Feeding Your Baby Formula

Maybe you are not breastfeeding your baby but using formula. When you leave for work, make sure your baby’s caregiver knows how to prepare formula. There are three ways to prepare formula for your baby.


The three ways are:


• Powdered: This is the cheapest kind. You need to add water to it. First, boil the water. The water should be sterile. Just do what the label says.
• Concentrated: This is a thick liquid. You must also mix it with sterile (boiled) water.
• Ready-to-feed: This formula is already mixed with water. It’s the easiest to use. But it costs the most.

You should ask your doctor about what kind of formula to buy for your baby. Some formulas are sold for babies with special problems. Your doctor can tell you which formula is best for your baby.

There is a date on the formula. Do not use the formula after this date. The formula will not be safe to give to your baby after this date.

Prepare formula by carefully following instructions on the can. Opened cans of formula or prepared bottles can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Any formula left in the bottle after a feeding should be thrown away.

Generally, the baby is fed four to six ounces of warmed formula every three to four hours. To be sure that he gets enough formula, ask your doctor about how much is good for your baby.

Make sure your baby’s caregiver has enough formula to give to your baby. And be sure to tell the caregiver how much formula your baby takes.

You and your baby’s caregiver should not make up your own infant formula. Do not add honey, corn syrup or anything to the baby’s formula. This can make your baby sick.

Do not feed your baby:
• Cow’s milk
• Goat’s milk
• Evaporated milk
• Condensed milk

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Giving Your Baby Breast Milk, Even If You’re Working

Breast milk is still the best food for your three-month-old baby. You don’t need to give your baby water, juice, cow’s milk or solid food right now. Usually, babies need only breast milk for the first six months.

By now, you and your baby have a schedule for feedings. You may wonder how you can nurse your baby after you return to work.


One way is to pump your breast milk into a bottle. There are special breast pumps that you can buy to help you pump out your breast milk efficiently. Other caregivers can then feed it to your baby while you are away.

Breast milk can be stored in a bottle in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours. It will keep for two to three months in the freezer. Always label and date bottles of breast milk.

Not all moms may be able to provide breast milk for their babies in day care. Some moms may choose not to pump breast milk. In this case, the baby can be given formula at day care. Moms who don’t pump can still breastfeed their babies before and after work.

Going back to work takes preparation. Start pumping your breast milk a few weeks before you return to work. Have someone else give your baby your breast milk in a bottle. Do this for one feeding each day. When you return to your job, nurse your baby before going to work. Continue to nurse him when you are at home. Take the bottles of breast milk when you drop off your baby for child care. Carry the bottles in a cooler. Put the date and your baby’s name on the bottles. Your baby’s caregiver will give these bottles to your baby during the day.

If you have any questions or problems with breastfeeding, talk to your doctor, nurse or WIC breastfeeding counselor. To learn more about breastfeeding, you may call La Leche League at
1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site at www.lalecheleague.org/.

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A Book for Memories

You need to keep a record of your baby’s shots. This way, if you move or change doctors, you can make sure that the new doctor or clinic has correct information about your baby. You will need proof that your baby has had all his shots when he goes to school or day care.

One way you can keep information about your baby is with a baby book or memory book. You can use any kind of notebook or scrapbook. In the book, you can keep health records and other information about your baby’s health, growth and development.

You can write down all his great “firsts” in it: when he first sits up, crawls, walks or talks. You can write dates and symptoms when he gets sick. You can write monthly weights and heights and when he gets each tooth. This health information is important to have.

You can use your book to keep other interesting pieces of information about your child. You can put in fun things you want to remember. Put in photos of your baby. You can write down cute things he does and says. Later on, you can save drawings by your child.

When he is older, you and your child can have fun looking at the memory book together.

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Prepare for Your Baby’s Four-Month Checkup

Call your doctor now to set up your baby’s four-month checkup for next month. This visit is very important for your child’s health.

During the four-month visit, your baby will have another complete checkup. This includes his weight, length and head size. His heart and lungs will also be checked. The doctor will check on how your baby holds his head up and uses his hands. Your baby’s hearing and vision will also be checked. Make sure your doctor undresses your baby for a complete physical exam.


Your baby will get his second set of shots. These may include three shots: one for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; one for polio; and one for hemophilus influenzae B (flu).

You can ask questions about the baby’s growth, health and development. Write questions down when you think of them. Then you can bring a list with you to the checkup. The list will help you remember what you want to ask. Your baby needs checkups again at six months, nine months and one year of age.

If your baby is eligible for Medicaid, he can get free checkups. You can call your local social welfare, health or family services office to see if you qualify for Medicaid services.

If you don’t have health insurance for your baby, you can learn about resources in your state by contacting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Insure Kids Now Program at
1-877-KIDSNOW. You can also visit their Web site at www.insurekidsnow.gov for more information about free or low-cost health insurance for children. Many public libraries offer free access to the Internet and provide help for first-time users.

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Talk to Your Baby with Body Language

You and your baby are “talking” to each other even though he doesn’t say words yet. You are doing what comes naturally. You are using body language as well as words.

Body language includes what you do with your face, the tone of the sounds and words you make, singing, eye contact and body movements. You can show love for your baby by hugging him and rocking him. You can show love by playing with him and smiling at him. He will "talk" back to you with coos, wiggles and smiles.

Even at three months, your baby knows the sound of your voice from other people’s voices. He will make eye contact with you to "say" that he knows you are his mom or dad. He will turn toward you and brighten when he sees and hears you.

You are learning to “speak” your baby’s language, too. You can tell the difference when he is crying because he is hungry or because he needs changing. You can tell when he’s crying because he wants you to hold him.

You have learned when he is tired of playing or has had enough to eat because he turns away or stiffens his body. He will make sounds other than crying to let you know how he feels or what he wants. You can tell when he wants some quiet time to just look around or to take a nap.

Talking with your baby lets him know he is loved and you care about him.

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