KFL&A Public Health is committed to supporting you as you learn to feed your baby. If you have made an informed decision to feed your baby infant formula, or if breastmilk is unavailable, then commercially produced cow’s milk-based formula is the recommended alternative for most babies. Some babies may need non-cow’s milk formula due to allergies, according to your health care provider's advice. Formula-fed babies will need to stay on formula until they are 9 to 12 months of age. “Follow-up” formulas including formulas with names such as ‘follow on’, ‘growing up’, or ‘toddler’ milk are not needed for most babies. The following resources can help you to safely prepare formula and feed your baby.
How do I know my baby is hungry? |
|||||||||||||||
In the first few months, most babies feed at least eight times in 24 hours. This does not mean they feed every three hours. They will feed when they are hungry, during the day and throughout the night. It is normal to feed during the night for many months. Watch for your baby’s cues and respond to them.
This Baby Feeding Cues (Signs) (PDF) and Baby's Feeding Cues and Behaviours (video) can help you learn what infant hunger and fullness cues look like. |
|||||||||||||||
How do I know my baby is getting enough to eat? |
|||||||||||||||
Most babies lose weight in the first 3 days. From day 4 onward, most babies gain weight regularly and return to birthweight by 10 days of age. Most babies gain at least 20 to 35 grams a day in the first three to four months of age. Your baby should be having AT LEAST the number of wet and dirty diapers listed in the chart. If there is poop and pee in one diaper, you can count it as both.
Only count poops that are the size of a toonie, or bigger. If your baby does not have enough wet and dirty diapers, get help right away. |
|||||||||||||||
Preparing and storing formula resources |
|||||||||||||||
Infant formula: What you need to know (PDF) is available in 18 languages. To request a hard copy, contact the Parenting in KFL&A phone line at 613-549-1154. The booklet provides information on:
Safely preparing formula for your baby tip sheets are available in 18 languages. The 6 tip sheets cover the following topics:
|