Similac Formula Feeding 101

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.

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Debunk some common formula feeding myths

myth 3

myth 4

myth 1

myth 2

Get To Know the Formula Types

There's a wide range of formulas to choose from that are nutritionally complete to support growth and development. Here's a quick overview.

Work with your pediatrician or health care professional for baby's specific medical needs.

Specialized nutrition formula

Formula made with organic ingredients.

Organic formula

Soy-based infant formula for help with reducing your baby's fussiness and gas due to sensitivity to cow's milk-based formulas.

Soy-Based Formula

These formulas have partially hydrolyzed (broken down) proteins for babies who can't tolerate other milk-based formulas.

Partially Hydrolyzed Protein Formula

Designed with different carbohydrates to help babies showing signs of fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity.

Sensitive Formula

The most common type of formula, it includes milk-based protein.

How much formula should my baby consume?

What are signs that I may want to switch formula products?

How do I safely make a bottle?

What's the best formula for my baby?

Common Formula Feeding Questions

An essential guide to support you on your formula feeding journey

Formula Feeding 101

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Debunking Myths

Formula Types

Common Questions

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.

This formula has an exclusive blend of five HMOs. HMOs are immune-nourishing prebiotics that are structurally identical to those in breast milk.

CONSIDER THIS

Similac 360 Total Care Infant Formula*

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What's the best formula for my baby?

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.

How do I safely make a bottle?

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.

Check for cues that your baby is getting enough to eat:

Steady weight gain Satisfied after feeding Five or more wet diapers a day

How old?

How much?

per feeding

feedings per day

How often?

Birth-1 week 1 week-1 month 1-3 months 3-6 months 6-9 months 9-12 months

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 formula should my baby consume?

What are signs that I may want to switch formula products?

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.

Gentle nutrition designed to ease common tummy troubles like fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity.

CONSIDER THIS

Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Infant 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.

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.

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.

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 face time.

Formula Feeding Fact vs. Fiction

Milk-Based Formula

You can't breastfeed and use formula

Bottle nipple size and flow don't matter

Formula causes obesity

Formula-fed babies don't bond with their moms

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Fact

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myth 4

myth 3

myth 2

myth 1

Debunk some common formula-feeding myths

Formula Feeding Fact vs. Fiction

Get To Know the Formula Types

There's a wide range of formulas to choose from that are nutritionally complete to support growth and development. Here's a quick overview.

Work with your pediatrician or health care professional for baby's specific medical needs.

Specialized nutrition formula

Formula made with organic ingredients.

Organic formula

Soy-based infant formula for help with reducing your baby's fussiness and gas due to sensitivity to cow's milk-based formulas.

Soy-Based Formula

These formulas have partially hydrolyzed (broken down) proteins for babies who can't tolerate other milk-based formulas.

Partially Hydrolyzed Protein Formula

Designed with different carbohydrates to help babies showing signs of fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity.

Sensitive formula

The most common type of formula, it includes milk-based protein.

What are signs that I may want to switch formula products?

How much formula should my baby consume?

How do I safely make a bottle?

What's the best formula for my baby?

Common formula feeding questions

An essential guide to support you on your formula feeding journey

Formula Feeding 101

Ad content for

Debunking myths

Formula types

Common questions

*Not for infants or children with galactosemia.