Parenting Club

9 - 18 Months: Bottlefeeding

Whether you decide to bottlefeed from birth or introduce formula milk later on if you return to work, you can bond just as closely with your baby.

What you need to get started
Getting the formula right
Choosing teats
How often should I feed?
Warming the milk
Cleaning your bottles
Storing feeds
Why breast is best
A beginner's guide to preparing and giving a bottle

If you’re thinking of swapping breastfeeding for bottlefeeding because it isn’t working for you, we strongly advise you to see your midwife or a breastfeeding counsellor. With the right support, early problems can be sorted out easily. Bear in mind that, choosing to bottlefeed means extra cost for some time to come. It’s also tricky to switch between breastfeeding and bottlefeeding so it’s worth perservering with breastfeeding to start with.

What you need to get started
  • At least six bottles and teats
  • Baby milk (infant formula)
  • Bottle brush
  • Sterilising equipment
  • Plenty of muslin squares or bibs
Getting the formula right

Formula milk usually comes in powder form and provides a careful balance of essential vitamins and minerals. Once your baby is over six months, you can carry on with your usual formula or switch to a follow-on milk.

Choosing teats

Teats made from natural latex rubber are softer and cheaper than silicone ones, but need replacing more often. Start with a ‘slow-flow’ teat (those with the smallest holes); a faster-flow teat may make your newborn baby splutter. If he starts sucking very strongly or seems frustrated, try a medium-flow teat.

How often should I feed?

Offer your baby a bottle whenever he seems hungry. He might be content with a feed every three to four hours, or he may want less milk more often.

Warming the milk

Stand the bottle in hot water or use an electric bottle warmer. Microwave heating can leave ‘hot spots’ that burn your baby’s mouth. Never reheat an unfinished bottle and always throw any leftover milk away.

Cleaning your bottles

Your equipment needs to be scrupulously clean. Wash all bottles, teats, rings and caps thoroughly in hot, soapy water– use a bottle brush and squirt water through the teats with your finger. Rinse and sterilise.

Storing feeds

If you’re not intending to give a freshly made feed straight away, cool the lidded bottle under cold running water and store in the main part of the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Why breast is best

Boots fully supports breastfeeding. Your milk is the best food for your baby because it contains the perfect balance of nutrients, while the proven health benefits include lower risk of coughs, colds, and chest infections. Don’t forget, too, that breast milk is free, portable and always ‘on tap’ at the perfect temperature. You don’t have to bother with bottles.

A beginner's guide to... preparing and giving a bottle
  • Wash your hands.
  • Use tap water to fill the kettle and boil it. Let the water cool.
  • Pour the cooled, boiled water into the sterile bottle to the specified level.
  • Using the scoop provided, measure the exact amount of powder. Level off with a clean, dry knife (don’t press the powder down). Add to water. It is important to follow the exact instructions on the formula.
  • Holding the edge of the teat put it on the bottle and screw on the ring. Cover with a cap and shake until the powder is dissolved.
  • Drip a little on to the inside of your wrist to check that its lukewarm.
  • Get comfortable and cuddle your baby close.
  • Keep the bottle tilted so the teat is full of milk – this will stop him taking in air.
  • If the teat flattens during the feed, gently draw it out of your baby’s mouth to release the vacuum before continuing.
  • Burp him halfway through the feed if he stops for a rest, or wait until he’s had enough milk. Drape a muslin cloth or old tea towel over your shoulder and gently rub his back.