Is it safe for babies to drink cold formula? The formula is a baby’s main source of nutrition during the first year of life. Most parents are familiar with the need to warm formula for their babies. Depending on the age and temperament of your child, you can also give your baby cold formula, but only if your doctor approves. In this blog post, we will explore whether or not it is safe for babies to drink cold formula?
As well the formula is an important part of a baby’s diet, providing them with the nutrients they need to grow and develop. Many parents believe that the fed warm milk is more comfortable for their baby. But it is not necessary to heat the milk before feeding your baby, you can also give them cold milk. {1}
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents use room-temperature formula, if possible, to reduce the risk of scalding a baby’s mouth. But if you have prepared a cold bottle formula, it is perfectly safe to feed it to your baby. Giving cold milk to your baby can also help them to feel more comfortable, as it can be soothing on their tummy. Here we will discuss whether it is safe to give your baby cold formula or if it is recommendable for premature infants or not? So scroll down to know more.
In This Article
Can babies drink cold formula?
Yes, babies can drink cold formula. Some mothers choose to give their babies cold formula because it can help soothe a fussy tummy. Giving cold breast milk to your baby is also perfectly safe. Baby cold milk will usually have a bluish tint to it since the milk fats have solidified.
Baby formula cold straight from the fridge can be quite shocking to your baby’s system, so it’s best to warm it up a bit before giving it to them. You can do this by running the bottle under warm water for a few minutes or by using a bottle warmer. If you use a bottle warmer, make sure not to overheat the formula as this can cause nutrients to be lost.
Furthermore, the liquid concentrate formula also can be given to your baby cold or at room temperature. It is important to note that you should never heat up liquid concentrate formula in the microwave because it can create hot spots that could burn your baby’s mouth.
If you do choose to give your baby cold formula, be sure to mix it well so that there are no clumps of formula powder. As we said you should avoid giving refrigerator-cold formula to your baby as it can cause nipple confusion. It’s always best to ask your baby’s pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about what kind of formula is best for your little one.
Is baby drink cold formula safe?
Yes, it is safe for babies to drink cold formula. As we said above, most parents are concerned about giving their baby cold formula, but there is no need to worry. A baby’s digestive system is very resilient and can handle a range of temperatures. As formula milk cold bottles would be preferable for your baby, according to room temperature.
If you are out and about with your baby, it is perfectly fine to give them a cold bottle of formula milk. If you are worried about your baby getting dehydrated, then make sure they are drinking plenty of water throughout the day as well. If your baby prefers to drink formula cold, you can offer them a cold bottle each time they feed. The cold formula can be much easier to prepare and serve, mainly because you don’t have to go through the hassle of warming the bottle before each feeding.
If your baby insists on a hot bottle, there’s no need to insist on a cold formula. Ultimately, the temperature of your baby’s bottle depends primarily on their personal preferences. As long as you follow the safe food guidelines for formula and make sure the bottle isn’t too hot, it’s okay to let your baby choose the temperature of their feedings.
Does cold milk best for premature babies?
No, cold milk is not best for premature babies. Premature babies have underdeveloped digestive systems and are unable to process lactose as effectively as full-term babies. Cold milk can also cause intestinal cramping and account for increased diarrheal output. In addition, cow’s milk contains high levels of sodium and protein which can put additional stress on a premature baby’s kidneys.
According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, it is best to warm formula or breastmilk to body temperature before feeding a premature baby. You can do this by holding the bottle under running water or using a bottle warmer. If you are using powdered formula, be sure to mix it with water that is no more than room temperature.
Moreover, baby milk should not be given ice cold or stored in the fridge for long periods as this can encourage the growth of bacteria. If you have prepared the formula in advance, it is best to store it in the fridge for no more than 12 hours. Finally, it is important to sterilize all bottles and nipples before each use. Always make sure to follow the guidelines before giving formula milk to your premature baby.
What are the pros and cons of cold formula?
Additionally, a baby can drink cold formula but everything has two sides to it. Below are the pros and cons of giving your baby cold formula.
Pros:
- It can soothe teething pain.
- Cold numbs the gums which can be helpful if your baby is going through the teething process.
- Some babies prefer the taste of cold formula.
- If you’re out and about, it’s more convenient to pack a cold bottle of formula than one that needs to be heated up.
- Save time and energy as it involves less work.
- Babies used to cold milk often have no problem feeding on the go, whereas warming bottles can be trickier.
Cons:
- Cold formula can cause gas and bloat in some babies.
- If your baby is used to drinking warm formula, they may not take to the change in temperature as easily.
- Some parents believe that cold milk can lead to tummy aches.
- When made with cold water, the formula doesn’t dissolve as easily and can clump together.
- Premature babies cannot drink cold milk. For them, heating the milk a little is much more beneficial.
Can cold formula upset the baby’s stomach?
Although there is no evidence that cold formula upsets the baby’s stomach, some parents prefer to heat up their baby’s formula. If you do choose to heat up your baby’s formula, make sure to test the preferred temperature of the formula before feeding it to your baby.
There are some benefits to using cold formula instead of room temperature or heated formula. For one, it can be easier on a baby’s stomach if they’re having trouble digesting milk proteins. Heating the formula also destroys some of the nutrients and enzymes in the milk. The room-temperature formula might not be cold enough for some babies, causing them to spit up more since it’s harder to swallow. Ultimately, whatever works best for the baby is what you should do. If they tolerate cold formula well and it makes life easier for you, then go for it!
What happens if you give a baby cold formula?
The cold formula does not harm newborns, and in fact, may be the ideal temperature for them. But refrigerator cold formula is not recommended for newborns because it can be a shock to their system. Some research has found that babies who drink cold formula may have a slightly higher risk of developing gastroenteritis, but this is rare and not definitive.
If you are worried about your baby’s reaction to cold formula, warm it up slightly before feeding. The room temperature formula is also perfectly fine for newborns. If you are using powdered formula, be sure to mix it well before feeding. Sometimes the body temperature can be lower than normal and so the cold formula can act as a shock to the system. It is always best to check with your pediatrician before giving your baby anything new, especially if your baby was born early or has any health concerns.
Why should babies not drink cold milk?
There are a few reasons why cold milk may not be the best choice for babies. First, it can be difficult for them to digest. Babies have delicate digestive systems and cold milk can actually slow down the digestion process. Additionally, cold milk can lead to tummy aches for little ones. Finally, some babies simply don’t like the taste of cold milk! If your baby is having trouble drinking milk that is straight from the fridge, try heating it up a bit or adding some warm water to it.
Does cold formula help with gas?
Some parents report that cold formula can help with gas, while others find no difference. If you think your baby may be uncomfortable from gas, you can try burping them more often, changing their diaper regularly, and 10 minutes of “tummy time” after each feeding. You can also try massaging their tummy in a clockwise direction or give them a warm bath. If ice-cold drinks seem to help relieve your baby’s discomfort, talk to your pediatrician before trying this method on a regular basis. Many doctors recommend avoiding unnecessarily cold foods and beverages since they may cause gastrointestinal distress in some babies.
The Wrapped up!!
As well as the cold baby formula won’t hurt your baby, but it might not be as nutrients. So, if you have the choice, you should give your baby formula at room temperature. However, some parents prefer to warm up the formula before feeding it to their baby. If you do decide to warm up the formula, be sure to test the temperature of the milk before giving it to your child. Generally, babies drink cold milk more easily than warm milk and are less likely to get gassy from cold milk. However, some babies may prefer warm milk, so it is ultimately up to the parents and baby to decide what temperature the baby will drink their formula. We hope this article helped answer the question, “Can babies drink cold formula?” If you have any further questions, please leave a comment below! Thanks for reading!
Reference
{1} Choosing Right Formula – Healthychlidren.org (2022)
