Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service

If your baby is not having breastmilk, give them an infant formula. If mum and dad decide to feed baby with formula milk, it is important that it is made safely and properly. Don’t give your baby cow’s milk or powdered milk because it can hurt their stomach.

How do you make infant formula? » Always follow what it says on the tin

» If the formula is too strong, it will hurt their kidneys

» If the formula is too weak, they won’t grow well and get sick

» Baby can have both breastmilk and formula

» You can add expressed breastmilk to formula.

How much infant formula does baby need?» As your baby grows, the amount of formula

they need will change

» Feed your baby when they are hungry

» Don’t make your baby finish the bottle if they don’t want to.

Storing pre-made formula » Put the bottle at the back of the fridge if

you’re not using it straight away

» Only keep it in the fridge for 24 hours

» Don’t share any left over milk. Tip out any milk baby did not finish.

Formula feeding

Tips for mum and dad: » Don’t let your baby fall asleep with a bottle. This can cause

ear infections and later, rot their teeth

» Watch and listen to cues for when your baby is hungry

» Hold your baby close while feeding them and make eye contact

» Don’t leave your baby alone to drink the bottle

» Test temperature of the formula before giving it to your baby

» Make sure you feel comfortable when feeding your baby.

Space for your notes

All information contained in this sheet has been supplied by qualified professionals as a guideline for care only. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding you and your child’s health.

FS253 developed by Good Start program. Updated: June 2017.

CALL 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)For more information contact:

These services are confidential with experienced professionals. They can be contacted 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

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