A Guide in Newborn Best Formula for New Mums and Dads

1. A Guide in Newborn Best Formula for New Mums and Dads Becoming a parent is one of life’s most incredible experiences—but let’s be honest, it can also be downright overwhelming. I remember those early days with my newborn, pacing the living room in the middle of the night, staring at the formula tin like it held the answers to all my questions. Am I feeding my baby enough?Too much?What if I’ve chosen the wrong formula? If you’re feeling lost or second-guessing yourself, let me reassure you—you’re not alone. I’ve been in your shoes, bleary-eyed and exhausted, scrolling through endless parenting forums and juggling advice from well-meaning friends and family. And the truth is, feeding your baby doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all manual. That’s exactly why I want to share what I’ve learned through my own experience so you can feel more confident on this feeding journey. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how much newborn best formula your baby needs, how to choose the best option for their little tummy, and a few tips I wish someone had told me early on. (Of course, every baby is unique, so be sure to chat with your paediatrician or healthcare provider for personalised advice.) Let’s dive in and take the guesswork out of feeding time—because you’ve got enough on your plate already!

2. Week-by-Week Growth and Formula Needs If you’re feeling the same, take a deep breath — you’re not alone. Feeding your baby is a learning curve, and every baby is different. But knowing how their growth influences their appetite can help ease some of the guesswork. Let’s break it down week by week so you can feel more confident about your little one’s formula needs. Week 1: Tiny Tummies, Frequent Feeds In the first week, your baby’s stomach is no bigger than a marble — which is why they need small, frequent feeds. It might feel like you’re making bottles around the clock, but this is totally normal as your baby adjusts to life outside the womb. Newborns typically drink around 30–60 mL per feed every 2–3 hours. Their stomach grows quickly, so by day 3 or 4, they might start wanting a little more — closer to 60–90 mL per feed. I remember watching my baby guzzle down a bottle and then act hungry an hour later. It can be exhausting, but frequent feeding helps them grow and develop. The key is to watch for hunger cues like sucking on their hands, rooting, or fussing — and feed them when they need it. Tip: Don’t worry about strict schedules in the first week. Your baby is still adjusting, and responsive feeding (feeding on demand) is the best approach during this stage.

3. Weeks 2–3: Finding Your Rhythm By the second or third week, you might notice your baby is drinking more and (hopefully) starting to settle a bit between feeds. Their tummy is growing, and so is their appetite — babies at this stage usually take 90–120 mL per feed, sometimes stretching feeds to every 3–4 hours. I remember this phase as a small turning point. My son started sleeping a tiny bit longer at night (we’re talking 3-hour stretches, but hey, I’ll take it!). If your baby seems content and is having plenty of wet nappies, you’re on the right track. Tip: Growth spurts can sneak up around week 3, so if your baby suddenly wants more milk, that’s totally normal. Feed them as much as they need — it’s just their body working hard to grow! Weeks 4–6: The Growth Spurt Rollercoaster Just when you think you’ve found a routine, along comes a growth spurt! Around weeks 4–6, babies often experience a rapid period of development, which can make them extra hungry and a little fussier. During this stage, babies typically drink 120–150 mL per feed, but they might want more during a growth spurt. It can feel like they’re feeding constantly again, but this is just a temporary phase. Their body is using all that extra fuel to support their development. I remember my son going through a week where he seemed insatiable—it felt like as soon as I’d finished making a bottle, he wanted another one. But after a few days, he settled back into a more regular pattern. Tip: Let your baby lead the way during growth spurts. If they want more milk, go with it. They’ll naturally regulate their intake when their growth spurt slows down. Week 6+: Settling into a Pattern By the time your baby hits 6 weeks, you might start to see a more predictable feeding rhythm. Babies at this stage usually drink around 600–800 mL of formula per day, spread across 4–5 feeds. Some might even start stretching out night feeds (fingers crossed for you!). Of course, not every baby follows the same pattern, and that’s okay. Some babies still wake for a feed during the night, while others might happily sleep longer stretches. The important thing is that your baby is gaining weight, seems content, and is having plenty of wet and dirty nappies. Tip: Even if a routine emerges, expect some unpredictability. Teething, developmental leaps, or growth spurts can all throw things off temporarily—but your baby will find their rhythm again.

4. Signs Your Baby’s Had Enough Formula It’s just as important to watch your baby’s cues as it is to follow formula guidelines. Some signs that your baby is full include: ● Pulling away from the bottle ● Turning their head away ● Fussing or becoming disinterested ● Falling asleep Watching your baby and adjusting based on their needs made the process much easier for me. If you’re concerned about your baby drinking too much or too little, always consult your paediatrician or maternal health nurse. Tip: It’s normal for your baby’s appetite to vary day by day, especially during growth spurts or developmental leaps. If your baby is gaining weight, having plenty of wet nappies, and seems content most of the time, they’re likely getting exactly what they need. Signs of Hunger It can be tricky to tell when your baby is hungry, especially in the early days. Watch for these signs: ● Sucking on their hands or fingers ● Smacking their lips

5. ● Rooting (turning their head towards your chest or bottle) ● Crying (this is a late sign of hunger, so try to catch the earlier cues). Tip: If your baby is showing hunger cues but doesn’t seem interested in feeding, they might be tired, need a nappy change, or just want some cuddles. Over time, you’ll get to know your baby’s unique signals and what they mean. Common Formula Feeding Issues: What I Wish I Knew Alright, let’s talk about formula feeding, shall we? Look, I don’t know about you, but when I first started formula feeding, I had NO idea what I was in for. I thought it’d be as simple as measuring out the right amount, shaking it up, and feeding my baby. Easy, right? Wrong! There were so many little things I didn’t expect, and some of them threw me for a loop. If you're in the same boat, don’t stress. You’re definitely not the only one! I’ve been there, and I want to share what I’ve learned so you don’t have to feel like you’re figuring it all out by yourself. Grab a cuppa and let’s dive in. Reflux: When the Milk Keeps Coming Back Up So, reflux. Yikes. I didn’t even know what it was until my little one started spitting up after every feed. And I mean, every feed. At first, I was like, “What the heck is going on? Am I feeding him too much? Is he not liking the formula? ” Spoiler: it wasn’t me; it was just reflux, which is actually really common in newborns. Reflux happens when your baby’s stomach content comes back up into their oesophagus. It can make them uncomfortable, and let’s face it, it’s a pain for you too with all the extra laundry! But, good news—it usually passes by the time they turn one. Signs of reflux: ● Loads of spit-ups (hello, laundry!) ● Crying or discomfort after feeding ● Baby arching their back (this was a big sign for us) ● Gagging or coughing during/after feeds ● Hiccups or wet burps What helped us was switching to Aptamil Anti-Reflux Formula. It’s thicker, so it stays in their tummy and doesn’t come back up as easily. I also started keeping the baby upright for 20 minutes after feeds, and it made a massive difference. What worked for us:

6. ● Using an anti-reflux formula ● Feeding in an upright position ● Keeping the baby upright after a feed (I know, it's hard with a tired baby!) ● Burping halfway through to avoid extra air bubbles If your little one’s reflux is really bad or they’re struggling to gain weight, I’d definitely recommend seeing your doc. They may suggest medications or a different formula to help ease things. Dealing with Gas and Colic: The Unexpected Tummy Troubles Gas and colic can be some of the trickiest parts of formula feeding, and trust me, I was caught off guard by just how much it would affect my little one. One minute, Bub was fine, and the next, he was squirming and crying, clearly uncomfortable. It turned out to be trapped wind and, later, colic—non-stop crying, especially in the afternoons. Signs of gas or colic: ● A bloated, hard belly ● Excessive burping or farting (poor bub!) ● Pulling legs up to their belly ● Crying after feeds or being extra squirmy What helped us was switching to Bubs Goat Formula, which seemed to be gentler on his tummy. Anti-colic bottles also made a huge difference by reducing the air he swallowed.

7. What worked for us: ● A gentler formula like goat’s milk ● Anti-colic bottles to minimise air intake ● Burping Bub more often ● Gentle tummy massages or bicycle legs If gas or colic is causing you trouble, definitely talk to your paediatrician for advice. Constipation: When Baby’s Tummy Won’t Cooperate Constipation was another surprise for us—those dry, hard stools broke my heart. Formula-fed babies can sometimes struggle with this because of the iron in some formulas. Signs of constipation: ● Hard, dry stools ● Bub straining to poo ● Swollen, hard belly ● Fussiness or refusing to feed Switching to a partially hydrolyzed formula really helped, as it’s easier on their tummy. We also gave Bub a little cooled, boiled water (check with your doc first) and did tummy massages to help move things along. What helped us: ● A gentler formula ● Small sips of cooled water (after a month) ● Gentle tummy massages or leg exercises ● Warm baths to ease tummy tension If constipation’s an issue, check in with your paediatrician for the best solution. What’s the Best Newborn Formula? Choosing the best formula was a big decision for me. After plenty of research and advice from other mums, here’s what I found: Doctor-Recommended Options Choosing the best formula can feel overwhelming, but after doing my research and speaking to experts, I found a few brands that came highly recommended. Here are some that work well, especially for babies with sensitivities:

8. ● Bubs Goat Infant Formula: This formula was a game-changer for my son. It’s gentler on the tummy, and I loved that it’s organic. I learned about it at the Baby Expo in Melbourne, where I spoke with other mums who had similar experiences. ● Aptamil: Many mums I spoke to recommended Aptamil for babies with sensitive stomachs. It’s doctor-recommended and great for reflux. ● Karicare: This formula worked well for us when I needed a soy-based option. My baby couldn’t handle dairy, and Karicare Soy Milk Formula was the perfect choice. Healthiest Baby Formula in Australia? When it comes to the healthiest option, I found that organic formulas like Bubs Australia and Bellamy’s Organic worked best for us. These formulas are nutritionally balanced and easy on the tummy. What’s the Best Brand of Infant Formula for Babies with Allergies or Sensitivities? One thing that surprised me during our journey was how easily formula could irritate my baby’s stomach. I started learning more about sensitivities and allergies early on, especially after attending the Baby Expo in Melbourne. Here are some types of formulas that are designed for babies with allergies or sensitivities:

9. 1. Goat’s Milk Formula Bubs Goat Infant Formula was a lifesaver for my baby. Goat's milk is much gentler on the stomach compared to cow’s milk, and it's naturally easier to digest. Babies with dairy sensitivities often benefit from goat’s milk formula, which is why this became our go-to option. It has a smoother texture and is easier on little tummies. 2. Soy-Based Formula If your baby can’t handle cow’s milk or goat’s milk, soy formulas are a great alternative. Karicare Soy Milk Formula worked well for us when we were exploring dairy-free options. Soy formula is often recommended for babies with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. It's important to note that some babies can have an allergic reaction to soy, so always check with your paediatrician before making the switch. 3. Hypoallergenic Formula Hypoallergenic formulas, like Aptamil AllerPro, are specifically designed for babies with milk allergies. These formulas have broken-down proteins that are easier for sensitive tummies to digest. While we didn’t need this option, many of the mums I spoke to at the Baby Expo in Melbourne swore by it for babies with severe sensitivities. What I Learned from Other Aussie Mums Based on Choosing the Best Formula for Newborns Choosing the right formula can feel like a huge decision—there’s so much to think about, and what works for one baby might not work for another. After chatting with a bunch of other Aussie mums and figuring things out myself, here’s what I’ve learned about picking the best formula for your little one: 1.Focus on Your Baby’s Needs First Every baby’s different, so it’s super important to consider any sensitivities or allergies your bub might have. Whether it’s soy-based, goat’s milk, or hypoallergenic formula, it’s all about what works best for your baby’s tummy. If your baby struggles with digestion, a gentler formula could really help. 2.Take Doctor’s Advice Seriously There’s a tonne of info online, but honestly, nothing beats the advice from your paediatrician. They know your baby’s health and can help you pick the right formula. Brands like Bubs Goat, Aptamil, and Karicare are often recommended by doctors, so it’s worth checking them out.

10. 3.Get Advice from Fellow Mums One of the best tips I got was to ask other mums for their experiences. Whether it was through online groups, chats at the park, or even at events like Baby Expo Melbourne, hearing from mums who’ve been there can be so helpful. Real-life experiences often give you the most honest and practical advice. Formula Preparation to Keep Safe and Simple One of the most important things I learned was how to prepare and store formula safely. Here are a few tips: ● Sterilise bottles properly. ● Mix formula with clean, safe water. ● Use formula within an hour if it’s been opened, and never reuse leftover formula. These simple steps gave me peace of mind, especially when I was sleep-deprived and busy. Formula Feeding: Finding What Works for You When it comes to feeding your baby, there’s no universal “right” choice—only what works best for you, your little one, and your family’s lifestyle. While I initially considered breastfeeding, formula feeding ultimately became the better fit for us. And let’s be real, the decision wasn’t easy. There’s so much information (and opinions!) out there, but what truly matters is ensuring your baby is well-fed, healthy, and happy—no matter how you choose to do it. Why Formula Feeding Made Sense for Us For our family, formula feeding provided flexibility and a sense of balance. It meant my partner could actively share in feeding duties, strengthening his bond with our baby while also giving me the chance to rest and recover. Not stressing about milk supply was a massive relief, and let’s not forget those precious full nights of sleep when my husband took over night feeds! Formula feeding also made outings and travel so much easier—no need to worry about expressing milk, storing it properly, or sticking to a strict pumping schedule. The Everyday Ease of Formula Feeding One thing I quickly grew to love about formula feeding was how simple and stress-free it made daily life. Whether we were visiting family, spending a day at the park, or on the go, I never had to second-guess if my baby would have enough to eat. For working mums, formula feeding can be a game-changer—no need to navigate pumping schedules or worry about milk storage. Instead, your baby can be fed by a partner, grandparent, or carer, giving you peace of mind when you’re not around.

11. At the end of the day, feeding your baby isn’t about following trends or external pressures—it’s about making the choice that aligns with your needs and circumstances. Whether you opt for breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a mix of both, know that you’re doing what’s best for your baby and your family. And that’s all that truly matters. Where to Buy Baby Formula & Get Advice in Australia Choosing the right baby formula can be a bit of a mission, especially with so many brands and types out there. If you're feeling a little lost, a great place to start is the Baby Expo Melbourne. I found it super helpful—not only can you chat with experts and sample different formulas, but you also get to hear from real parents who’ve been through it all. For personalised advice, your paediatrician or maternal child health nurse is always a great go-to. Whether you're navigating feeding issues, allergies, or just need some reassurance, they’ll help you figure out what’s best for your bub. Doctor Recommended Baby Formula Tips That Helped Me When I went to the Baby Expo in Melbourne, I had a chat with Dr. Sarah, a paediatrician with over 15 years of experience working with little ones. She shared some really useful insights that made me feel a whole lot more confident about formula feeding. She explained that while breast milk is often considered the gold standard, formula is designed to give babies everything they need to grow and thrive. Her biggest piece of advice? Pick a formula that’s easy

12. to digest, nutritionally complete, and free from unnecessary additives. And if your baby has a sensitive tummy or specific dietary needs, always check with a healthcare professional before switching things up. Trust Your Journey Formula feeding doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s okay. As I’ve learned, it’s a personal journey, and you’ll find what works best for you and your baby with a bit of trial and error. What’s most important is that your baby is nourished, happy, and comfortable—and so are you. Whether you’re dealing with reflux, sensitivities, or simply adjusting to your new routine, remember that every parent’s journey is unique. With the right formula, the support of your paediatrician, and a little bit of time, you’ll find a rhythm that works for your family. If you’re still unsure about which formula to choose or need more guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They’re there to help guide you every step of the way. Good luck on your formula-feeding journey, and remember—you’ve got this, Mum!