Frequently Asked Questions

1. What supplies do I need to bottle-feed my baby?

• Start with the basics: formula, water (tap water is fine, but use bottled if you are concerned about water safety), bottles, nipples, burp cloths.
• You don’t need a bottle sterilizer, but do sterilize bottles and nipples by boiling them for 5 minutes before the first use.

2. What kind of bottle should I use?

• Bottles come in different shapes and sizes. They can be made of glass, plastic, silicone, or stainless steel. Here are some differences:

  • Plastic bottles that are BPA-free

  • Glass bottles

  • Silicone bottles and stainless steel bottles

3. What are the benefits of formula feeding?

• Health experts believe breast milk is the best nutritional choice for infants. But breastfeeding may not be possible for all women. 

• For moms who can't breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is a healthy alternative. Formula provides babies with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

  • Convenient - it makes life easier for working moms

  • Filled with important nutrients

  • You'll know exactly how many calories your baby is getting

  • It comes in dairy and soy-free versions

  • Your baby might stay fuller longer

4. What type of formula should I use?

• Formulas can be made with different ingredients, some are cow’s milk protein based, some are soy based, and some are “hydrolyzed” or broken down into smaller proteins. If you have questions about which formula to use, please discuss the options with your pediatrician.

  • Aptamil Stage 3 - formula milk for 1-3 years old

  • Aptamil Stage 4 - formula milk for 3 years old & above

  • Apamil HA Prosyneo - specially designed formula milk for 1 year olds & above with partially hydrolyzed whey protein for sensitive tummies.

5. What are the differences between Stage 3 & Stage 4 formula milk?

• The primary difference between Stage 3 & Stage 4 formula milk is the balance of milk proteins. Both formulas have whey and casein proteins, but in different proportions.

• There’s also an increase in calcium, iron, and healthy carbohydates like starch to help wean babies off formula.

• As a child grows and changes, so do his nutritional requirements. To ensure your baby is getting all of the nutrients he needs to grow and thrive, we highly recommend you use the stage of formula that corresponds with his age.

6. How do I safely switch from Aptamil Stage 3 to Aptamil Stage 4?

• Ask your baby’s doctor if he’s ready to switch to a different formula. Your doctor will recommend a way to do it so that your baby's feedings and digestion aren't interrupted.

• The doctor may suggest mixing the two formulas together little by little, then eventually eliminating the original formula altogether.

7. I see AptaAdvantage formulas contain ingredients called DHA and ARA. What are these substances and their benefits?

• Docosahexaenoic acid, better known as DHA, and arachidonic acid, better known as ARA, are fatty acids found in breast milk, as well as in some foods, like fish and eggs. (Fatty acids combine to make fat molecules.) Both DHA and ARA are classified as LCP (long-chain polyunsaturated) fatty acids, or PUFAs, a special type of fatty acid. They each play important roles in our bodies and health especially eyes and brain development of your child.

8. How do I prepare Aptamil’s formula?

• Aptamil Stage 3 & Aptamil Stage 4 - Using the scoop enclosed. Add 4 scoops of milk powder to 200ml of drinking water(40C). Fill the scoop lightly using the built-in leveller. For the smaller volumes, simply add 1 scoop to each 50ml of water.

• Apamil HA Prosyneo - For single serve of 200 ml, prepare 180 ml of warm water (40°C) as per feeding table. Refer to feeding table, add 5 scoops (flat) of milk powder (for 180 ml).

9. How long can formula milk sit out at room temperature?

• Throw out any prepared or ready-to-feed formula that's been sitting out for 2 hours or more, or within 1 hour from start of feeding.

10. Can I save leftover formula to give to my baby later?

• No, throw away any leftover formula. Harmful bacteria can multiply since the last feeding, which could make your baby sick.

11. Can I prepare the formula ahead of time?

• If you prepare formula ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator. You can use pre-made formula for up to 24 hours. If made-up formula is stored:

  • in a fridge – use within 24 hours

  • in a cool bag with an ice pack – use within 4 hours

  • at room temperature – use within 2 hours

• Do not store unmixed powder in the refrigerator.

12. How do I warm my baby's bottles?

• Run the bottle under very warm or hot water for a few minutes.

• Put your baby's bottles in a pan of hot water. Be sure to remove the pan from the heat source before putting the bottle in it.

• Use bottle warmers that sit on your countertop at home or are portable.

• Never use the microwave to warm bottles. It can create dangerous "hot spots" in bottles that can burn your baby’s mouth and throat.

• Before giving it to your baby, test the temperature of the formula by squirting a drop or two on the inside or your wrist. The milk should be lukewarm (barely warm), not hot.

13. How much formula does my baby need?

• 1 to 3 years old: 16–24 ounces (480–720 milliliters), 2 to 3 feedings a day supplemented with other food

• 3 years old & above: 12-20 ounces (350-600 mililiters) 2 feedings a day supplemented with other food

14. Will adding extra powder make my baby sleep longer?

• No. Too much powder can make your baby constipated or dehydrated. Too little powder may not give your baby enough nourishment. It’s best to follow the instructions on the packet.

15. How do I know if my baby has an allergy?

• Some babies are allergic to the protein in cow's milk formula. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

  • vomiting

  • diarrhea

  • abdominal pain

  • rash

  • blood or mucus in the baby's stools

• Report any of these symptoms to your baby's doctor, and follow his/her advice on switching to a special hypoallergenic formula.

16. What is whey protein milk and how do I know if it’s safe for my baby?

• Most doctors usually recommend giving babies cow's milk formula unless there seems to be an allergy or intolerance, in which case the doctor may recommend a special formula. 

• Whey is easier to digest than casein; baby formulas with high casein may be more difficult to digest. Adding whey protein to baby formula may help to reduce tummy troubles in little ones.

• A partially hydrolyzed whey protein-based infant formula supports adequate infant growth, with a daily weight gain equivalent to a standard intact protein-based formula; it is also safe for use and well-tolerated in healthy term infants (resource: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7400250/)

17. How can I join AptaAdvantage’s club?

• Visit this page register and learn more information regarding AptaAdvantage membership program. 

18. What are the benefits of being an AptaAdvantage member?

• Enjoy free 900g tin sample

• Exclusive partner privileges with savings worth up to $400

• Get 24/7 Careline Support for you and your baby

• Personalised content for mum and your baby

• Exclusive promotions and bundle deals

• Sign up now and enjoy special programs will a lot of  offers, discounts, coupons, and/or free formula and other products.

19. What is AptaAdvantage Partner Privileges?

• AptaAdvantage Club members will get various complimentary classes and exclusive discounts with our key enrichment partners. Visit this page for more information regarding Partner Privileges.

20. How to register for a free milk powder sample?

• Fill the form in this page to register for free milk sample.

References:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/formulafeed-starting.html

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/formula-milk-questions/

https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/after-birth/feeding-your-baby/formula-feeding-faqs

https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/Formula-Feeding-FAQs-Some-Common-Concerns