Formula feeding is a great option to feed your baby and there are so many different brands and types out there to choose from. In this post, I’m going to talk about my top bottle feeding tips for new moms as well as other formula feeding tips, newborn specific tips, must haves, a sample schedule and even nighttime bottle feeding hacks.
How Much Formula Does Baby Need?
There is no magic amount of formula that your baby needs because it depends on things such as age, weight and appetite. But babies under 6 months who aren’t eating solids yet generally need about 2 to 2.5oz of formula per 1lb of weight in a 24 hour period. This is broken up into bottles about every 3 to 4 hours.
Example: If your baby weighs 10lbs, that would translate to 20 to 25oz of formula a day.
Newborn formula feeding can be a little more unpredictable and newborn feeding in general should occur on demand as your baby needs it. Cluster feeding is also totally normal for babies at this stage and it often occurs at night. If you’re feeling discouraged by the constant feeding, burping and bottle washing… know that everything is a phase and your baby won’t be cluster feeding forever!
Formula Feeding Chart
Here’s a sample feeding chart:
| Age | Amount |
| Newborn | About 2-2.5oz per lb of weight |
| 1 Month | 22-26oz |
| 2-4 Months | 25-30oz |
| 6+ Months | 24-32oz + some babies are starting to eat solid foods. |
| 12 Months | Transition from formula to milk + eating solids. |
Formula to Water Ratio
Now that you know how much formula your baby needs, let’s talk about how to actually prepare the bottle!
- Wash your hands with warm soapy water and make sure the bottle and parts are clean as well.
- Pour the desired amount of water into the clean bottle.
- Add formula powder to the water. Typically you add 1 scoop of formula for every 2oz of water.
- Put the cap on the bottle and shake well until the powder is dissolved and there are no visible clumps.
Every baby is different and has preferences about the temperature of their bottle: warm, room temp or cold. To warm your baby’s bottle, use a bottle warmer or run the bottle under hot water. Never use the microwave as it can heat the bottle unevenly and cause burns.
How Long Does Formula Last?
Prepared formula used for feeding must be used within 1 hour. Any formula that was not consumed should be discarded. The combination of formula and your baby’s saliva can cause bacteria to grow.
Prepared formula not used for feeding must be put in the refrigerator within 2 hours of preparation and used within 24 hours.
Unlike pumped breast milk, you typically don’t freeze formula.
Pre-made Formula Option
Pre-made formula is a favorite feeding hack of mine and one of my favorite bottle feeding tips when you’re on the go with a newborn. The liquid is sold in small bottles and can either be poured into an empty bottle or you can screw on a nipple top to create a bottle in seconds.
This is a more expensive option compared to powdered formula but is very convenient. It’s also the type of formula that the hospital will provide you during your stay.
Open containers of pre-made formula can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
Formula Feeding Tips
- Pre-fill the bottles with water. This will be a little more difficult in the beginning when your newborn may be cluster feeding but anything to cut down on time when you have a crying baby in your arms is a win in my book!
- Use a formula dispenser. This is one of my formula feeding essentials! I recommend measuring out the formula in a container like this ahead of time. You will be amazed at how much time and aggravation you save.
- Burp Frequently. For newborns, it’s recommended that you burp your baby every few ounces or so. For older babies, you can typically burp halfway through and then after the feeding.
- Hold your baby upright during feeding. This is especially important for babies with reflux but keeping your baby’s head and chest above his stomach is helpful for consumption and digestion.
Nighttime Bottle Feeding Hacks
- Use a basket. Store several prepped bottles and formula dispenser in a basket and bring it upstairs or in your room at night. Having it close by will help make overnight feeds smoother.
- Red Light Trick. If your baby is sleeping in a separate room, put a red light bulb in the lamp instead of yellow or white bright light. A red light will provide just enough light for overnight diaper changes and bottles without signaling to your baby that it’s time to get up for the day.
- Give yourself grace. Feeding your baby at night can be frustrating sometimes (and tiring!) but know that this is a phase. Your baby needs you right now but you WILL eventually get a full night sleep.
I hope the formula feeding tips and hacks discussed in this post help you feel more confident as you prepare bottles and feed your baby. Remember that your baby has individual needs and appetite based on age, weight and other factors.
What other questions do you have about formula feeding? Comment below and let me know!
Related Posts: How to Give a Newborn a Bath | How to Introduce Solids to a Baby