A can on infant formula is shown next to two baby bottles.
Experts warn parents of the dangers of inexact mixing of infant formula. (For Spectrum Wellness Beat out)

Mixing infant formula can get and then routine, it's easy to lose sight of what a baby bottle contains.

But that formula, designed to meet an infant'south nutritional needs, should never be taken lightly, say pediatric experts with Spectrum Wellness Helen DeVos Children'southward Infirmary.

"You accept to be precise in mixing the formula," says Lana Gagin, Doctor, the medical managing director of the hospital's Well Baby Unit. "If you mix formula incorrectly―if you h2o it down or arrive too full-bodied―it disturbs the electrolyte balance, which may atomic number 82 to serious neurological consequences."

The incorrect residuum of formula and h2o can cause nutritional deficiencies or aridity. In the most severe cases, it can lead to a stroke, seizure, blackout or even decease for an infant.

Ask questions. Don't be agape to speak upward about anything when it comes to your baby.

Dr. Daniel Fain
Pediatric neurologist

Getting diet right, 24-hour interval in and day out, is crucial for rapidly growing babies, says Daniel Fain, Doc, a pediatric neurologist.

"Babies' nervous systems are developing at an phenomenal rate," he says. "If they are iron-scarce, or deficient in trace minerals, or peculiarly deficient in protein or fats, that's going to pb to nutritional bug."

In the get-go two years of life, for example, a child develops almost of the myelination of the neurons in the encephalon.

Myelin, a fat coating on the axon of each neuron, "is crucial for proper data transmission and storage in the brain," Dr. Fain says. "It'due south of import for memory, for fast reactions, for processing data and acting on it in the surround. It'south just vital."

Follow directions

The use of baby formula affects families across the land. Although 79 percent of newborns in the U.S. breastfeed, but 49 pct yet breastfeed at 6 months, according to the Centers for Illness Control and Prevention.

Pediatricians practise not advise giving cow's milk to children until they are at least 1 year former. So, a lot of babies rely on infant formula for their nutritional needs.

"Unfortunately, mistakes happen―not very oft, but they do happen," Dr. Gagin says.

First-time parents, overwhelmed with advice, education and the demands of caring for a newborn, are specially vulnerable, she says. She encourages parents to attain out to their doctors for additional back up or to alarm them if they suspect whatsoever problems.

Dr. Gagin offers the following tips in preparing formula:

  • Be certain to check the directions on the can. Most accept the aforementioned powder-water ratio―one scoop to 2 ounces―but parents should make sure they know the correct mix.
  • Use the scoop that comes with the tin. Other scoops might be slightly different.
  • When measuring the powder, scoop information technology upwards and use a clean pocketknife to scrape away backlog pulverisation. Don't pack the formula into the scoop.
  • Add the powder to the water and mix well.
  • Never water down formula.
  • If you have any questions about how to mix formula, ask your child's pediatrician or primary care provider.

Standard infant formula delivers 20 calories per ounce.

"That is close to the calorie load in breast milk," Dr. Gagin says. "This is what a healthy term baby needs."

In some cases, with babies who are premature or have special needs, a pediatrician might recommend a slightly unlike mix of formula―i that would deliver 22 or 24 calories per ounce.

Parents with any questions or concerns should not hesitate to go over the directions carefully with their doctor, she says.

Early signs of problems

The physicians also brash parents to be alert to signs of nutritional bug in their babies.

"If a child has a nutritional result or is dehydrated, they are going to exist lethargic, typically," Dr. Fain says. "Excessive sleeping, inactivity, regression of development―those would exist the large concerns."

If a baby'due south fontanelle―the soft spot on the skull―looks sunken, that too can be a sign of problems.

Frequently, a decrease in wet diapers can be a first sign of dehydration.

If parents struggle to afford infant formula, Dr. Fain encourages them to seek help. WIC, the federal Special Supplemental Diet Program for Women, Infants and Children, may provide assistance.

Dr. Gagin also urges parents to get medical advice if they see signs of problems―or even if a caregiver accidentally mixed the formula incorrect.

"Parents need to be proactive," she says, urging caregivers to phone call their pediatrician or specialist any time, day or dark, if at that place is a business organization. "We would much rather hear from our patients if they are ever in incertitude."

"I want parents to know they are not alone," Dr. Fain adds. "At that place is assistance. If they are struggling to provide diet or if they have questions, they can accomplish out to their providers.

"Ask questions. Don't be agape to speak upwardly nigh anything when information technology comes to your infant."