Parenting

Although most mums start off breastfeeding their new babies, it's not an option for everyone. A large number switch to bottle or formula feeding earlier than intended.

Formula milk is usually based on cows milk, but there are many different types on the market, catering for a variety of needs, such as those who are lactose intolerant, of for parents who prefer a dairy-free solution such as soya milk. When you buy formula milk from chemists or supermarkets you'll see that the different types suited to the age of your baby. There are three main types of formula for babies under six months old :

• Whey based milks, marketed for babies from birth, with a higher whey content to replicate the ingredients in breast milk.  
• Casein based milk, usually sold as being appropriate for hungrier babies 
• Soya formula for babies who can't tolerate cows milk

Discuss your choice of formula with your midwife or health visitor if you have any concerns.

It's vital to remember that ordinary cows milk. Goats milk, condensed milk, dried milk, evaporated milk or any other type of milk should never be given to a baby under 12 months old.  Formula milk comes in two main forms – dried powder type, to which you add water, and ready to feed type, usually available in cartons.

Always choose a recognised infant formula, fulfilling government regulations on its nutritional content.

To get started on bottle feeding you'll need the following equipment :

• At least six bottles and teats 
• Sterilising equipment  
• A brusher/scrubber for cleaning the bottles.  

It's very important to keep all feeding equipment clean – you must sterilise between uses for the first six months, because formula fed babies do not get the same protection from infection that breast fed babies do.

Make up each bottle as you need it, following the manufacturers guidelines, so that you get the right proportion of water to formula. Throw away any leftover milk. It's important to ensure you have the right size teat on the bottle for the age of your baby, to control the flow of milk and stop them getting too little or too much at once. When you bottlefeed hold the baby close and tip the bottle so that the teat fills with milk. Make sure there is no air left in the teat, as this may cause uncomfortable indigestion for the baby.

When the baby has had enough, he will let you know. Time to get rid of any wind, after which you should have a happy, perhaps even sleepy baby.