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Formula feeding guide

Get the facts

If you plan to introduce formula, either as a supplement to breast milk or exclusively, you’re not alone. Recent consumer studies show that 9 out of 10 new mothers use formula at some point during their baby’s first year. They do it for many reasons, including to supplement breastfeeding, to share feeding duties and to make the transition back to work.

Planning on using formula?

5 things to keep in mind:

You’re not alone

Breastfeeding is best for babies and is preferred whenever possible. However, if you choose formula, you’re not alone. In fact, recent consumer studies show that 9 out of every 10 new mothers use formula at some point during their baby's first year―including as a supplement to breast milk. The truth is, today's infant formulas are closer to breast milk than ever before and contain the nutrients your baby needs to grow and thrive.

Choose a formula with DHA

DHA is a brain-nourishing nutrient and an important nutrient in breast milk. A panel of experts recommend* that infant formula contains approximately

0.2%–0.5% (~7.2–18 mg) of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per 100 mL.

* Koletzko B et al. J Perinat. Med. 2008;36:5-14

Stock up on bottles and nipples

Babies can be picky, so buy a few different styles of bottles and nipples and see which ones your baby likes best.

Bond while formula feeding

Cuddle, snuggle, and sing to baby just as you would during nursing, and enjoy the love fest. Bonus: bottle feeding gives Dad, Grandma and even siblings a chance to bond as well.

Ensure that grandparents and babysitters know how to prepare a bottle

Preparing formula isn’t hard, but you will want to stress the importance of following label instructions. With everyone on the same page, you can rest assured that your baby will get the nutrition they needs.

DHA information

For more information about DHA, read

Your baby and DHA

Thanks to decades of research and scientific advancements, today’s infant formulas are closer to breast milk than ever before and contain the nutrients your baby needs to grow and thrive.

Formula feeding

Concerned about nutrition?

I used Enfamil A+ for my first child when my breast milk stopped producing. It was a saving grace. I now have a second child who just turned a month old and is on the same formula. I absolutely love the formula.

—A Mom from Okotoks, Alberta.

Most Moms find formula feeding easy—but introducing a bottle may take some trial and error. Here are 5 ways to make it easier:

Formula feeding guidelines

How to introduce a bottle

Make it gradual

Start by giving one bottle a day and gradually build up. Another way to supplement is to let your baby nurse first and then finish off with formula.

Time it right

Try offering a bottle when your baby is hungry but not famished, so they're less likely to fuss. In most cases, the optimal time to start supplementing is after the first month so your milk supply is well-established.

Let Dad or Grandma offer the first bottle

This can work better because your baby may associate you with strictly breast milk at first.

Start out with breast milk in the bottle

This cuts down on the number of new experiences baby has all at once. Plus, the familiar taste may help them to accept the bottle faster—and once they befriend it, adding formula won’t seem like a big deal.

Use a bottle nipple that resembles your baby’s pacifier

Putting some breast milk on the nipple is another way to encourage them to accept the bottle. Once your baby tastes the breast milk, they may start sucking to get more.

How to prepare baby formula

Become a mix master

Making formula isn’t hard. Just follow the directions on the label, consider these important tips, and in no time you’ll be an expert. But remember—accuracy matters. Too much or too little water and your baby won’t get the right mix of nutrients. Bottle basics every Mom needs:

Follow label directions carefully

Always use formula before the expiry date

Wash your hands and your work area

Boil clean bottles, nipples, caps and utensils in water for 2 minutes

For healthy term babies less than 4 months old, boil the water you use to make formula for 2 minutes. Let the water cool down before use.

Run warm tap water over the bottle or place the bottle in a pan of hot (not boiling) water. Shake bottle occasionally while warming. The warming time should be less than 15 minutes. Test the formula temperature before feeding; it should not feel warm or cold when dropped on your wrist.

NEVER microwave a bottle—you could seriously burn your baby

If there’s any formula left in a bottle, throw it out within 1 hour of starting the feeding

How much formula to feed your baby?

Formula feeding. How much? How often? Is your baby getting enough to eat?

Generally, formula fed babies eat every 3-4 hours during their first weeks, while breastfed babies eat every 2-3 hours. Proper weight gain is the truest test of whether or not your baby is eating enough. Here’s another test—count their wet diapers. If you get six or more per day, and your baby is happy between feedings, they're likely getting plenty to eat. Don’t try to force your baby to continue feeding when they're not hungry. If you are exclusively formula feeding, here’s a guide to how much and how often you should feed formula to your baby. But remember, these are just averages—your baby’s appetite is always the best guide.

Use our formula calculator on your mobile device

enfamil.ca/calculator

Formula feeding chart

Birth–1 month

Bottles

6–10