Infant formula powders
are not sterile so it is important to
follow the cleaning and sterilising instructions.
Formula is either 'whey'
dominant or 'casein' dominant
depending on the balance of proteins it contains. It may also be
referred to as Stage one or Stage two milk.
Whey dominant milk is
thought to be easier to digest than
casein dominant milk, so should always be the first formula you give
your baby.
There is little nutritional difference in the two forms of milk, so if
whey dominant milk suits your baby, they can stay on it for the first
year.
Ready
to feed infant formula milk
'Ready to feed' infant formula milk in cartons is available. These are
generally more expensive than powdered milk. Once opened, the carton
should be stored in the fridge with the cut corner turned down - do not
store for longer than 24 hours.
If you have any worries
about the Infant Formula Milk you are
giving your baby, ask your Midwife, Health Visitor or G.P for further
information.
Use
of Bottled Water
Bottled water is not a healthier choice than tap water and
usually is not sterile. In fact, some natural mineral waters are not
suitable for babies because of the amount of minerals they contain. If
you need to use bottled water, any bottled water that is labelled
' natural mineral water' might contain too much sodium for babies.
If you are giving bottled water to babies under six months, you should
boil and cool it just like tap water.If you need to use bottled water
to make up Infant Formula (for babies of any age) you should boil it
and allow it to cool for no more than half an hour.
