An essential guide to support you on your formula feeding journey
What's the best formula for my baby?
How do I safely make a bottle?
How much formula should my baby consume?
What are signs that I may want to switch formula products?
The most common type of formula, it includes milk-based protein.
These formulas have partially hydrolyzed (broken down) proteins for babies who can't tolerate other milk-based formulas.
Designed with different carbohydrates to help babies showing signs of fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity.
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The best formula for your baby is the one that works best for them. Cow’s milk-based formula is most recommended by doctors, and most babies tolerate it well.
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Similac 360 Total Care Infant Formula*
This formula has an exclusive blend of five HMOs. HMOs are immune-nourishing prebiotics that are structurally identical to those in breast milk.
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There are a variety of reasons a family may switch formulas. For example, if your baby frequently experiences fussiness and gas, it might be time to switch formulas. Check out this tummy trouble tool, and talk to your doctor about your options.
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Gentle nutrition designed to ease common tummy troubles like fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity.
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Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Infant Formula*
Soy-based infant formula for help with reducing your baby's fussiness and gas due to sensitivity to cow's milk-based formulas.
Formula made with organic ingredients.
Work with your pediatrician or health care professional for baby's specific medical needs.
There's a wide range of formulas to choose from that are nutritionally complete to support growth and development. Here's a quick overview.
Debunk some common formula-feeding myths
myth 3
myth 4
myth 1
myth 2
Always check the expiration date.
Before preparing formula make sure you clean your hands, all surfaces, and equipment.
Read and follow the directions on the container carefully.
Keep prepared bottles of formula refrigerated (for the amount of time stated on the formula label) until ready to use.
To warm a bottle, put it under warm running water or in a bowl of lukewarm water for a
few minutes. Never use a microwave to
heat formula.
Follow these tips to make sure formula is as safe as possible for your baby.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most babies should take in about 2 1/2 fluid ounces of formula a day for every pound of body weight. Use the chart below as a guide.
How old?
Birth-1 week
1 week-1 month
1-3 months
3-6 months
6-9 months
9-12 months
Check for cues that your baby is getting enough to eat:
Steady weight gain
Satisfied after feeding
Five or more wet diapers a day
Formula feeding 101
Common formula feeding questions
What's the best formula for my baby?
How do I safely make a bottle?
How much formula should my baby consume?
2-3 fl oz
2-4 fl oz
4-5 fl oz
6-7 fl oz
7-8 fl oz
7-8 fl oz
6-10
7-8
5-6
4-5
3-4
3
How much?
How often?
per feeding
feedings per day
What are signs that I may want to switch formula products?
Get to know the formula types
Sensitive formula
Partially hydrolyzed protein formula
Soy-based formula
Organic formula
Specialized nutrition formula
Fact
Supplementing with formula while breastfeeding works well for many families. Parents may choose to do this for a variety of reasons, such as low milk supply.
Whether you’ve just entered the world of formula feeding or are switching to a new formula, you might have a lot of questions.
Use these helpful tips as a starting point, and be sure to ask your baby’s doctor for help when you need it.
Fact
Many babies do fine with a standard nipple. Some may prefer a specific type. Try experimenting with different nipple shapes, sizes, and flow speeds to find what works.
Fact
Growth rates of formula-fed babies and breastfed babies differ. Babies have different hunger and fullness cues, and different growth patterns. Follow your baby’s lead when it comes to feeding. Discuss concerns about your baby’s weight gain with his doctor.
Fact
Moms can bond with their bottle-fed babies in many ways, including holding them while feeding. Other ways to bond include skin-to-skin contact, cuddles, and close-up facetime.
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Common questions
Formula types
Debunking myths
Formula feeding fact vs. fiction
*Not for infants or children with galactosemia.
*Not for infants or children with galactosemia.
*Not for infants or children with galactosemia.
Milk-based formula
Milk-based formula