Careline

SMA Gold has been reformulated to contain a new improved balance of proteins, which is closer to that of breast milk. The improved quality of the protein has been shown to be better tolerated by baby.

We have updated our preparation instructions to come in line with the latest guidelines from the Department of Health, (December 2006). They recommend preparing each feed, in individual bottles, as required. It is important to follow good hygiene practices when making up infant formula and you should always prepare the milk in accordance with instructions on the specific pack of infant formula that you feed your baby. However, if for some reason you do need to make advance feeds you should consult your HCP for advice on how to do this safely.

Although we produce formula for the Greek market, the SMA products in Greece (known as Wyeth S-26 Gold and S-26), will have differences in taste and ingredients to the SMA Gold available in the UK. Therefore, for the duration of your stay, you would be best advised to take enough supplies of your baby's usual milk with you. It is also advisable to contact the airline you are flying with beforehand as they may offer you extra luggage allowance for the milk and they are usually quite helpful on board the aircraft with the preparations of feeds. It is important to clarify traveling restrictions on board the aircraft with regard to infant feeding so contact the airport from which you are traveling for latest information. You may need to consider using bottled water for making up feeds whilst you are away from home. Should this be the case you need to select one with a sodium (Na) content below 20mg per litre. The water needs to be still rather than sparkling and should be freshly boiled and cooled before use.

Your Health Visitor will know your baby’s history and we would always suggest having a chat with her before changing your baby’s feeds. For the time being, you will need to continue to offer the SMA White. When your baby’s weaning diet is established and she has reduced the amount of milk she is taking, you may then wish to consider using a follow-on-formula. Follow-on formulas are milks specially designed to have a nutritional composition suitable for babies and toddlers aged from six months to two years of age and beyond. As mixed feeding becomes established, solid food becomes an increasingly important source of nourishment. However, nutritional experts also stress the importance of milk in the diet and recommend about 500-600 ml, until at least the age of one year, and a minimum of 350 ml after this age. Follow-on formulas are fortified with iron and one pint a day, given either as a drink or mixed with solids, will provide all of the iron your baby needs together with a healthy balance of all other essential nutrients. It acts as a nutritional 'safety net', which can be especially reassuring when your baby goes through fussy and difficult eating periods.

It is difficult to give an exact amount of formula that your son should be taking, as each baby is different. At three months, you should still feed on demand and as long as he is happy, healthy and putting on weight at a steady rate, you need not worry that you are over feeding him. Your son could be experiencing a growth spurt, which would explain why he is feeding more regularly. Feeding every 3 hours is actually quite normal during this time - in our experience as mums and speaking to parents, very few babies actually feed 4 hourly! We would recommend that you see your Health Visitor for further advice, as she knows your baby’s background and may be able to offer you more advice.

SMA LF is only available at your local Chemist. You will probably have to ask the pharmacist if he has the formula in stock. Some chemists have a same day delivery service. So contact them first thing in the morning and ask them to order it for you.

Pre-prepared foods and tinned products can contain high levels of sugar, salt and preservatives and therefore should be used in moderation. When you are cooking family foods, you can set aside some of the more basic ingredients (such as meat and vegetables) for your baby and add the sauces or flavours for the rest of the family afterwards. Your baby’s meals can be chopped and frozen if required, in readiness for the more busy times.