How many ounces of formula does a newborn drink?
Infant Formula Dos and Don'ts for New Parents When it comes to formula feeding, there are some things that are a must. There also are things that will be a definite no-no. Here is my list of infant formula do's and don'ts for new parents. Newborn Feeding Guide for New Moms If you're a new mom, you likely have many questions about feeding your new baby. Being a mom to multiple kids, as well as a former nanny, I offer tips and advice related both to formula feeding and breastfeeding based on my experiences and research. Soy Baby Formula Benefits Choosing the right formula can be a challenge. There are many great options for parents to consider. This article discusses some of the benefits of formula feeding a baby with a soy-based formula. How to Tell If Your Baby Has a Soy Allergy Cow's milk may be the most popular formula allergy to be discussed, but it isn't the only one. Did you know that a baby can be allergic to soy milk based formula as well? This article explains common soy allergy warning signs when formula feeding a baby. How to Reduce Infant Spit Up Infants spit up. That's a fact that cannot be completely avoided. However, there are ways to reduce infant spit up, whether formula feeding a baby or breast feeding. This article gives tips and advice on reducing the occurrence of infant spit up. How Can I Cure My Formula-Fed Baby's Vomiting? Spitting up is normal in babies. But vomiting is a warning sign. How can you tell which one your baby is experiencing? How can you cure vomiting in a formula feeding baby? This article can help parents faced with this issue. 5 Secrets To Successfully Bottle-Feeding Your Infant Feeding your baby can often be a challenge, no matter the method. Here are 5 secrets to successfully bottle-feeding your infant. What NOT To Do When Bottle-Feeding An Infant So you’ve read up on successfully bottle-feeding your baby. Now, here’s what NOT to do. Crying Baby with Colic? Soothing Sounds Plus Bonus Tips to Comfort a Colicky Baby Babies who are breastfeeding, as well as those who are formula feeding can develop colic. Colicky babies often are uncomfortable and cranky. Many times soothing sounds will help. Here are some of the best soothing sounds for babies with colic. How to Help a Newborn Poop Sometimes your newborn may have difficulties making a bowel movement. Learn how to help a newborn poop safely. *This is not meant to be a complete guide on formula feeding a baby. It also should not substitute the advice of a licensed medical professional. Your child's pediatrician is always the best source for health matters.
How Often Should I Feed My Newborn Baby?
A newborn baby should feed every 2 - 3 hours, but might go up to 4 hours without feeding on occasion. If your newborn sleeps past 4 hours or doesn’t demand to be fed at that point, you will need to feed him or her anyway. Newborns should never go longer than 4 hours without eating. If your baby asks to be fed more often, that’s fine. Some babies feed on demand. A newborn won’t feed if they’re not hungry. Therefore, you can’t overfeed a newborn. How Long Can Formula Sit Out? Follow the instructions on your exact infant formula package, as they can vary. Most formula can remain unrefrigerated for up to two hours if the baby hasn’t drank from the bottle. If the baby has drank from the bottle, instead it will last only an hour, due to bacteria concerns. Formula Feeding Safety Tips
How to Get Free Baby Formula If you’re a low-income family, many food banks will provide infant formula for free, as will other charitable organizations. You can also sign up for discounts and free samples on infant formula websites, such as Enfamil.com. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also provides free formula to those who qualify. *This is not meant to be a complete guide on formula feeding a baby. It also should not substitute the advice of a licensed medical professional. Your child's pediatrician is always the best source for health matters.
your baby needs, but don't buy the cheapest just to save money. Always do research and listen to the pediatrician. It's good to save money in most cases, but not at the expense of your infant's health and nutrition.
DO Stock Up When Practical Sometimes stores will have sales on baby formula. When baby has no issues with formula, it can be practical to stock up. It's wise to be sure you have been using the same formula to feed your baby for a while before stocking up. DON’T Switch Brands Too Often Switching formula can be tough on a baby's stomach. Try not to switch from the type of formula you are using unless recommended by the pediatrician. DO Prepare Formula in Advance Where Practical Some new moms may find it easier to prepare bottles in advance when using formula to feed a baby. However, if there is not a practical and safe way to store the bottles, it may not be a good idea. DON’T Feed Baby Formula That Has Been Out Longer Than Recommended New moms can check the label of the infant formula to see how long it can be unrefrigerated before going bad, as well as how long it can be refrigerated before it spoils. DO Follow Preparation Instructions Exactly Baby formula is developed in a way that provides a particular amount of nutrition to the infant. If it is prepared wrong, the nutritional value is altered. DON'T Use More or Less Powder or Mixture Than Suggested Using formula to feed a baby can be healthy if done right. Using too much mixture can cause gas, constipation, and other complications. Using less than suggested can cause poor nutrition and take away essential nutrients. DO Heat Baby Formula Before Feeding Babies should drink their bottles heated at an appropriate temperature. Room temperature is ideal. Babies should not drink cold bottles or those that are too hot. Both can be dangerous. DON’T Use a Microwave For Heating Formula Do not use a microwave to heat formula in a baby bottle or other container. Because microwaves heat unevenly, this could result in scalding. -- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.
child's pediatrician. The pediatrician can make recommendations for what may be the best choices, as well as base recommendations on a child's individual needs. If your baby has any health conditions or allergies, consulting the pediatrician about the formula is vital in making the best choice.
Know the Most Common Formula Types Newborn babies will generally start out with a cow's milk newborn formula, unless there are known allergies or health conditions that warrant against it. Cow's milk newborn formula will be fortified with vitamins and nutrients that baby needs to grow. Other types include:
Specialized formula that addresses specific medical needs also exists. Deciding which newborn formula is right for your baby involves knowledge on each of these, as well as your baby. Know Your Baby's Nutritional Needs If your pediatrician has recommended a newborn formula that contains Omega-3 proteins, such as DHA and ARA, be sure to factor that in when deciding which newborn formula is right for your baby. One example is that of premature babies. They may require a specific type of newborn formula for optimal growth and health. Know Your Newborn's Allergy and Medical History If food allergies are present, deciding which newborn formula is right for your baby will include considering which options are the safest. Also keep in mind any medical issues, such as prematurity, gastrointestinal conditions, and more. In such circumstances, the pediatrician should always be consulted for the safest choice. Factor the Cost After taking into consideration the factors above, as well as any other personal or pediatrician-recommended concerns, think about the cost. The goal should be not to find the cheapest formula, but to find what you can afford within the formula types suited to your baby's needs. Buying in bulk during sales and shopping around can help with this. Buying in bulk works best once the baby has been doing well with the formula choice for a good amount of time. *WARNING: Although cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and other common ingredients are used to create infant formula, these alone are not enough to provide adequate nutrition. Infant formula must contain specific amounts of very specific ingredients in order to be used for exclusive feeding. For your baby’s health and well-being, ALWAYS consult your pediatrician if you’re interested in a homemade or alternative formula for your baby. ** Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.  Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved If you have an infant or are caring for one, you are likely going to deal with spit up at one time or another. That is simply a part of caring for a baby. Chances are you realize that and are looking for information on how to reduce spit up, not eliminate it (which probably won't happen). As a mom and former nanny, here’s what I've learned about how to reduce infant spit up.
Burp Baby Frequently Sometimes gas can be the cause of spitting up. Making sure to burp baby frequently during and after feedings could help reduce infant spit up. Burping baby frequently can also help prevent other issues and keep baby happy. If burping isn’t working, ask your pediatrician if it’s safe to try Little Remedies infant gas drops. These are usually safe for babies of all ages. Avoid Cow's Milk Cow's milk is not recommended for infants. In addition to spit up, feeding cow's milk to infants will not provide adequate nutrition and can cause other health issues. Help reduce infant spit up by avoiding cow's milk until the age recommended by your child's pediatrician. Infants from newborn to 12 months should only drink formula or breastmilk. Solid foods can be introduced as mentioned below. Be Cautious with Solid Foods Introducing solid foods to a baby's diet before the stomach is ready can sometimes cause excess spit up. Parents can try to reduce infant spit up by waiting until at least 4 months of age to introduce anything other than breastmilk or formula. This is best for baby for a variety of reasons. Choose the Correct Formula or Eat Healthier Sometimes a baby may spit up due to certain types of formula. It may be due to an allergy of that formula or just a sensitivity issue. Breastfeeding mothers may need to adjust their diet to one that better agrees with their infant’s sensitive stomach. With proper research and advice from the pediatrician, parents can help reduce infant spit up. Use the Correct Feeding Positions A baby needs to be in a certain position while feeding. The head and chest should be slightly elevated. The baby also needs to latch onto the bottle nipple or breast in such a way that reduces air bubbles. Air bubbles can cause gas, which can, in turn cause spit up. There are also specially designed nipples and bottles for this purpose. Try a Boppy nursing pillow and positioner for correct feeding positions every time, whether a baby is breast or bottle fed. If none of this is working, parents can help to reduce infant spit up by consulting with a pediatrician for the proper feeding techniques. Breastfeed to Reduce Infant Spit Up If you can breastfeed, it’s of course a good idea. But it’s understandably not a possibility for everyone. I've heard some moms claim their breastfed infants are less likely to spit up as formula fed infants. I have yet to find any solid, published opinions on this from medical experts, but since breastfeeding has many other proven benefits, it is worth a try if you’re able. -- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters. 
Some mistakenly think that healthy skin comes naturally for a baby. In a sense, it does. But, to keep infant skin healthy, proper skin care techniques should be applied. I am a mother experienced in infant skin care for several children, as well as keeping my own skin healthy. I feel my experience could be useful to many parents interested in baby skin care. Over the years, I have gained knowledge through trial and error, the advice of doctors, and also through research.
Getting Started With Healthy Infant Skin Care Before starting to care for your baby’s skin, do a product inventory. Read labels of cleansing products, lotions and moisturizers, and laundering products. Check for unnecessary chemicals and fragrance. Products that promote healthy infant skin should include mainly water, moisturizers, disinfectants (for cleansing products), and vitamins and minerals. Beyond that, there shouldn't be many other ingredients. While fragrance is included in many baby care products, it often is not good for promoting healthy skin care. Some babies are sensitive to fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals. Even those who are not should be limited to their exposure. I personally do not use any commercial baby products and opt for making my own, due to difficulty finding any that do not contain harmful chemicals. Cleansing Your Baby’s Skin For Optimal Health The first step to maintaining healthy skin for an infant is properly cleansing the skin. A baby should not necessarily be using the same cleansers as an adult. Some of those can be harsh on a baby's skin, causing it to dry out or get irritated. Dry or irritated skin is not healthy skin. A good baby cleansing product should contain a cleanser or disinfectant, possibly a moisturizer, water, and vitamins or minerals. Other ingredients should be minimal or non-existent. Soft cloths made of 100% cotton are best for applying cleansers to infant skin. Plain, fragrance free glycerin soap with only oatmeal and almond oil (not to be confused with almond extract or scented essential oils) is a good choice. It’s actually quite easy to make your own. Moisturizers For Infant Skin Health Moisturizing is another important step to healthy skin care in infants. Many babies naturally have soft skin, but to maintain that soft, healthy skin, frequent moisturizing is necessary. Using just any moisturizer is not necessarily better than none. The harsh ingredients in some of them can be detrimental to healthy skin care for a baby and can actually deplete moisture. If you can’t make your own products, check labels to be sure the ingredients consist of a proper moisturizer, preferably some vitamins and minerals, as well as purified water. I personally recommend simple coconut or almond oil infused with pure (unfragranced) vitamin E oil. Bedding and Clothing Play an Important Role in Infant Skin Care Often overlooked are the garments babies wear, as well as their bedding. Anything that comes in contact with a baby's skin should be considered in maintaining healthy skin care habits. Be cautious of the fabrics used to make the bedding and clothing. Also, pay attention to the laundering products used. Avoid products that contain chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. Natural laundry detergent is best for maintaining healthy skin care in an infant. To avoid wrinkling in the clothing, try hanging the clothing neatly on the clothesline in the sun. The sunshine method also can help to freshen the clothing, taking away the need for a fabric refresher. Another freshening method is to add a small amount of baking soda (maybe a teaspoon) to the washer with a cup of vinegar. This can serve as a cleanser, disinfectant, de-wrinkler, and fabric softener all at once. Things to Remember:
*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network  Image © elvissa; Flickr.com Spitting up is very common in both formula-fed and breastfed babies and is generally quite normal. When the baby starts vomiting, that is another story. If your baby is vomiting, you may be asking the question, "How can I cure my baby's vomiting?"
Baby Vomiting Warning Signs First off, if your baby is less than 1 month old and is vomiting, you need to stop reading this for now and call the doctor right away. By vomiting, this does not mean spitting up, which is normal. This could mean spitting up more than a small amount of formula or projectile vomiting. Other warning signs include failure to gain weight, spit up that is green or brown, refusal to drink formula, acting hungrier than usual, less diaper wetting, diarrhea, and much more. Basically, look for abnormal behavior and signs of sickness. Visiting The Doctor Is A Must Vomiting in babies is not to be taken lightly. It can cause dehydration, loss of vital nutrients, and it could even be an indication of an infection or medical condition. The first step in curing your baby's vomiting is taking him or her to the doctor. The doctor will do tests and ask questions to determine the cause of the vomiting. Once you have received a diagnosis, the doctor will likely give you tips and information on how to cure the baby's vomiting. Medications may also be prescribed, depending on the diagnosis. The most common cause of vomiting in babies is gastroenteritis, which is usually caused by a virus in the intestines. General Treatments For Infants Who Are Vomiting A baby who is vomiting needs plenty of fluids because these can be lost during vomiting. A doctor may recommend giving a very small amount of an oral electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte) every 20 minutes until vomiting subsides. Starting with 1/2 ounce and then increasing it as baby is allowed to keep the fluids down is a common recommendation. While increasing the oral electrolyte solution, keep in mind that you should not give your baby more than he or she would normally consume in a bottle feeding at one time. Vomiting should normally start to decrease within a few days or less. If vomiting is not decreasing, even if the baby has already seen the doctor, the doctor should be consulted right away. That statement is not meant to scare anyone. It is simply vital that parents know infant vomiting can be a serious issue, if not addressed quickly. Most cases of baby vomiting will clear up in a few days or less. Formula intake may be reduced or halted, but should only be done under the advice of a qualified medical professional. Once baby's vomiting starts to decrease and the baby has gone without vomiting for a substantial amount of time, formula can be reintroduced into the baby's diet slowly. Start with small amounts that are fed to the baby closer together than usual. As the baby is able to hold in the formula, begin to ease back into the normal feeding pattern. -- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters. Sources: Mayo Clinic KidsHealth More From Lyn: How to Tell If Your Baby Has A Soy Allergy 5 Natural Ways To Relieve Infant Constipation How To Help A Newborn Poop 5 Secrets To Successfully Bottle-Feeding Your Infant Newborn Feeding Guide For New Moms  Image © iskir; Flickr.com Oftentimes when thinking of baby formula allergies, parents may think of cow's milk baby formula. Did you know that babies can also be allergic to soy baby formula? In fact, if an infant is allergic to cow's milk, there is often an increased risk of that baby having a soy allergy as well. Perhaps my experiences with infant soy allergies can help you learn how to tell if your baby has a soy allergy.
Soy Milk vs Cow’s Milk Information found on the KidsHealth.org website states that the American Academy of Pediatrics purports a significant amount of babies with cow's milk allergies to have soy milk allergies as well. That definitely falls in line with my experiences. The first time one of my babies experienced an allergy to cow's milk formula, soy baby formula was recommended. She turned out to be allergic to that as well. Each subsequent child with a cow's milk allergy also had an allergy to soy milk. Even though my situation dealt with soy baby formula, breastfeeding moms who consume soy should also be aware of soy allergies in babies. Feeding Habits and Detecting a Soy Allergy To tell if your baby has a soy allergy, pay attention to feeding habits. It is much the same as figuring out if your baby has a cow's milk allergy or is lactose intolerant. Some of the common symptoms of a soy allergy in infant can include asthma, dermatitis or eczema, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pains, nausea, and many more. Much like any other food allergy, the symptoms may depend on the individual or the severity of the allergy. In rare, but severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur. Remember that some of these symptoms can also indicate or other issues or may be unrelated to the baby's diet at all. The only way to tell for sure that your baby has a soy allergy is to have it diagnosed by a pediatrician. However, observing the baby's actions can help you gather information that will help tell the pediatrician if your baby has a soy allergy. Therefore, even though you cannot accurately diagnose the allergy yourself, it is still important that you keep track of baby's symptoms and habits. Colic vs Food Allergies In some cases, it will be easy for you to tell if your baby might have a soy allergy. The symptoms might be so obvious that you know something has to be wrong. Also keep in mind that a gassy baby or one that is frequently fussy doesn't always indicate colic, even though this is sometimes the first thought. It could actually be a food allergy, such as soy. Look for the symptoms to occur shortly after feedings. They don't always happen like that, but if symptoms are generally appearing after feedings, that can be a good indicator that you're dealing with a soy allergy. -- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters. Sources: KidsHealth Wholesome Baby Food Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic More from Lyn: What NOT To Do When Bottle-Feeding An Infant Newborn Feeding Guide for New Moms 5 Secrets To Successfully Bottle-Feeding Your Infant 5 Natural Ways to Relieve Infant Constipation Easy Discipline Tricks For Babies: How To Discipline Your Baby by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Image by amseaman via Flickr.com When you have a baby, the first thing you might do before the homecoming may be to sanitize everything in the house. But that may not be the best practice and could even lead to health risks, according to research. Can a house with kids be too clean? How much cleaning is too much?
Is Sanitizing a Good Thing? Do Germs Have Hidden Benefits? Sanitizing is is obviously a good idea when known viruses are around, such as the flu. However, WebMD states that too much sanitizing can actually kill the germs that help build a child's immune system. These germs are a necessary component to teaching our children's bodies to build immunity. If we kill them off, kids can be more prone to allergies and other illnesses. Dangers of Household Chemicals WebMD also reports that common household chemicals, like chlorine bleach, can actually be more harmful than some of the germs you're trying to kill with them. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health, if you can smell the chlorine bleach, exposure levels may be too high to be safe. So, the next time you want your house to smell fresh and clean from bleach or other chemical cleaners, think again for the safety of the kids and yourself. Healthy Cleaning Habits Washing hands often has long been known to help prevent the spread of infection. This is still true. Use sanitizers and antibacterial soaps sparingly. Using them too often can actually cause certain bacterias to build up a resistance. Then, when you actually do need the extra protection, it may not be as effective. Plain soap and water does the trick for general use throughout the day. Oh, and if your baby drops a couple Cheerios on the floor and pops them in her mouth afterward, don't panic. She'll most likely be just fine. Now, just because you don't need to sanitize as much does not mean you should just let the messes pile up. However, letting your child play in the dirt is most likely not going to harm him or her. It may even be a good thing. A fair balance between too much cleaning and not enough is recommended. So, the next time you go on a crazy house cleaning spree, remember not to overdo it with the sanitizing. Some things just do not need to be cleaned in that way. Alternative Cleaning Solutions You may now be thinking what to clean with if not bleach. Some alternative household cleaners include vinegar and water, lemon juice, and diluted thyme oil. By using natural household cleaners, you are helping save the environment and possibly the health of your child. Keeping your bathroom germ-free is possible without the harmful ingredients in chlorine bleach and other common household cleaners. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network
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Lyn Lomasi is founder and owner of the Brand Shamans network. She is your brand healing, soul healing, marketing & content superhero to the rescue! Running a network of websites, tackling deadlines single-handedly, and coaching fellow writers, brands, & entrepreneurs to be thought leaders is her top priority.
While rescuing civilians from boring content and brands, this awesomely crazy family conquers the world, managing Intent-sive Nature while going on Upstream Parenting adventures & lessons, sometimes in an RV. They strive to cuddle with lions and giraffes. Until then, they settle for rescue dogs and cats. By supporting us, you support a single parent, healer, and minority small business that donates to and/or stands for several causes, including homeless pets, homeless people, trans youth, equality, helping starving artists, and more! A portion of all proceeds from our all-inclusive store, Intent-sive Nature goes toward worthy causes. For guidance in the world of freelance writing or for advice on her specialty topics, Ask Lyn. Archives
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