✓ Artificial milk, how to choose it and how to prepare it

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There are mothers who do not breastfeed: because they cannot, because they have consciously decided not to, because - unfortunately - they have not found competent figures able to help them in some difficult moments. Whatever your reason for not breastfeeding, the important thing is to ensure your baby has it best possible nutrition, choosing the artificial milk right for him and preparing him in the most correct way, so as not to put his health at risk.

How to choose infant formula,
How to make powdered milk,
Advice provided by the World Health Organization,
Can infant formula be prepared in advance ?,
And to prepare it outside the home ?.

How to choose formula milk

"The milks formulated on the market are balanced from a caloric point of view and nutrient percentages" writes the Genoese pediatrician Alberto Ferrando in his latest book, How to feed my son (LSWR Editions). In addition, they are all "prepared according to international guidelines as well." there are no substantial differences from a nutritional point of view, nor is there any scientific evidence that highlights the benefits or disadvantages of one milk over another ".

Read also: Feeding children and adolescents, how to manage it without stress in the new book by pediatrician Alberto Ferrando

Since the offer is wide, however, a parent may find it difficult to choose: the best thing to do is therefore to ask your pediatrician for advice.

And certainly the advice should be asked in case of particular situations, for example for premature babies (in these cases the so-called bar 0) or if you have the impression that the baby does not tolerate the proposed milk well, perhaps because he regurgitates it often.

"Try to avoid DIY changing brands of milk based on the opinions of neighbors, friends, acquaintances or Facebook groups - writes Ferrando - and ask your pediatrician for advice. "Which could indicate a specific anti-regurgitation, hypoallergenic or very low protein milk, for cases of allergy to milk proteins.

How to make powdered milk

There are two main types of formulated milks: le liquid formula, which are ready to use and sterile, but are the most expensive and in some ways less practical, and the formula in powdere, which however are not sterile.

Despite the accuracy with which these formulas are (generally) produced, the risk that they contain cannot be 100% excluded. dangerous bacteria for the health of the child. One of these, explains Ferrando, is Enterobacter sakazakii, which is normally found in the environment and can contaminate milk powder when it is prepared in the factory.

Infections caused by this bacterium are very rare, but they can also be very serious. This is why it is essential prepare with care and attention the milk to give to your baby.

How? Let's see the advice of the WHO.

Advice provided by the World Health Organization

Here are the various advice given on infant formula by the World Health Organization in its booklet.

First, you have to wash your hands very well, with soapy water, and dry them with a clean towel.
even the bottle to be used must be thoroughly washed and then sterilized, in all its parts (bottle, teat, lid, teat stop ring). For cleaning, WHO recommends using hot water with detergent and a brush to remove any food residue from the bottle and teat, rinsing everything carefully.
for bottle sterilization you can use the sterilizing solutions or sterilizers on the market - carefully following the manufacturer's instructions - or the classic boiling method. In this case, it is necessary to put the various parts of the bottle in a pot full of water, cover it and bring to a boil. At this point it turns off and is left to cool. Once sterilized, the bottle can be stored, tightly closed and covered, in a clean place.
Clean and disinfect the surface on which the milk powder will be prepared.
To make sure that any bacteria present in the powder are killed or deactivated it is very important to dissolve it in high temperature water. WHO recommends boiling the water (until "brisk" boiling), then transfer the required amount of water to the bottle and wait for it to cool down to not less than 70 ° C (so you shouldn't let it cool for more than half an hour). At this point, the required amount of powder is poured into the bottle - the relative doses of water and powder are indicated on the product package - close and shake well to dissolve the powder. (How water to be used for the preparation of infant formula, many pediatricians recommend using the low mineral content, bottled. Unless there are particular situations, in which tap water is drinkable but perhaps contains particularly high concentrations of some substance, tap water can also be used).
cool the prepared milk, just put the bottle under running water (making sure that the water remains under the lid) or in a container with cold water and ice. To check the temperature, just pour a few drops of milk on your wrist: it must turn out lukewarm, not hot. Here: the milk is ready and the baby can eat.

Can infant formula be prepared in advance?

According to WHO indications, it is best to prepare it fresh from time to time, to prevent bacteria from growing inside. If you really can't do without it, the freshly prepared milk should be cooled very quickly and put in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. It can also be stored in a cooler bag for no more than 4 hours, while at room temperature it should be consumed within two hours.

warm it up - which shouldn't take more than 15 minutes - just put the bottle in a container with hot water.

Absolutely avoid the microwave, because it heats unevenly: boiling milk "bubbles" could form which could burn the baby's mouth.

And to prepare it outside the home?

It can be done, taking with you the necessary powder in a sterilized container and a thermos with boiled water: "If it is tightly closed - writes Ferrando - it should keep the water at a temperature above 70 ° C for several hours".

Read also: Artificial milk for the newborn: which one to choose. Doses, quantities and preparation

Questions and answers

Can infant formula be prepared in advance?

According to WHO indications, it is best to prepare it fresh from time to time, to prevent bacteria from growing inside. If you really can't do without it, the freshly prepared milk should be cooled very quickly and put in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. It can also be stored in a cooler bag, for no more than 4 hours, while at room temperature it should be consumed within two hours.

How to heat infant formula?

To warm it up - which shouldn't take more than 15 minutes - just place the bottle in a container with hot water. Absolutely avoid the microwave, because it heats unevenly: boiling milk "bubbles" could form which could burn the baby's mouth.

Can infant formula be made on the go?

It can be done by taking with you the necessary powder in a sterilized container and a thermos with boiled water. If it is tightly closed it should keep the water at a temperature above 70 ° C for several hours.

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