Though it is commonly agreed upon that breast is always best, there are also many reasons a mother may consider formula feeding at night. But doing so isn\u2019t always easy. In this article, we\u2019ll delve into the basics of bottle feeding at night, as well as the factors you should consider before making the decision to do so.<\/p>\n
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When it comes to night time milk for babies, you may find yourself with a lot of questions. We\u2019re sure you\u2019ve heard about all of the healthy and necessary benefits of breast milk, but, for one reason or another, you may be wondering if adding formula to your baby\u2019s routine might make things easier.<\/p>\n
To answer the question of \u201cIs it OK to give one bottle of formula at night?\u201d you must first consider what it is you are trying to accomplish.<\/p>\n
For instance, are you venturing towards feeding your baby formula at night because you have an underlying health issue?<\/p>\n
Are you going back to work and are worried about not being able to produce enough milk?<\/p>\n
Is it because you think you and your baby will sleep better at night if you make the switch?<\/p>\n
Whatever your reasoning, it is important to know the facts before initiating a switch to your breastfed baby\u2019s routine. Make sure that you do your own research, and talk to your paediatrician before making any hasty decisions. If approved by your doctor and if your baby doesn\u2019t experience complications as a result of the introduction of formula, you can absolutely give your baby formula bottles at night.<\/p>\n
So, are you ready to learn all there is to know about night-time baby formula?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s jump in.<\/p>\n
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To start, there are typically two types of formula you can use: ready-to-feed formula and formula that comes as liquid or powdered concentrate.<\/p>\n
As you may have guessed, ready-to-feed formulas can be consumed without preparation. Liquid or powdered concentrate formulas, however, have to be diluted according to the directions on the package before use.<\/p>\n
To prepare night time milk for babies in advance, you\u2019ll want to consider the type of milk bottles you wish to give to your child, and how that milk is best handled. Does it need to be chilled? Can it sit at room temperature? Can you access your bottles without having to get out of bed?<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019ve considered these options, you can begin preparing baby formula or breast milk bottles in advance.<\/p>\n
For breast milk, pump the amount of breast milk that your baby typically consumes into how ever many bottles you think your child will consume during the night.<\/p>\n
Generally speaking, breast milk can be kept safe at room temperature for up to six hours. If you think your baby will consume all bottles within six hours from the time you go to bed, then you\u2019re golden. Have the bottles nearby for when your little one wakes up.<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t anticipate your baby drinking all of the bottles within six hours, you\u2019ll want to keep a cooler or mini fridge by your bedside for quick retrieval.<\/p>\n
For ready-to-feed formula, simply divvy out the amount of milk you think your babe will drink among bottles, and store them in a cooler or mini-fridge. Your normal refrigerator will work here too, of course, if you don\u2019t mind walking to the kitchen multiple times in the middle of the night.<\/p>\n
After 24 hours, you will need to discard of any opened ready-to-feed formula.<\/p>\n
As for liquid or powdered concentrate formulas, be sure to first read the directions on the package before proceeding. Then, make the bottles according to the package directions and place them in that cooler, mini fridge or your normal refrigerator in the kitchen.<\/p>\n
Want to make your baby’s bottle fresh without needing a cooling element? Once you have determined the correct measurements according to the formula label, you can place a bottle or two of water near your bedside, along with pre-measured formula concentrate in a Tupperware container or covered bowl.<\/p>\n
When the baby wakes, go ahead and mix your already measured powder or liquid formula with the bottled water in your baby\u2019s bottle and have your baby drink up.<\/p>\n
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As previously mentioned, unless you are planning to be making up your bottles on demand, you will want to store your formula, or even your bottled breast milk, in the fridge once made.<\/p>\n
Breast milk can sit at room temperature for 6 hours, but not formula. Once your formula has been made, you\u2019ve got one hour, tops.<\/p>\n
So, stick it in the fridge or a cooler next to your bed.<\/p>\n
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As for how to keep your baby\u2019s bottle warm at night, you\u2019ll likely want to have a bottle warmer on hand.<\/p>\n
To be honest, some babies are just fine drinking formula or breast milk cold\u2026 kind of like drinking refreshingly chilled lemonade!<\/p>\n
But there are many babies who, especially in the middle of the night, will more readily take a bottle warmed.<\/p>\n
If your baby is one who prefers warm milk, go ahead and place a bottle warmer next to your bed. The warming process will usually take 10-15 minutes. Don\u2019t have a bottle warmer? Put your baby\u2019s bottle in a bowl or mug of hot water for the same amount of time.<\/p>\n
Whatever you do, NEVER give your baby formula or breast milk that has been warmed in the microwave. Not only does it alter the nutritive content of night time milk for babies, but it can also cause your baby\u2019s milk to become way too hot, or develop pockets of scorching heat.<\/p>\n
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Once you\u2019re done making up formula in advance, toss it once the baby has finished drinking it. If your baby isn\u2019t yet ready to eat, you may keep it in the cooler or fridge, but don\u2019t keep it there longer than 24 hours. Once 24 hours has passed, you\u2019ll need to discard any mixed formula, used or not.<\/p>\n
What if you\u2019ve already warmed the bottle and your baby didn\u2019t drink it all? Toss it. It\u2019s better to be safe than sorry! To put it back in the fridge after it has been warmed only encourages bacterial growth and may threaten the health of your little one.<\/p>\n
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Have more questions? We\u2019ve got answers! Check out our replies to some of the most commonly asked questions in regards to formula feeding at night.<\/p>\n
One way that you can feed your baby while out of the house is to prepare the formula as normal and refrigerate it until cold, usually about one hour. Then, place those bottles in a diaper bag with an ice pack. Be careful though. Even when using this method, you must discard the remains after four hours.<\/p>\n
Another option? Keep a stash of ready-to-feed formula to use only when you leave the house for a quick, no-mess option for feeding your baby.<\/p>\n
It depends on who you ask! Generally speaking, the consensus seems to be no, but there are plenty of mamas who say that night time formula feeding has done wonders for their baby\u2019s sleeping habits.<\/p>\n
The truth? A lot of babies experience digestive issues because of their inability to digest a protein called casein in cow\u2019s milk. Our recommendation is to steer clear of formula if the promise of \u201cbetter sleep\u201d is the only reason you’re considering it.<\/p>\n
Not every baby is ready to sleep through the night, and sometimes, developmentally, it isn\u2019t appropriate. This is especially true of babies that are six weeks or younger.<\/p>\n
Our advice? Try natural methods like placing your baby farther away from you at night, establishing a consistent and predictable bed time routine and making sure that your baby is getting enough calories from breastfeeding throughout the day. Want to make your bedtime routine even easier? It can help when everything is in one spot. Check out the Yellodoor grooming kit<\/a> <\/strong>to help get your little one off to sleep, clean, clipped and ready!<\/p>\n When it comes to the question of whether or not you can bottle feed formula at night, the answer is yes. But be sure you examine your reasoning for doing so.<\/p>\n Not sure about what formula is best for your baby? Check out this article for finding the right formula<\/a> or this extensive breakdown on the types of formula available<\/a> to find out which is the best option for you.<\/p>\n In closing, it is important that you do what is best for you, your baby and your lifestyle. And as always, consult a paediatrician before making any drastic changes to ensure the health and safety of your little one, at all times.<\/p>\nFormula Feeding at Night: A Summary<\/h2>\n