Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed a baby, and the way that is recommended by medical authorities. There is however a viable alternative: bottle feeding.

Many years ago, the only alternative to breastfeeding was bottle-fed cow's milk. Today, this is considered unsuitable for babies as it contains too much salt and casein protein, which babies can't digest well. Mothers now have the option to bottle feed using infant formula, which has been developed to be nutritionally more similar to breast milk.

Nowadays, new mothers have the choice to bottle feed their babies with infant formula, which has been developed over the years to be much closer to breast milk nutritionally than is cow's milk.

The History of Infant Formula

One such company first produced infant formula in 1925. It would be imagined that mothers' of that time were very sceptical of this new product, but it appears there was enough interest for the company to continuing producing and improving their formula.

In 1969, maternity units used the company's newly introduced ready-to-feed system. As breastfeeding was still the accepted method, it would be assumed this was for babies, who for whatever reason were unable to be breastfed

The company's nutrition scientists, who were always researching ways to improve their infant formula , achieved this in 1974, when they introduced a process that enabled infant formula to copy the whey:casein ratio found in breast milk.

Why Bottle Feed

There are many reasons why a new mother might bottle feed. Some of those are due to circumstances, rather than choice. For a good many new mothers, it's often a combination of reasons these reasons.

• They may find breastfeeding too painful.
• Because they were not able to get the baby to latch on adequately in the beginning, and wanted to ensure that the baby was getting enough nutrients right away.
• Maybe they or their partner are uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding.
• So that the father can be more involved in feeding, which helps with early bonding.
• Because the baby is in childcare during the day from an early age.
• There maybe continued allergic reactions in the infant, despite changes in the mother's diet.
• Due medical condition - for example, taking medications that would pass through breast milk and adversely affect the baby.
• Because either baby or mother were in the hospital for a while, and mother's milk had dried up and/or baby had become used to bottle feeding by the time they were both home.
• They may want to regain their fertility more quickly (exclusive breastfeeding can cause lactational amenorrhoea).
• Some people bottle feed because they want their breasts to shrink again (although you do usually lose your pregnancy weight gain more easily if you breastfeed).
• Some people bottle feed because they have adopted, or are raising the child without the involvement of the mother.
• Because they are substance abusers, and do not want the substances to cause further harm to their infant.

Choices of Bottles their Accessories and Formula

As with everything, 'you get what you pay for', feeding bottles and accessories, are no exception to that rule.

Bottles

Bottles are available in a variety of different sizes and styles. From the standard straight bottle to short dumpy wide-necked, or with built in handles. All are purchased with teat¹ and lid.

If you intend to sterilise bottles and accessories using a dishwasher, make sure you choose dishwasher safe bottles.

Basic bottles: There are two sizes available. Ideal for newborns is the small 120mls (4oz) bottle, and the larger 225mls (8oz) for when the smaller bottle is no longer enough to satisfy the baby.

Anti-colic bottles: These have been designed to reduce the amount of air a baby takes in while feeding, which is just one of the many causes of colic.

There are two designs which aim to reduce air consumption during feeding. One features an air vent in the bottle, which allows air to escape. The other is bottles, which contain collapsible bags for the formula, which makes it less likely for baby to take in air while feeding.

Disposable bottles: For babies over three months, these are ideal for travelling. They are purchased in multi-packs, the bottles, teats and lids come ready-sterilised. Just add the formula, in the normal way, and throw away after use.

Steriliser bottles: The most expensive option. This bottle can be sterilised in the microwave, and needs no other sterilising equipment. Though it does depend on there being a microwave available.

Teats

Teats are supplied with bottles, however as they tend to wear out quicker than the bottle, and may need to be replaced frequently. Teats are standard size, and fit all bottles, and can be purchased seperately. They also have different flow rates, depending on the age of the baby.

Silicone - a hardwearing, clear material, easy to clean but may feel harder in the mouth, so may not be as popular with your baby

Latex - natural rubber which is soft in your baby’s mouth but deteriorates fairly quickly; latex teats are not usually available for wide neck bottles

Orthodontic teats - shaped to resemble the nipple and mimic a breastfeeding sucking action

Anti-colic teats - designed to stop the baby gulping and taking in air which causes stomach ache

Vented teats - also help to stop babies from taking in air; designed not to collapse during feeding thus ensuring an even flow of milk

Bottle Warmers

There is a large range of basic and sophisticated bottle warmers available, but a hot tap is sufficient in most cases.

One good way to heat baby's bottle is to run the filled bottle under hot tap water for a little while, and then towel off the outside of the bottle before feeding. Despite misperceptions, infants (especially those 3 months or older) are generally quite fine with drinking bottles that are room temperature rather than actually heated.

Sterilisers

Most bottles are now dishwasher-safe, which makes washing and sterilising bottles much easier than it would be otherwise.

If you do not have a dishwasher you will need a sterilising unit. The most basic of which, is a plastic container, with a lid, and uses sterilising tablets or liquid form.

There are also a variety of electric steam sterilisers to choose from.

Whichever type of steriliser you choose, it is important to read and follow the instructions.

Formula

There are two basic types of formula to choose from: milk-based and Soya-based. Ideally, you should seek professional advice on the type of formula best suited for your baby.(more to add)

There is a milk-based formula which has been specially modified for babies with milk allergy or intolerance.

Some are available in three choices, ranging in cost and preparation time: Powdered, pre-measured powdered and ready-to-use.

Milk-based formulas: are mostly based on cow’s milk, which has been modified, by adjusting carbohydrate, protein, nutrients and fat levels and adding vitamins and minerals in order to resemble breast milk.

There is 'first stage' and 'second stage' formula milk available. First-stage formula milks are whey dominant, with a casein:whey ratio of 40:60, around the same ratio as in breast milk. They are considered to be suitable for babies from birth and are thought to be easier to digest.

Second stage formula, (also known as 'follow on') which is described as being, for the hungrier baby. It is casein dominant, with a casein:whey ratio of 80:20, and takes longer to digest. And it is not recommended for babies under six months, as it is likely to cause constipation.

Soya-based formula: made from soya beans, and like cow’s milk it has been modified with vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Soya based formula is normally only used if the baby has milk allergy or intolerance or if the parents are vegans. It is recommended that you should seek advice from your health visitor or GP before offering your baby soya-based formula.

Contrary to opinions, that changing to soya-based formula can help sooth an unsettled or colicky baby, there is no evidence to support this.

Points to Remember(happy to change Header, any suggestions?)

• Check formula's expiry date, before purchasing. Make sure you use it before the expiry date, if not throw it out.

• Prepare formula following the exact instructions on the label. Use the scoop provided and the flat edge of a sterilised knife to level the formula. Do not be tempted to add extra formula to the bottle, it has been scientifically to an exact amount.

• Test temperature of the milk before offering to the baby, by shaking a few drops on your wrist.

• Sterilise bottles and equipment as per instructions. And rinse bottles and accessories with cooled boiled water before using.

• Any formula left in the bottle at the end of a feed, should be tipped down sink. As germs and bacteria from baby's saliva will live and breed in the liquid.

• It is recommended that you never use a microwave to warm bottled milk. The main reason being; microwave liquids heat unevenly. There will be lukewarm bits and scalding hot bits, and shaking isn't enough to even them all out. It will also cause a breakdown of vital nutrients.

• Many babies can hold bottle themselves at around five months, never leave baby propped up in cot with bottle unattended.

Bottled infant formula is a food, not a drink. Breast milk is both, because the breast milk changes consistency as the feed progresses, allowing the baby to regulate the amount of liquid he or she gets as well as the amount of food (rearrange and use info)

You can make up the bottles last thing at night instead of first thing in the morning. This suits some people. The important thing is that you make it a regular task, which you do without thinking about.

It might be worth saying that the reason you have to be so careful with sterilisation is that the milk is going to sit in the bottle for hours and hours, so it must be clean. Even when your baby is old enough to take food off an unsterilised spoon, you must still continue to sterilise the bottles for the formula milk.