RED BANK, NJ, Nov. 30, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Good nutrition is a vital factor in healthy infant development, so it is critical that new parents learn how to properly feed and nourish their babies. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding for a baby’s first four to six months is the ideal feeding method, but for mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed exclusively, infant formula is the only safe and nutritious alternative.
See photos and watch clip from experts on safe bottle preparation. http://inr.synapticdigital.com/healthywomen/optimalbabynutrition/
Research shows that mistakes in infant formula preparation are not uncommon, potentially causing nutrient deficiencies and infant health risks. Because of this, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners has provided instruction on correctly preparing a baby’s bottle in a helpful video featured on the HealthyWomen website.
Safe handling and storage practices are just a few of the main topics that are explained in the video. There also are a variety of downloadable education materials available on HealthyWomen.org about proper infant feeding methods.
"Proper nutrition is essential for optimal growth and development. Since brain growth is most rapid during a baby’s first year, it is especially important to follow safe feeding steps," explains Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, a registered nurse and executive director of HealthyWomen.
HealthyWomen, a nonprofit organization, is the nation's leading independent health information source for women. Its core mission is to educate, inform and empower women to make smart health choices for themselves and their families.
Through a wide array of online and print publications, HealthyWomen provides health information that is original, objective, reviewed by medical experts and reflective of the advances in evidence-based health research.
"Research has shown that more than 80 percent of U.S. mothers will feed infant formula to their baby at some time during the first year of life, either as a supplement to breast milk or as the sole source of nutrition during early infancy. To ensure that infant formula is safely prepared and delivers optimal nutrition, it is important for parents to closely follow formula label directions and some simple rules," says Ms. Cahill.
HealthyWomen reminds parents of five key points for properly mixing and handling infant formula:
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Cleanliness is critical when handling baby bottles and formula. Always wash your hands and clean the work area before you begin. Also, make sure baby bottles and nipples have been washed in hot soapy water and then rinsed well.
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Ask health officials if your tap water is safe to use in baby's bottles. If not, use bottled water or boil cold tap water for a minute or less. Let it cool for a half hour before using.
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For ready-to-feed and concentrated liquid formulas, shake containers before pouring. Do not add water to ready-to-feed formulas. For concentrated liquid and powder formulas, always measure the water according to label directions.
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To avoid hot spots and burning baby’s mouth, never microwave bottles. Warm them in a bottle warmer or a bowl of hot water. Put a little on your wrist to make sure it is lukewarm.
- Discard leftover formula after each feeding. It should not be reheated or used again.
To view the video, which was produced in cooperation with the International Formula Council, visit the HealthyWomen website.
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About HealthyWomen
HealthyWomen is the nation's leading independent health information source for women. For more than 20 years, women have been coming to the HW for answers to their most pressing and personal health care questions. Its website, www.HealthyWomen.org®, was recognized by ForbesWoman as one of the "Top 100 Websites for Women" in 2010 and 2011 and was named the top women’s health website by Dr. Mehmet Oz in O, The Oprah Magazine. To learn more, visit www.HealthyWomen.org.