, run errands, or travel.

And breastfed babies do need to eat more often than babies who take formula, because breast milk digests faster than formula. This means mom may find herself in demand every 2 or 3 hours (maybe more, maybe less) in the first few weeks.

Diet. Women who are breastfeeding need to be aware of what they eat and drink, since these can be passed to the baby through the breast milk. Just like during pregnancy, breastfeeding women should not eat fish that are high in mercury and should limit consumption of lower mercury fish.

If a mom drinks alcohol, a small amount can pass to the baby through breast milk. She should wait at least 2 hours after a single alcoholic drink to breastfeed to avoid passing any alcohol to the baby. Caffeine intake should be kept to no more than 300 milligrams (about one to three cups of regular coffee) or less per day because it can cause problems like restlessness and irritability in some babies.

Maternal medical conditions, medicines, and breast surgery. Medical conditions such as HIV or AIDS or those that involve chemotherapy or treatment with certain medicines can make breastfeeding unsafe. A woman should check with her doctor or a lactation consultant if she's unsure if she should breastfeed with a specific condition. Women should always check with the doctor about the safety of taking medicines while breastfeeding, including over-the-counter and herbal medicines.

Mothers who've had breast surgery, such as a reduction, may have difficulty with their milk supply if their milk ducts have been severed. In this situation, a woman should to talk to her doctor about her concerns and work with a lactation specialist.

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All About Formula Feeding

Commercially prepared infant formulas are a nutritious alternative to breast milk, and even contain some vitamins and nutrients that breastfed babies need to get from supplements.

Manufactured under sterile conditions, commercial formulas attempt to duplicate mother's milk using a complex combination of proteins, sugars, fats, and vitamins that aren't possible to create at home. So if you don't breastfeed your baby, it's important to use only commercially prepared formula and not try to make your own.

Besides medical concerns that may prevent breastfeeding, for some women, breastfeeding may be too difficult or stressful. Here are other reasons women may choose to formula feed:

Convenience. Either parent (or another caregiver) can feed the baby a bottle at any time (although this is also true for women who pump their breast milk). This allows mom to share the feeding duties and helps her partner to feel more involved in the crucial feeding process and the bonding that often comes with it.

Flexibility. Once the bottles are made, a formula-feeding mother can leave her baby with a partner or caregiver and know that her little one's feedings are taken care of. There's no need to pump or to schedule work or other obligations and activities around the baby's feeding schedule. And formula-feeding moms don't need to find a private place to nurse in public.

Time and frequency of feedings. Because formula is less digestible than breast milk, formula-fed babies usually need to eat less often than breastfed babies.

Diet. Women who opt to formula feed don't have to worry about the things they eat or drink that could affect their babies.

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Formula Feeding Challenges

As with breastfeeding, there are some challenges to consider when deciding whether to formula feed.

Lack of antibodies. None of the antibodies found in breast milk are in manufactured formula. So formula can't provide a baby with the added protection against infection and illness that breast milk does.

Can't match the complexity of breast milk. Manufactured formulas have yet to duplicate the complexity of breast milk, which changes as the baby's needs change.

Planning and organization. Unlike breast milk — which is always available, unlimited, and served at the right temperature — formula feeding your baby requires planning and organization to make sure that you have what you need when you need it. Parents must buy formula and make sure it's always on hand to avoid late-night runs to the store.

And it's important to always have the necessary supplies (like bottles and nipples) clean, easily accessible, and ready to go — otherwise, you will have a very hungry, very fussy baby to answer to. With 8-10 feedings in a 24-hour period, parents can quickly get overwhelmed if they're not prepared and organized.

Expense. Formula can be costly. Powdered formula is the least expensive, followed by concentrated, with ready-to-feed being the most expensive. And specialty formulas (such as soy and hypoallergenic) cost more — sometimes far more — than the basic formulas. During the first year of life, the cost of basic formula can run about $1,500.

Possibility of producing gas and constipation. Formula-fed babies may have more gas and firmer bowel movements than breastfed babies.

Making a Choice

Deciding how you will feed your baby can be a hard decision. You'll really only know the right choice for your family when your baby comes.

Many women decide on one method before the birth and then change their minds after their baby is born. And many women decide to breastfeed and supplement with formula because they find that is the best choice for their family and their lifestyle.

While you're weighing the pros and cons, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. These health care providers can give you more information about your options and help you make the best decision for your family.

Amount and Schedule of Baby Formula Feedings

In the first week after birth, babies should be eating no more than about 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 ml) per feed.
During the first month, babies gradually eat more until they take 3 to 4 ounces (90 to 120 ml) per feed, amounting to 32 ounces per day. Formula-fed babies typically feed on a more regular schedule, such as every 3 or 4 hours. Breastfed babies usually take smaller, more frequent feedings than formula-fed infants.

If your baby sleeps longer than 4 to 5 hours during the first few weeks after birth and starts missing feedings, wake them up and offer a bottle.

By the end of the first month: Your baby will be up to at least 3 to 4 ounces (120 mL) per feeding, with a fairly predictable schedule of feedings about every 3 to 4 hours.
By 6 months: Your baby will consume 6 to 8 ounces (180–240 mL) at each of 4 or 5 feedings in 24 hours.

Formula feeding based on body weight

On average, your baby should take in about 2½ ounces (75 mL) of infant formula a day for every pound (453 g) of body weight. But they probably will regulate their intake from day to day to meet their own specific needs, so let them tell you when they've had enough. If they become fidgety or easily distracted during a feeding, they're probably finished. If they drain the bottle and continues smacking their lips, they might still be hungry.

There are high and low limits, however. If your baby consistently seems to want more or less than this, discuss it with your pediatrician. Your baby should usually drink no more than an average of about 32 ounces (960 mL) of formula in 24 hours. Some babies have higher needs for sucking and may just want to suck on a pacifier after feeding.

On-demand feeding

Initially it is best to feed your formula-fed newborn a bottle on demand, or whenever they cry with hunger. As time passes, your baby will begin to develop a fairly regular timetable of their own. As you become familiar with their signals and needs, you'll be able to schedule their feedings around their routine.

Eating & sleeping patterns

Between 2 and 4 months of age (or when the baby weighs more than 12 lb. [5.4 kg]), most formula-fed babies no longer need a middle-of-the-night feedings. They're consuming more during the day, and their sleeping patterns have become more regular (although this varies considerably from baby to baby). Their stomach capacity has increased, too, which means they may go longer between daytime feedings—occasionally up to 4 or 5 hours at a time.

If your baby still seems to feed very frequently or consume larger amounts, try distracting them with play or with a pacifier. Sometimes patterns of obesity begin during infancy, so it is important not to overfeed your baby.

Getting to know your baby's feeding needs

The most important thing to remember, whether you breastfeed or bottlefeed, is that your baby's feeding needs are unique. No book―or website―can tell you precisely how much or how often they need to be fed or exactly how you should handle them during feedings. You will discover these things for yourself as you and your baby get to know each other.

More information

How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat?
Making Sure Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
Is Your Baby Hungry or Full? Responsive Feeding Explained (Video)
Remedies for Spitty Babies

Last Updated: 5/16/2022

Source: Adapted from Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 7th Edition (Copyright © 2019 American Academy of Pediatrics)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Cheat sheet for young parents from "SOGAZ-Med": the first complementary foods and teething calendar

Every mother knows that the best and healthiest food for a newborn is breast milk. It contains the perfect balance of fats, proteins and minerals that contribute to the proper growth of the baby, increase immunity and improve digestion.

But as the baby grows, breastfeeding alone is not enough. Many parents are concerned about the question at what age it is already possible to add other foods to the baby's diet, how to do it correctly, what you should pay attention to.

SOGAZ-Med specialists have prepared a small cheat sheet for young parents with information about the introduction of the first complementary foods, as well as the procedure for teething milk teeth. Often, these two events occur at the same time, and parents' experiences can increase significantly.

Complementary Feeding Rules

Pediatricians unanimously agree that the optimal time to begin complementary feeding of a previously exclusively breastfed infant is 6 months. At this age, the baby's stomach is ready to accept vegetables, cereals and fruits.

You should start with one product, and each subsequent product can be introduced only after getting used to (on average 3-5 days) and the absence of allergic reactions. You can not give two products at the same time with which the child was not familiar before, because if a reaction occurs, you will not be able to understand which product provoked it. The volume of the product for the first sample is half a teaspoon. The new product should be given with breast milk or formula. A new dish should be given in the morning feeding, then by the end of the day it will become noticeable whether the child tolerates it normally. It is recommended to keep a diary in which to note all the foods eaten by the baby. Introduction to a new food should be postponed if the baby is sick, as well as at the time of vaccination (three days before and after vaccination). If your child refuses to try a new dish, don't push it. In a situation where the product caused an allergy or other negative reaction, new dishes do not give until the disappearance of painful manifestations. Among vegetables, zucchini, cauliflower, potatoes and turnips are considered the most suitable for the first feeding. The first cereals that a six-month-old baby can try are called buckwheat and corn. From fruits, a child of this age can be given apples, pears and bananas.

When does a child's first teeth erupt?

Possible terms and order of teething are individual for each child. Approximate standards for their appearance are described below:

ü First lower incisors - 6-9 months.

ü First lower incisors - 7-10 months.

Second (lateral) upper and lower incisors - 9-12 months.

ü First upper molars - 12-18 months.

ü First lower molars - 13-19months.

Upper canines - 16-20 months.

ü Lower canines - 17-22 months.

ü Second lower molars - 20-23 months.

ü Second upper molars - 24-26 months.

At the time of teething, the baby may have a decrease in appetite, worsen sleep, deteriorate mood, rise in temperature, change the consistency of the stool, etc. SOGAZ-Med recommends parents to be more attentive to the baby in such a difficult period and, if necessary, call a doctor.

The birth of a child is a pleasant, but at the same time, a responsible and serious stage. Specialists of the SOGAZ-Med company wish all the kids, as well as their parents, good health.

In order for the child to grow up healthy, as well as to prevent the development of childhood diseases, the compulsory health insurance system has a program of medical examinations for minors, which includes regular preventive examinations and examinations of small patients until they reach adulthood. A complete list of examinations and specialists can be found in the order of the Ministry of Health N514n dated August 10, 2017, which also establishes the procedure for conducting medical examinations of children.

If you are insured by SOGAZ-Med and have any questions about the compulsory medical insurance system, medical care or the quality of its provision, you can contact insurance representatives on the sogaz-med. ru website for help using the online chat , by calling the round-the-clock contact center 8-800-100-07-02 (free calls within Russia) or at the offices of SOGAZ-Med.

Information about the company:

Insurance company "SOGAZ-Med" has been operating since 1998 Regional network "SOGAZ-Med" ranks first among medical insurance organizations in terms of the number of regions of presence, with more than 1,500 units in 56 constituent entities of the Russian Federation and in the city of Baikonur. The number of insured people is 44 million people. SOGAZ-Med carries out CHI activities: it controls the quality of service for the insured when receiving medical care in the CHI system, ensures the protection of the rights of insured citizens, and restores violated rights of citizens in pre-trial and judicial procedures.

First food. What do moms need to know? | BuyMama Vologda

When to start?

There is no single answer, there are only a few recommendations. Experts advise doing this from 5 to 8 months. You should not rush into this issue, because this can lead to adverse consequences, for example, an allergic reaction, constipation, colic, etc.

The type of feeding of the baby is of great importance. If he is on artificial feeding, then you can start complementary foods early - at 5-6 months, if he is breastfeeding, then definitely not earlier than 6 months, because until this moment the baby receives everything he needs from milk.

The second is the child's body weight. After birth, he must increase it at least twice.

Also, the child should not have a repulsive tongue reflex when you offer him a spoon. It is desirable that the child already knew how to sit and showed interest in "adult" food. You may notice that your baby is no longer full of your milk or formula.

Principles of introducing complementary foods

The most important rule is that you can only give your child a new product when he is healthy and well.
The first complementary food should be one-component, ie. consist of one product. It is better that these are vegetables, green or white.
Each product should be introduced gradually. For example, you chose cauliflower. On the first day, you give 5 g - that's about half a teaspoon. You need to give the product in the morning, so that during the day you can check the reaction of the baby. If everything went well, then the next day you can already give 10 g - a whole teaspoon. If all is well, then double the next day and so gradually increase the dose to 120 g.
When you have entered one vegetable, you can enter the next one. For example, 5 g of squash puree + 115 g of cauliflower puree and gradually add a dose of squash puree if the baby's reaction is positive.
Another important rule is that you offer your baby food exactly when he is hungry. You can feed him puree first, and if he is not full, then breastfeed or formula, but not vice versa.

First products

Experts advise choosing green or white vegetables for the first feeding: zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli.

Carrots and pumpkin can then be added.

After 7 months you can include porridge in your diet. Better if they are dairy-free and gluten-free. Suitable rice, buckwheat and corn. If the child refuses such porridge, then you can dilute it with your breast milk or infant formula.

After vegetables and cereals, you can introduce your child to fruits.

After 8 months you can slowly give meat: chicken, turkey, rabbit, beef. Also during this period, you can gradually give a taste of the yolk.

After 9 months, fermented milk products can be included: low-fat kefir and cottage cheese.

After 10 months fish can be added to the diet.