Feeding Your Baby: FAQs About Breastfeeding, Formula Feeding, and Solids

Breastfeeding FAQs

If you are planning to breastfeed your baby—or have already started to do so—please read our frequently asked questions below for helpful information and tips. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call us.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is an ideal way for your baby to receive the best possible nutrition. It provides just the right quantity and quality of almost all the nutrients your baby needs. It also provides unique immunological benefits that help fight infection and protect your baby from allergies. Another important benefit is the special closeness breastfeeding allows between mother and child, promoting strong maternal-infant bonding.

How often should I breastfeed my baby?

Is it normal for a breastfed baby to lose weight during the first week of life?

How many extra calories does a nursing mother require?

Can I take medications while breastfeeding?

What are the recommended guidelines for storing breast milk?

What should I do if I am having difficulty with breastfeeding?

It takes time and practice for a mother and baby to learn the art of breastfeeding. If you are having any difficulty or have questions about breastfeeding, please call us. Our staff is trained to help support a successful and enjoyable breastfeeding experience for you and your infant. In the meantime, to learn more about breastfeeding, consider visiting the following websites, which have helpful tips and information.

Formula Feeding FAQs

Although breastfeeding has numerous advantages, it is not the right choice for all families. If you decide not to breastfeed, the best nutritional alternative for your baby is a commercial, milk-based infant formula. Formula supplies essentially the same quality and quantity of protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals as breast milk. Please read our FAQs below for important information about formula feeding.

What different types of infant formula are available?

Commercial formulas are available in three forms: ready-to-feed, powdered, and concentrated liquid. Ready-to-feed can be used as is and is packaged in individual servings—usually baby bottles , individual packets or cans—while the powdered and concentrated forms must be diluted with water first. The powdered form is the least expensive option and can be pre-measured and mixed on demand with room temperature water. The concentrated liquid is also convenient to prepare, plus easy-to-store. Remember, because ready-to-feed formula and concentrated formula are both available in canned, liquid forms, they can be confused. It’s important that your and anyone caring for your child know the difference and always dilute concentrated formula with water as per the package instructions.

How often should I formula feed my baby?

When you leave the hospital, your baby will be feeding every two to four hours. This will decrease to every three to four hours over time. You should slowly increase the amount of formula you offer. Remember that about 32 to 35 ounces of formula per day is all your baby may need. Try not to let your baby sleep longer than three to four hours at a time without feeding during the day—this will help your baby sleep longer at night.

What type of baby bottles and nipples should I use? Is it necessary to sterilize them first?

How do I prepare my baby's formula?

Should I warm my baby's bottles?

What's the most comfortable feeding position for my baby?

Feed your baby in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to promote closeness and bonding. Cuddle your baby with his or her head slightly elevated to encourage sucking and to allow your baby to look at you while feeding. Take your time and keep the bottle elevated so formula fills the nipple and bottle neck. This decreases the amount of swallowed air. Burp your baby after one to two ounces of formula and then at the end of the feeding. Never feed baby unattended from a "propped bottle," as this can cause choking.

What is low-iron formula?

When can I offer my baby cow's milk?

Introducing Solids FAQs

Solid foods are anything other than breast milk, formula, or water. There is no need, under most circumstances, to introduce solid foods to your child earlier than four to six months of age. If you're thinking about starting your baby on solids, please read our FAQs below.

Why is it important to wait until four to six months to introduce solids?

Young babies' intestines are not always mature enough to digest solid foods. In the first three months of life, babies also lack the ability to swallow these foods. In addition, studies have shown that babies fed solids earlier than four months of age may develop food allergies, eczema, asthma and obesity. Obese children tend to become obese adults who are more prone to serious health problems. If your baby does not seem satisfied with breast milk or formula, please ask us about it.

Once my baby is ready for solids, what foods should I start with?

How often should I introduce new foods?

If I decide to make my own baby food, what's the best way to prepare it?

What foods should I avoid feeding my baby?

Honey should never be given to a baby under the age of one. If there is a family history of food allergies, please discuss this with your doctor. If not, the newest allergist recommendations state that all other foods (including berries, peanut butter and eggs) may be introduced in a stepwise fashion and their introduction does not need to be delayed. Remember, we are always willing to discuss the sometimes controversial and often changing issues surrounding food allergies with you.

What about foods that are choking hazards?

Please call our team today at (203) 288-4288 to schedule a wellness visit for your child or to ask any questions.

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