Formula feeding and bottle feeding your baby
Learn about formula and bottle feeding at home, including choosing formula, preparing bottles safely, responsive feeding and getting support when you need it.
There are many reasons parents may choose or need to use infant formula. Some families use formula alongside breastfeeding, while others choose to fully formula feed their baby. Whatever your feeding journey looks like, it is important to have practical, reliable information to help you feel confident feeding your baby at home.
If you are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties or are considering introducing formula, your midwife, child and family health nurse, GP or lactation consultant can provide support and help you understand your options.
Choosing powdered formula
Choosing a formula can feel overwhelming, particularly with so many products available. For most healthy, full-term babies, standard cow’s milk-based infant formula is suitable. Infant formulas sold in Australia must meet strict nutritional standards, so choosing something from Coles or Woolworths is absolutely fine.
Specialised formulas are available for babies with particular medical or nutritional needs, including some allergies and intolerances. These should generally be used with advice from your GP, pharmacist, paediatrician or child and family health nurse.
Remember that infant formula is different from ordinary cow’s milk. Cow’s milk should not be used as your baby's main milk drink before 12 months of age.
Preparing formula safely
If you are using powdered infant formula, it is important to prepare and store it safely because powdered formula is not sterile.
Always follow the preparation instructions on the formula tin and use the correct amount of water and formula powder. Wash your hands and make sure bottles and feeding equipment have been thoroughly cleaned and sterilised.
Raising Children Network recommends preparing formula with fresh, boiled tap water that has been allowed to cool to lukewarm temperature. If formula needs to be prepared in advance, it should be refrigerated promptly and used within the recommended timeframe.
Remember, once your baby has started drinking from a bottle, bacteria from their mouth can contaminate the formula, so leftover formula should be discarded.
Bottle feeding your baby
Bottle feeding is about more than simply giving your baby milk. Feeding is an opportunity to cuddle, communicate and bond with your baby.
Hold your baby close in a comfortable, slightly upright position and allow them to take the teat when they are ready. Keep the bottle angled so the teat remains filled with milk.
Watch your baby’s feeding cues rather than expecting them to finish a particular amount. Babies have different appetites and feeding patterns, and some feeds will be bigger or smaller than others. Signs your baby has had enough can include stopping sucking, turning their head away or becoming relaxed.
Paced bottle feeding can also help babies control the flow of milk, particularly if they are also breastfeeding. This involves holding your baby more upright and allowing regular pauses during the feed.
Never prop a bottle or leave your baby alone with a bottle. Bottle feeding in bed can increase the risk of choking, ear infections and tooth decay.
If you are combining breastfeeding and formula
Some families choose to combine breastfeeding and formula feeding, sometimes called mixed feeding or combination feeding.
If you would like to continue breastfeeding, introducing regular formula feeds can affect your breastmilk supply because your baby is feeding less frequently at the breast. Some babies may also begin to prefer the faster flow of a bottle.
If you are concerned about your milk supply or would like to introduce formula while continuing to breastfeed, talk with your midwife, child and family health nurse, GP or lactation consultant. They can help you develop a feeding plan that works for you and your baby.
Getting support with formula and bottle feeding
It is completely normal to have questions when you first begin formula or bottle feeding. Your baby’s feeding needs will also change as they grow.
Your child and family health nurse, GP or other healthcare professional can help if you are concerned about how much your baby is drinking, their feeding pattern, weight gain or whether they are tolerating their formula.
If you are finding feeding challenging, remember that asking for support is not a sign that you are doing anything wrong. The most important thing is that your baby is safely fed, growing and thriving, and that you feel supported in your feeding choices.
For more information about formula preparation, bottle feeding, mixed feeding and cleaning and sterilising equipment, see the Raising Children Network’s information on breastfeeding and bottle feeding.