If you are not breastfeeding
If you are not breastfeeding your baby
Breast milk is the best food for babies. But some mothers can't (fully) breastfeed or don't want to. That's okay! The most important thing is that your baby and you are doing well. Specially produced infant formula is a good substitute. The high-quality formula milk is as close as possible to the composition of breast milk and contains all the nutrients your baby needs. And you can also be very close to your child when giving the bottle - and take turns with the father or your partner at any time. This also strengthens the father-child relationship right from the start.
Which food is right for my baby?
- The very first food for newborns is infant formula. You can recognize this by the word "pre" in the name of the formula milk. It is most similar to breast milk and contains only lactose as sugar. Your baby can drink as much of it as it wants. Feed the formula exclusively until at least the beginning of the 5th month if you are not breastfeeding. Your baby does not need any other milk, water or juices during this period.
- 1 formula is also suitable for the entire 1st year of life. It is usually used when the mother stops breastfeeding after a few weeks or months. In addition to lactose, the milk powder contains starch as another carbohydrate. This fills you up for longer and is creamier.
- 2- and 3-part follow-on formula should be fed at the earliest with the start of complementary feeding. However, it is not absolutely necessary to switch to follow-on milk. You can just as easily continue to feed pre formula until the baby is fed porridge.
- Please do not give your baby cow's milk! In contrast to infant formula, it contains significantly more protein and other minerals. Your newborn's kidneys are not yet able to process this.
- If you are unsure which food is right for your baby at which age, please speak to your midwife or pediatrician.
How to prepare bottle milk correctly
Preparing the ready-made milk in the bottle accurately is particularly important in the first few weeks. Follow the instructions on the pack. You should also attach great importance to carefully cleaning teats and bottles.
-
Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap under running water before preparation. Clean the work surface. Do not prepare raw food in the vicinity.
-
Fresh preparation
Always prepare fresh milk directly before feeding in a clean, dry bottle. This will prevent harmful germs from forming.
-
Portioning
Follow the quantity instructions on the pack and fill the milk powder exactly. Spread the powder with the back of a clean knife.
-
Mixing
Boiled tap water is suitable for mixing
.
-
Correct temperature
The water should be a maximum of 40 to 50 degrees. The bottle is ready to drink when it is about body temperature. Be sure to test the temperature before feeding to avoid scalding.
-
Feed as required
The quantities on the packaging are for guidance only. Feed the bottle as required and observe your baby's signals.
-
Slow suction
Make sure there is a small hole in the teat. In the first few weeks, the feed should last 20 minutes or more. Slow sucking supports relaxation, stabilizes the airways and promotes digestion.
-
No storage
Make sure there is a small hole in the teat. In the first few weeks, the feed should last 20 minutes or more. Slow sucking supports relaxation, stabilizes the airways and promotes digestion.
-
Thorough cleaning
Clean the used bottle and teat thoroughly immediately after feeding. Store both in a dry place.
-
Storage
Carefully close the opened milk carton. The powder must be stored in a dry place.
-
Boil rubber teats
Boil rubber teats occasionally. If the material becomes porous, replace the teat.
Checklist Download
