Page 48 - What to Expect

Going home

The neonatal homecare nurse, Plunket nurse or GP’s practice nurse may be
able to help you out with breast-feeding problems.

Bottle-feeding

Before your baby comes home you may have decided that you are going
to bottle-feed. You probably have bottles and formula ready and are
waiting for the big day. Infant milk formulas provide all the necessary
vitamins, nutrients and minerals that a new baby needs for healthy growth
and development.
Remember that your Plunket nurse or neonatal homecare nurse is able
to advise you, should you require any assistance with making formulas,
sterilising bottles, and knowing when to increase the amount of formula in
the bottle.
There are a few points that must be followed to assure a smooth road.
Always wash your hands before handling any of the equipment or milk
products to ensure that they are free of germs.

How do I sterilise bottles?

Correct sterilising is really important. There are three methods of sterilising
bottles:
• 1 The first method is boiling the submerged bottle and equipment
for 10 minutes in a pot of plain tap water.
• 2 The second method of sterilising is by using a chemical sterilising
solution or tablets. They can be bought at the chemist or
supermarket. Make sure that all of baby’s bottle equipment
is totally submerged under the water. Chemists sell specially
designed tanks for keeping bottles in while they are being
sterilised. Follow the preparation instructions on the packet of
sterilising solution carefully. It is important to use the correct
quantity or else the bottles won’t be sterile. Once the bottles have
been sterilised they can be kept in the fridge until they are ready
to use.
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