To learn more about the Vermont WIC Program, other Vermont health programs, and more about feeding your child, call 800-464-4343 or visit our website at healthvermont.gov.

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The Vermont WIC Program strongly encourages and supports breastfeeding.

For families who choose to use formula, Vermont WIC provides:•Similac Advance (milk-based)•Isomil Advance (soy-based)

If you choose powdered formulaPowdered infant formula is not sterile and may contain bacteria that, although rare, can make some babies sick. Babies born prematurely and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk of bacterial infection. Concentrated formula is sterile and can be used in place of powdered.

Bacteria can also get into formula when you are mixing it. Careful preparation and handling can reduce the risk of illness.

How much formula does WIC provide?WIC provides enough formula to meet most baby’s needs. As babies get older and drink more, you may have to buy more formula.

To make sure you have enough formula:

•Get to know your baby and learn to tell signs of hunger and fullness.•Only mix up the amount of formula your baby will drink at each feeding.•Put some money aside each week to buy formula.•Buy a can at the beginning of the month with your 3SquaresVT benefit (food stamps).•If you run out of formula, call your local food shelf.•Plan to replace bottles with a cup by your baby’s first birthday.

Call your baby’s doctor or WIC nutritionist if you have feeding questions.

GUIDE TO USING INFANT FORMULA

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. March 2014

Feeding your baby with a bottleNewborns have tiny stomachs and need many small feedings—usually 8–12 feedings or more each day. Watch for feeding cues so you can offer a bottle when your baby is hungry.

•Babies enjoy being held at feeding time.•Brush your baby’s lips with the nipple and wait for her to accept the bottle into her mouth.•Hold the bottle flat so that your baby can drink at his own pace.•Hold your baby in your left arm for one feeding then switch to the right arm for the next feeding.•Start with small amounts at feedings. •Support your baby’s head when burping.•Your baby will let you know when he is finished; do not make him finish the bottle – this can lead to over feeding.

Mixing formula concentrate:1. Before you open the formula can,

shake it, rinse the top, and dry it.

2. Measure equal amounts of water and concentrate into the bottle and gently shake.

3. Feed the bottle to your baby right away or store in refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

You can also mix one can concentrate with one can water and make several bottles at a time.

Cover and store opened cans of concentrate formula in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

powder:1. Before you open the formula can,

rinse and dry the top of the can and inside the plastic lid.

2. Measure the water and put it in the bottle first. For every 2 ounces of water in the bottle, add 1 level scoop (not packed) of powdered formula (or follow the directions on the can label).

3. Put on the nipple and ring and gently shake the bottle until mixed. Feed the bottle to your baby right away or store in refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Cover and store opened cans of powdered formula at room temperature.

Warming a bottleYou can warm a bottle in a small bowl of hot water, then shake. Do not heat a bottle in the microwave.

After feedingThrow away any formula your baby left in the bottle.

When preparing formula for your baby…

keep everything clean•Wash your hands with soap and hot water.•Clean all equipment and surfaces.•New bottles, nipples and rings should be cleaned in hot soapy water then sterilized in boiling water. •Continue to sterilize bottles, nipples and rings for baby’s first 3 months.

use safe water•Use cooled, boiled water for infant formula for the first 3 months of life.•If using tap water, use only cold tap water for boiling. •Most bottled water is not sterile and should be boiled before use.

Feeding cues

signs of hunger:•Sucks on fist•Makes sucking noises•Puckers lips•Fusses or cries

signs of fullness:•Closes lips•Stops sucking•Spits the nipple out•Turns head away