Q for the Formula Mommies

hispenguin · April 2011

Since my supply is so low I can only pump enough for one bottle a day we have had to primarily formula feed DD. I never thought that I would have to formula feed so I never really asked around what other formula mommies do.

Our Midwife suggested that we only use ready to feed formula for the first three months because it's completely sterile, but it's super expensive and since DD is over a month now we're going to switch to powder. What is your routine like for preparing bottles?

Do you mix up a pitcher of formula and then just pour in the bottles when needed? Do you just have the boiled water handy and just mix as needed? What's your routine?

Klmorgan83 · April 2011

We had to formula feed unexpectedly as well. I was readmitted to the hospital for a few days shortly after having DS, I wasn't able to pump/BF for more than 48 hours and it greatly damaged my supply and I couldn't get it back after I was discharged.

We've always just used powder. We have the Dr. Brown's formula pitcher. I just used filtered water from my fridge and mix enough for the day, and then pour into bottles when needed.

GreenFlamingo7 · April 2011

I mix up powder with water from the Brita... I have never boiled water nor fed the formula from the cans, and I had a preemie. I figured if he survived the first week where all I had to wash pump parts and bottles was the hospital room sink, he would be fine. The formula in the can is sterile, but unless you are boiling the bottles and nipples every time too, it doesn't make a difference.

redkt97 · April 2011

It depends on the day. Right now I just mix as needed withboiled water since she only takes 2 ounces at a feeding. When it's more I usually use the pitcher. Now that my DH is back to work I'll probably prep the bottles the night before and warm them when needed. I heat up water in the microwave and then put the bottle in the heated water to warm it. We've always used powder formula. Hope this helps

bre87 · April 2011

we just transitioned all the way to formula.i was wondering if i should do the dr brown's pitcher and mix all the formula but then i'd need a warmer, or just do bottle by bottle at room temp.

i opted for bottle by bottle at room temperature because LO takes them room temp and it would be best if we were out some where and i didn't have the opportunity to warm a bottle. we use powder formula, Gerber Goodstart; Gentle. and i buy the baby water by the gallon.

whatever formula you opt for, make sure you go online and sign up for coupons/rebate checks. they say the store brands are just as good, the only thing is that its only at the store, and they don't really come ready to feed.

bootsie08 · April 2011

With my DD, we used bottled purifed water. She was also getting pumped breastmilk, so I prepared formula as needed and served at room temperature.

We are also using purified water with DS, but we use the Dr. Brown's pitcher because he has a huge appetite and regularly drinks 3+ oz per feeding. I love the pticher. DS is fine with his formula being at room temperature. I don't really warm his bottles that are from the pitcher in the fridge. I just plop them in a bowl of hot water while I change his diaper and that brings them to about room temperature by the time we're ready to feed.

We're using the Enfamil Newborn powder. I wouldn't worry about what your midwife said. As PP pointed out, you would have to sterilize each bottle and nipple before EVERY feeding for the formula to truly be sterile.

mrsjanks · April 2011

We use powder (Soy from Target... Up&Up brand is half the price and exactly the same as Enfamil) and Playtex Drop-Ins.

I make 10 bottles (drop-in with water in it) every morning. We have 2 formula containers (the little ones that hold 3 pre-measured servings of formula), and I fill those every morning. When it's feeding time, we just dump, shake, and feed. We do this at night too.

We don't use a warmer.

mrsjanks · April 2011

Oh- and we use the Nursery water.

hispenguin · April 2011

Thanks for the suggestions girls! I've been keeping a bowl of water in DD's room at night and then just put the bottle in there to warm while changing her diaper too to warm it up a bit.

I think I'll do the pitcher with the boiled water or brita water and pre-mix the formula. I've gotten used to always having some forumla on hand in case we need to top up the bottle.

beeunit · April 2011

I don't boil water..I use bottled water or filtered water from my Brita pitcher. Then I just make up bottles and keep them in the fridge (I think we have a total of 9 bottles, but I only keep 4 or 5 in the fridge at once). Then I pull them out when needed.

Phil&Corinna · April 2011

We boil water and let it cool, and then put it into 3 - 10 oz sterilized bottles and 60mls in each 5oz bottle. We prepare each bottle when it's needed during the day, but at night, DH makes up 3 or 4 - 2oz bottles, and refrigerate them. We use the warmer normally only for the frig bottles.

We were making bigger batches of formula but then I read on the Similac website that they don't recommend making it ahead of time. The pitcher sounds really awesome though!!!

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