What if you decide, for health reasons or convenience, that baby will be formula fed? Should you feel like you have to explain it to everyone who asks? The decision to feed your baby formula is a personal one; and whether or not other folks agree, formula is better than ever at mimicking breast milk in terms of nutrients.

The first discussion about formula feeding should be with your partner. If you both agree this is the way to go, then you need to talk with your pediatrician about the appropriate formula for your baby. Many pediatricians suggest using cow's milk formula with iron; however, if your baby has an intolerance to cow's milk, you will need to switch to a soy-based or elemental formula. Neither is a poor choice; it just depends on what baby's specific needs are.

Tips for Hassle-Free Formula Feeding

If you can, buy the premixed cans of formula. These are the most convenient to use, since they are already of perfect consistency. The powders take longer to prepare and are thus less convenient, especially when traveling. Premixed formula costs a bit more, but that's worth it when you have a crying baby at 2 A.M. and no bottles ready. Here are some other bottle-feeding tips:

• Alternate the positions you feed baby in, for variety and proper balance on your arm muscles.

• Sterilize all bottle pieces thoroughly, and always keep your hands and kitchen area clean. Use antibacterial soap to clean.

• Feed baby every three or four hours the first few months. Follow what your pediatrician tells you about increasing frequency.

• Don't heat the formula in the microwave, as this may cause uneven heating and hot spots in the mixture that could burn the baby. Instead, put warm water into a dish or bowl, and then place the bottle inside. This will help the formula heat up uniformly — and prevent burns for baby.

• Tip the bottle over and sprinkle some formula onto your wrist to make sure it's the right temperature. Lukewarm is a good temperature.

Essential

Enjoy your bonding time with baby every bit as much as you would if you were breastfeeding. Cuddle, kiss, and love the baby while feeding; share the joy of bonding with baby with others in your family. Let others have a try at feeding baby (with the exception of small siblings who aren't ready to hold baby yet).

• Don't reuse formula if baby doesn't drink the whole bottle of milk. Using a bottle over again promotes bacterial growth, which is not desirable with a little one.

• From birth to about four months, feed baby five to six ounces of formula at a feeding. Many doctors are starting babies on solid foods after four to six months, with six months being the more common goal.

• Stop halfway throughout the feeding and burp the baby. Burp again after baby is finished. Keep the bib on for about fifteen minutes after feeding — formula-fed babies often spit up in that time frame, and you'll want to be ready.

Formula feeding can be a wonderful, healthy experience for you and baby, and some breastfeeding moms use formula as a supplement when they need to.