Help with Preparing Formula Bottles

If you are not going to be using formula that much and can afford a little extra $,I highly recommend buying or getting samples of the already made formula. After the experience of 2 gassy and colicky children on powdered formula and very happy twins on the ready to serve formula, it was worth every penny. It just seems so much easier on the digestive system.

Al you have to do is wash them and make very sure there is no scum in the bottle or nipple. Boil them in hot water for a couple of minutes and set them on a clean dish towl to dry.
That is how I done it.

You only need to sterilize bottles before the first use, regular washing is fine after that as long as you have ahealthy baby. I used the Enfamil Lipil with Iron to supplement with my first son (now 4yrs). Its what they gave him in the hospital so we just stuck with it. My second son (10 mths) nurses 2 times and gets 3 bottles of Similac Advance or Organic a day. My oldest was always fine with room temperature or even cooler water in his bottles but my youngest refuses to take anything below body temperature so I have to get the water pretty warm for him. I just turn on the hot water and once its the right temp. put in straight from the tap into the bottle, lid, shake, and pass to him. Tap is fine if you've got good water not wellwater or other questionable water. If you're on a well or have doubtful water you should use bottle or filtered water.

Talk with your pediatrician to see what type of formula is recommended due to your babies' health needs. We used the Sam's brand Enfamil Lipil (so much cheaper!) with our 15-month old, then tried that with our 3-month old, but she spit up a lot, so our ped recommended a Lactose-Free formula (the name is escaping me now, but I now it is Similac brand at Sam's). I just us warm water from the tap. If I know I am going somewhere where the water is
questionable, then I bring or buy bottled water. They is a lot of info out there now that says that babies do not actually require warm water for there bottles, that they can drink it cold, and it won't upset their tummies as previously thought. It's just hard to mix when you are on the go.

This is from the state of Tennessee regarding work and breastfeeding. It is a bill that was past to protect the rights of mothers wanting to pump at work. I don't know where you live if your state has this law or not. I would definately research this. Chapter No. 161 ] PUBLIC ACTS, 1999
CHAPTER NO. 161 SENATE BILL NO. 1856 By Cohen, Kyle
Substituted for: House Bill No. 1842
By Chumney
AN ACT To amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 50, Chapter 1, Part 3, relative to breast feeding in the workplace.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 50, Chapter 1, Part 3, is amended by adding the following as a new, appropriately designated section:
Section 50-1-3__. (a) An employer shall provide reasonable unpaid break time each day to an employee who needs to express breast milk for her infant child. The break time shall, if possible, run concurrently with any break time already provided to the employee. An employer shall not be required to provide break time under this section if to do so would unduly disrupt the operations of the employer.

(b) The employer shall make reasonable efforts to provide a room or other location in close proximity to the work area, other than a toilet stall, where the employee can express her breast milk in privacy. The employer shall be held harmless if reasonable effort has been made to comply with this subsection.

(c) For the purposes of this section, "employer" means a person or entity that employs one (1) or more employees and includes the state and its political subdivisions.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.

PUBLIC ACTS, 1999 [Chapter No. 161
PASSED: May 3, 1999
APPROVED this 14th day of May 1999
When I went back to nursing school two weeks post-partum, I was determined to continue to breastffed my baby. My clinical nursing instructor was NOT happy about me pumping and made negative comments about it and could not for the life of her see what was so important about brestfeeding my baby. Well, I made contact with the local La Leche league leader, several lactation consultants in the area who gave me wonderful advice and encouragement and also, my doctor AND my midwife wrote letteres to the school. I made it work. I pumped at the same time my baby nursed on one side and then at my ten minute break and then at lunch and then in the car on the way home. I bought the very best pump, which is well worth the $$ considering what it is for and it allowed me to pump efficiently on in eight minutes! Hold strong. Don't let any one at work bully you into not taking your breaks to pump. If the hospital is understaffed, look into requesting adequate staff. I know that nurses have the hardest time continuing to breastfeed in the workforce. This needs to change! We all can do our part and let people know that women can breastfeed AND work!
Good luck. I know you can do it!
A great thing to have is a hands free bra, it allows you to pump w/o having to hold the bottles. Here's a link to buy one:
https://www.expressiva.com/baz_category_Products.asp?p_ca...
Also, The Medela Freestyle is a true breakthrough in breast pumps. Efficient and easy-to-use, this unit is Medela's first hands-free, double-electric pump. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but full of innovative features that deliver powerful, dependable performance, the Freestyle is a must for moms on the go. It offers mobility, freedom and flexibility, so you can pump quickly and easily where and when it's convenient for you and your baby.

The Medela Freestyle Breast Pump offers:
Hands-free operation.
Two-phase expression pumping for maximum milk.
SoftFit breast shield provides exceptional comfort.
Included containers and lids for safe storage.
The LCD screen lights up for easy viewing at night. View larger.
The Freestyle features two-phase expression technology for maximum milk extraction. View larger.
The Freestyle makes it easy to pump milk hands-free. View larger. Hands-Free Operation For True Pumping Mobility
The Freestyle is unique among breast pumps because it offers you the freedom to do other things while you're pumping. The hands-free operation is user-friendly and doesn't demand the use of complicated contraptions or accessories. And because it weighs less than one pound, it's a snap to take this pump to work or on trips--simply toss it into your purse or the cute included tote bag and you're ready to go.

Two-Phase Expression Technology
The Freestyle features two-phase expression technology, an advanced pumping pattern that mimics a baby's natural nursing rhythm. This system works in two modes: the simulation mode and the expression mode. The simulation mode simulates your baby's initial rapid sucking to start your milk flowing, while the expression mode simulates your baby's slower, deeper suckling to express your milk gently yet efficiently. These modes work together to make pumping a quick and painless process.

Comfortable and Convenient Operation
Convenient and easy to use, the Freestyle has a rechargeable battery that allows for three full hours of pumping time per charge. This battery also makes it a snap to pump in places--like airports or other public spaces--where outlets may be difficult to find.

The clear and easy-to-read LCD screen has a digital display that lights up, a feature that's particularly welcome during late-night feeding sessions. There's even a memory button so moms can save their favorite pumping patterns for use during future sessions. Finally, the valves and tubes are uncomplicated and simple and straightforward to use.

The Freestyle comes with four five-ounce containers and lids for safe and hygienic breast milk storage, another great on-the-go option. For added peace of mind, the Freestyle is backed by a 1-year limited on the motor, and a 90-day limited warranty on the other parts.

Sam's Club brand Members Mark, makes an store brand that is compared to Enfamil Lipil with Iron. It is SOoooo much cheaper then the real brand. You get twice as much for less then the real brand. We would drive over 30 min to a sams to buy 6 cannisters at a time. We are on our last can and then we are strictly on whole milk. We used the nursery water that can be bought at any grocery store and warmed it up in the microwave. We just ran our bottles through the dishwasher. I hope some of this helps. I would really try the formula from sams; its worth the trip and the membership.

We had to supplement with formula since my breastmilk production is SO LOW. We use distilled water -- or you can use spring water. You just don't want to use tap water until they are at least six months -- something to do with the fluoride added to the tap water and their teeth. You don't boil the water or anything. You just mix the amount of water for the amount of bottle you want to make and usually it's half as many scoops as the ounces. So if you are making a six ounce bottle, it's six ounces of water and three scoops of formula. We steralize our bottle nipples in those medela microwave sterilizer bags. We use playtex drop in bottles with liners so we don't sterilize bottles.

I only steralized the first time i used the bottles. I actually used bottled water.

I had to supplement with formula for my second child the first month or so. YOu really only need to sterilize if you question your water supply OR have a child with compromised immune system, etc.
We used Similac Advance. I was always told an infant that young does not need extra iron or it can cause bleeding and other problems.
Everyone likes to cheat and warm the bottles up in the microwave, but I don't recommend this. When we used the powder, I would either use warm tap water or warmed up bottled or nursery water, then put it in the bottle and mix with formula. (the bottle gets hotter than the water) Never microwave with the nipple on because it can cause the silicone to warp and leak.
I would never microwave after the formula has been mixed. All that radiation from the microwave zaps the nutrients. We used a bottle warmer for a while, but it took so long. We finally microwaved a container of water, then sat the bottle in that and let it warm up.
You can also register with Similac or enfamil. They send coupons and some free samples. Good luck.

When my daughters where little and I was at home I could not afford the premade formula. When I knew I was going to be around the house for at least 3-4 days (no weekend trips anywhere) I made my formula in the blender in 1/2 to 1 gallon amounts and had a designated container just for formula. The blender made it smooth and having it in 1 container meant that I didn't have a lot of space taken up in the fridge by bottles. If your baby doesn't go through that much in 1-2 days make less or more as demand requires. I did use boiled water and washed all the bottles and nipples in the dishwasher.

If you have a dishwasher, that sterilized the bottles/nipples just fine (of even handwashing with a bottle brush and air drying). Don't be TOO much of a 'germophobe'! LOL Kids usually 'live over' thru MOST of our mistakes, etc!)

Of course use powdered formula so you can just fix a bottle whenever you need one and none goes to waste.

You could even start mixing some with breastmilk if you feel you're not supplying enough. I never got along with pumping, but this was 19-31 years ago with my 4, and i didn't have one of these new fancy-smancy pumps. I DID find it easier to pump from one breast while the baby nursed from the other.

Any time your baby takes a 'growth spurt' (wanting to nurse ALL the time), take advantage of it and let him! -- it will boost your milk supply.

If you use regular bottles, only put the lid/nipple on barely tight enough to not leak. They have a little hole in the flat part of the nipple (that fits under the ring) that lets air enter the bottle while baby feeds. Most people screw the lid on so tightly that it doesn't work, but while the baby nurses from a bottle, a little stream of tiny air bubbles should be entering from the lid with each 'suck' and it makes a slight 'buzzing', 'fizzing' or 'hissing' noise.

I wasn't able to breastfeed so I only formula fed. There are containers that you can get at Target and Wal-Mart that have divisions for 4 feedings. I used those when I was out with my girls and at night (saved measuring at 2 am!!!). For daycare, I took the formula can there, with a day's supplies of bottles. Our daycare provider let me know when she only had 2-3 days left of formula and I brought in a can. It is easy to measure out- 1 scoop per x oz. So, easy... no big deal and I have VERY healthy, happy, and SMART formula fed girls!!!

When I returned back to work, I brough the manual pump to work with me and pumped at least once at work to keep the supply going. It was a little inconvenient at times, but worth it for my baby.

http://www.ewg.org/node/25637
Breast milk is best, but whether you’re feeding breastmilk or formula in a bottle, use this guide to feed your baby safely. Read this report's press release or go to study findings.
Nipple: Start with a clear silicone nipple.

Latex rubber nipples can cause allergic reactions and can contain impurities linked to cancer.
Bottle: Use glass.

Plastic bottles can leach a toxic chemical called bisphenol A (BPA) into formula. Avoid clear, hard plastic bottles marked with a 7 or “PC.”
Plastic bottle liners: Don’t use them.

The soft plastic liners may leach chemicals into formula, especially when heated.
Water: Use filtered tap water.

If your water is fluoridated, use a reverse osmosis filter to remove fluoride, which the American Dental Association recommends avoiding when reconstituting formula. If your water is not fluoridated use a carbon filter. If you choose bottled water make sure it’s fluoride-free.
Formula: Choose powdered.

A toxic chemical called bisphenol A (BPA) can leach from the lining of metal cans and lids. Liquid formulas have higher levels. Powdered formula is a better bet. If you're concerned about BPA, click here to tell infant formula manufacturers to remove it from their product packaging.

FORMULA BUYING GUIDE

1. Your first choice should be powdered formula in a can with as little metal as possible, such as the brands in this order:
BETTER Nestlé, Enfamil & Similac powdered (BPA in top and bottom of can)
GOOD Earth’s Best & Bright Beginnings powdered (BPA in entire can)

2. Second choice: concentrated liquid formulas

3. Avoid all ready-to-eat liquid formulas in metal cans
Heating: Warm bottles in a pan of hot water.

Microwaving can heat unevenly and cause chemicals to leach from plastic bottles into formula.

Details
More details for bottle-feeding parents:

Breastfeed whenever possible!

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies, and contains essential fatty acids that help bolster babies' bodies against the impacts of toxic chemicals. However, there are many reasons why families rely on formula for some or all of their baby’s diet. Most babies in the US receive some formula during their first year of life, with 70 percent of babies receiving some formula by 3 months of age (CDC 2007). These babies need a safe and healthy source of food, and formula should be manufactured in a way that avoids contamination with hormone disrupting chemicals.

Formula-feeding

Powdered formulas are the best choice for parents who want to avoid bisphenol A in their baby's diet. While powdered formula has not been tested for BPA, it is diluted with much more water than liquid formulas which reduces the amount of BPA that the baby consumes in each feeding. Nestlé has made unsubstantiated claims that they don't use any BPA to line their powdered formula cans. Nestlé, Enfamil and Similac use a mixed metal and cardboard package with less BPA-coating. Second best are Earth's Best Organic and PBM's store-brand powdered formulas that use a fully metal can.

Some liquid formulas are sold in plastic, mostly polyethylene and polypropylene which do not contain any BPA. Avoid any plastic containers that are rigid and transparent, marked with "PC". All liquid formulas sold in metal cans are lined with BPA-epoxy, which has been shown to leach into the product. If you buy formula in metal cans choose the concentrated type which is diluted with water prior to feeding. Avoid ready-to-eat formula in metal cans, which has the highest BPA leaching potential.

Bottle Nipples

Choose bottle nipples made from silicon. They are the most durable and inert options. Latex rubber nipples can cause allergic reactions and can contain impurities linked to cancer (Freishtat 2002; Westin 1990). The same goes for pacifiers. Throw away any nipple or pacifier that is discolored, thinning, tacky or ripped.

Bottles

There has been a lot of attention recently about BPA leaching from baby bottles and sippy cups. It appears, however, that babies fed liquid formula could have much more intense exposure to BPA from the formula itself. Even so, parents should still choose bottles that don't leach any BPA. Glass bottles are an excellent choice. More manufacturers are also making bottles and sippy cups out of safe plastics which are polyethylene, polypropylene or polyamide. Avoid all polycarbonate which are transparent (either clear or tinted) and rigid or inflexible plastic. These bottles may be marked with the letters “PC.” Polycarbonate plastics are sometimes marked with the recycling #7, which is a miscellaneous category, so not all #7 plastics are harmful.

Your pediatrician may recommend plastic bottle liners if your baby is colicky. If not, avoid using them - the manufacture and disposal of plastic liners raise environmental concerns. And never overheat formula in a plastic liner. The soft plastic liners may leach chemicals into formula, especially when heated.

What type of water?

If your water is fluoridated, use a reverse osmosis (RO) filter to remove fluoride, which the American Dental Association recommends avoiding when reconstituting formula (ADA 2006). If your water is not fluoridated, use a carbon filter, either a pitcher-style or one that attaches to your tap. If you choose bottled water make sure it's fluoride-free. Be aware that the cost of bottled water may add up to more money than a home reverse osmosis system.

Expressing breast milk

Medela breast pump tubes, shields, and jars are BPA and phthalate free. This is important as pump parts withstand repeated washings in hot water.

Cleaning and sterilizing

Bottles, nipples, pacifiers, breast shields, pump tubing and containers should be sterilized before first use. After that, washing with hot soapy water or the top shelf of the dishwasher should be sufficient. Avoid sterilizing in the microwave or frequent use of boiling water since both will speed the breakdown of the plastic.

Well I was a little different. I used Enfamil in the beginning with my first after a few weeks because i didn't have confidence that my milk would come in and she was hungry. So after a few weeks she was sooo gripey. It was gas (i didn't know about gas drops then) i switched to Similac with iron and all was well. Later i changes to the premixed stuff because it was easier for me and she did better on it (seemed to be fuller and happier). So with my second i started off with the premixed similac with iron and all turned out great. Both are smart and healthy.
But all babies are different. Good Luck.

V. (SAHM of Two)

www.CraftLister.com/ValerieAltman
(Unique Candle Creator)
www.ValerieEssentials.etsy.com

I was in the same boat as you, making just enough milk to get by for a while. We were supplementing a little with formula every day. Then after 6 months when my baby started needing more milk, my supply was no where near enough and we went to all formula. My suggestion on formula is this -- once you start on a brand and it works well with your baby (we use Enfamil Lipil with Iron and love it) you need to stick with it. Don't switch over to the store brand, even if it is comparable. The store brands have the same nutritional numbers, but the ingredients are different, so the overall mixture is different. They are just fine to use, but if that is what you want to do, start out with that kind first. You don't want to switch what your baby's tummy is used to.

As for the mixing, put the water in the bottle first, then the powder. There are mixing instructions on the canister, but sometimes that is overlooked and can cause the concentrati

For water, I filter tap water in a pitcher and then pour it into a sports bottle that stays on the counter so the water can be at room temperature. You can feed formula at cold or warm temperatures; mine is just used to room temperature.

Good luck with everything. You will find what works best for you and your baby in no time.

Enfamil Lipil with Iron is the best on the market, in my opinion, but don't feel tied down to the Enfamil brand name. There are some more than adequate "generics" out there such as Wal-mart's Parent's Choice brand. At Sam's Club, the Member's Mark powdered Infant Formula with Iron is good as well. We used concentrated formula from cans mixed with an equal amount of warm water at home (because you have to keep the concentrate refrigerated once you open it), and powder away from home. We felt like the liquid concentrate kept our baby's bowels moving better than all powder, all the time. You do not have to boil the water or use special water - tap water is just fine. Of course if this is your first time using bottles, you might want to boil the nipples and bottles (if reusable bottles and you're not using liners) before you use them for the first time.

Looks like you've gotten a lot of great suggestions so far... Here is what works for me. I am a breast-feeding, part-time working Mom with supply issues. So I pump every three hours and use 2 1/2 ounces of B. milk to 2 ounces of Similac Advanced ready mixed formula. It's the only one that didn't sour the breast milk. I mixed it just before my little one was ready to eat. And, if you haven't tried formula yet... do so. It taste awful and my little one will not take it alone. As far as heating goes.... I just prepare the bottle (playtex nurser with drop in) and place in a large cup with warm tap water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and it is ready to go. No microwave ever!!!! Zaps out all of the nutrition. And hot water isn't necessary. For sterilization purposes... once you've sterilized the bottles/nipples the 1st time with boiling water... a non-toxic soap will do for everyday cleaning. My kid is now 9 months old and we have been using this technique for almost 6 months now. It works for us. I hope you can continue pumping as it is what's best! And, don't get discouraged about how little you may be pumping. I rarely produce more than 2-3 ounces at a time. It's frustrating, but just try to relax. Good luck with going back to work and with your little baby... congrats, by the way.

E.,
When I was nursing my babies I would nurse them at night and put them to bed. Then I would wait about 15 minutes to make sure the baby did not wake up and need to be nursed back to sleep. I would pump every night after the baby had nursed. It gave me extra breast milk to feed the baby.

Get one of the breast pumps that they use in the hospital. Use the kind that pumps both sides at the same time. Do not use the small ones they do not work as well and it takes too long to pump with them. We rented the one I used from La Le Che. We found the woman's name who rented them in the telephone book under La Le Che. It only took 10 minutes to pump using the double sided pump.

At work I found that if I really stayed focused on my job and did not chit chat and play that I always found time to pump every 2-3 hours. I tried to pump at the same time as the baby nursed so that I would have milk for the baby at the right times when I was home on the weekends. You will feel it in your body when you need to pump and that will remind you to pump. The women I worked with were very supportive.

I would get up and get ready early enough in the morning that I had 30-40 minutes to nurse the baby before I went to work. In the afternoon the first thing I would do when we got home was nurse the baby. I would always lay down and nurse the baby first thing in the morning and in the afternoon when we got home. It helped me to relax and rest a little at the same time.

If you do not feel like you have enough milk you need to rest, eat healthy, and drink fluids. Now is not the time to diet. I found that fluids with nutritional value like juices and milk helped me produce more milk. Go to bed earlier than normal and get more rest. It is hard to go back to work when you are exhausted from nursing in the middle of the night. Leave the dirty dishes in the sink and ask your husband to do them. Ask your husband to wash a load of clothes before he goes to bed. You will not be able to produce enough milk working full time if you do not get enough rest.

If you get enough rest, eat healthy, and drink lots of fluids while you are away from the baby you will produce enough milk for the baby and you may not need to supplement with formula. Enjoy your little one!
S.

E.--Hi! You have gotten some great advice so far....all I wanted to add was to not stock up on one brand of formula because it may not work for your little one. I tried 3-4 different ones before settling on the wal-mart brand. For my ds it was the best fit....My dd however did better with the Kroger brand or Similac, well since the store brand was cheaper you can guess wich one I went with! LOL! I do think it is a good idea to mix a bit in with breast milk to get your little one use to it before going 100% formula. Keep using the bottles and nipples you have been using and it should go well. I would clean them the same as you have been---there is no special cleaning procedures for formula as opposed to breast.
Peace

My little one ended up being allergic to my breastmilk (he was a premie and I had to much sodium in my breastmilk) So we started using Similac Soy around the 2nd month. This helped reduce fussiness, gas, and spit up...

My advice for the bottles, water and day care... take the formula to the day care:

Filtered water works great for this age but you could use tap water. Either way both need to be room temp or just a bit warmer.

Pack 5 bottles for the full week (you should bring the bottle used during the day home when you pick your little one up) I always rinse them out and then Sunday while packing for the next week sterilize the bottles/nipples. (use this method as a safety net just in case the day care will need to give formula bottles.)

If you are wanting to continue with breastfeeding, pump while at work (you will need to take a little cooler with you and store your bags/bottles of breast milk.)

If all goes as planned, you shouldnt really have to use the formula other than the first day or so. Basically build up a supply.

Also if you need to increase milk supply try pumping after feedings or wait about an hour and pump for at least 15-20 minutes. (Make sure to be drinking plenty of water.) This will signal you body to start producing more milk.

Hope this helps! Good luck!!

That is a great formula...it's what I used. I also got a $3 off coupon every couple of weeks in the mail!! I did not use special water or boil the water. I just used tap water. My little girl is extremely healthy. She is 18m and has never been in for a sick visit!! You MUST sterilize the bottles and nipples before the first use (boil them-the bottles will come with directions in the package-what you can and can't boil or put in dishwasher...just follow those directions) I used Dr.Browns so, everything went in the dishwasher. If you run out of clean bottles though and you need one quick, it will not hurt your baby if you hand wash a bottle with hot water and soap! I also slowly introduced formula...3oz of Breast milk and 1oz of formula mixed in the same bottle. Then I slowly increased the amount of formula each week until I ran out of pumped breast milk. I also made all her bottles in the morning and stuck them in the fridge...that way I only made bottles once a day instead of every time she took a bottle!! Your formula can will tell you how long it will last in the fridge.

hi E. I am a mother of 3 a 9 yr old girl 4 yr old boy and 4 week old girl when preparing bottles most of the time if you dont have a dish washer you should steriliz the bottles before each use and as far as the water that you are making the bottles with you can go to the store and get nursery water that is made for babies and dont have tyo worry about boiling water to make sure that it is good enough for baby. I have the same problem I am breastfeeding abottle feeding because I cant produce enough mikl to keep the baby feed so I have to top her off with a bottle good luck if you need anything please feel free to just ask and I will do my best to help0 you in any way possible. B.

I found the best advice another busy nurse gave me I was to pump AT THE SAME TIME AS I NURSED---yes get that shirt off!! and I got more milk when the baby was suckling on one breast--and I pumped the other! At first I thought---how the heck??? but never did it any other way ever again---I nursed my first for 18 months--2nd for 28 months and the third for an unbelievable 37 months.

I would put all my bottles which I got from a local nursery (glass) in the dishwasher to sterilize.
I labeled nothing.
I placed fresh pumped in the left side of freezer door and took away for the right side---so it was never in there very long---and in the door it will keep for at least 2 months--but you get get a week or two. I pumped when I came home and on weekends so had plenty stored up (usually 15 bottles on the go.
I worked full time form 6 weeks on and could not pump at work---also in a hospital---you know how that goes.

The other advice was to do "top up" feeds just before you go to bed. The last thing I did was feed the babies---even if they just fed an hour ago---it meant I got 5 hours of solid sleep instead of 1-2 hours and 2-3 hours. It really helped me to get my rest. Oh and if you want --take the baby to bed with you if not a water bed---you learn to sleep while you are nursing! COOL!!!
Can't tell you about formula---sorry--never used it.

We use Nursery Water from Wal-Mart (or Krogers or Meijers or whichever your local mega-store you use). Also, Starting with Enfamil is fine, but be prepared to shop for a different formula in case of allergies colic, etc. I had to use Alimentum with my firstborn when it had just been created at an expense of $10/day - I think it's down significantly since then tho. My second is on Isomil (still) due to many many food allergies after being nursed only the first 6 months of her life. We're currently searching for an alternative tho as she has a mild legume allergy.

I know several moms who use Kroger brand (made by Enfamil is my understanding) and Wal-Mart brand is popular too, for babies that aren't as sensitive.

If you find yourself using formula, I HIGHLY recommend you join that brand's website as they send you about $50 in coupons a month. Also, if you're a Sam's member, you can save $ by buying in bulk. As someone with alot of experience in this matter, I recommend opening any and all cans of formula from Wal-Mart or Sams prior to purchase as we find they are opened about 1/3 time.

Once you find a brand that works for you and your baby, stick with it. It's hard on baby's system to switch formulations.

Good luck!! CONGRATULATIONS!

Let me be the first to say that breastfeeding and working can be a tedious task and I hope you will be able to continue once you start back to work. I was able to go for about 4 more weeks after I started working but my schedule got so hectic that I didn't make time to pump. I decided to put my little one on formula at that time. I was very sad about this because I enjoyed nursing my little one but it was what I had to do in order to survive being a full-time working mother. With that said, you may want to purchase a small can of formula to see how well your baby will adjust to it. Sometimes you have to switch. We started mine out on Similac and he was very gassy the entire time he was on it. I switched him to Similac Isomil which has been considerably better. If your little one does great after the first few days on the Enfamil, I would continue him on it. I have found that it's better for me to get the liquid versus the powder. It seemed to me like the powder constipated my son and once I switched him to liquid (ready serve or concentrate) he didn't have a problem with this. It all has to do with your preference too. I would try mixing some of the formula with your breast milk until he can get adjusted to it. Do 1/2 and 1/2 at first then reduce to 3/4 formula to 1/4 breast milk until you have him completely weaned off. Formula in no way tastes like breast milk so they need that adjustment time. As far as bottles and nipples - I only sterilized them the first time they were used. I sterilized the nipples in boiling water for about a minute or two. Read the package instructions on how to sterilize. After that you should just clean with hot soapy water. I don't use boiled water either. With it being hot - I just used plain tap water then when I would pull a prepared bottle out of the frig and place it in a container (cup) of boiling water long enough to knock the chill off. You put the whole entire bottle in the hot water. I heated my water in a over sized microwave safe cup and heated the water in the microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes. Then I put my bottle in heated water and let it stand in there for about 1 minute or 2 until it was warm enough. You can put it in boiling water over the stove but you will find that when baby is screaming for it's food that you don't always have time to wait for the water to boil. Also, some of my friends will use the powder and mix it in luke warm tap water. And some will heat the refrigerated bottles in the microwave with the nipple off for a few seconds. The only thing with that is that you have to watch for hot spots. That's about all the advice I can offer. Good luck and you will figure it all out quickly.