A New Beginning

IMPORTED FORMULAS You wouldn’t feed your baby something unless you know where it’s been. When formulas have been imported illegally, you can’t be sure they’ve been shipped or stored properly. They also may not have been inspected for safety. You don’t know if the container has been tampered with or stored safely along the way.

COUNTERFEIT FORMULAS Formula that’s been repackaged or relabeled is known as “counterfeit.” This means what’s inside is not the same as what’s on the label. The label might misrepresent the quality, ingredients, or identity of a formula. Sometimes the “use by” date has been changed or altered. For babies who are intolerant to certain ingredients, this can be especially dangerous. Using counterfeit formula could cause serious health issues.

Always talk to your baby’s health care provider if you have any questions about choosing a type of formula or if you’re thinking about switching formulas.

Choosing Bottles and Nipples for Your Baby

Navigating the many choices for bottles and nipples for your baby can be challenging. It may take some experimenting before deciding what works best for your baby. So try a variety of bottles and nipples in small quantity and let your baby’s feeding behavior help you decide which works best. Start with one type of bottle and let your baby try it a few times. Don’t give up if they reject it the first time. The same goes for nipples. Make sure you give your baby enough chances to try one type of bottle or nipple before switching to a new one. Constantly changing can frustrate your baby. When choosing nipples, you’ll want to keep these things in mind: • The nipple holes should allow drops of formula to come out when you turn the bottle upside down. • If the holes are too big, formula flows too fast. • Read the label to determine which nipple flow is best for your baby’s age and size. You’ll want to inspect the nipples regularly. If you notice tearing, cracking, or stickiness, replace them right away. With a little practice, you’ll soon learn your baby’s likes and dislikes. Just be patient and observe your baby’s reactions. Always contact your health care provider if feeding is not going smoothly.

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A New Beginning