Formula related question - serious answers only?

Question

Okay, I use Enfamil Gentlease Lipil for my daughter who is almost 7 weeks old. WHY is it when I put the formula in her bottle, cap it, and shake it (like the instructions say)... these little hard formula balls form like they weren't shaken well enough. This even happens when I use say a plastic fork to stir the formula to mix it.

What are some good ways to prevent this?!

Oh yeah... Enfamil Gentlease is a powder formula, my bad forgot to post that! =)

OH WOW, I've had some great responses on this - thanks for everybody's advice!!

Although I suspected that there was going to be some kind of issue with the whole formula/breast milk thing. I appreciate everybody's thoughts on that. Due to crappy circumstances after delivery they bottlefed her instead of asking me if I wanted to breastfeed. But I've tried and tried, and still to this day I try. I've bugged the hell out of Le Leche League, talked to endless people about breastfeeding. So she is getting SOME, just not totally all of it like I wanted.

Just remember yall, everybody's got their own opinions on issues. It'd just be real nice everybody knew how to respect the opinions of others.

Thanks for your answers! (All of them LOL) =)

Answer 1

i've always used a formula mixer and never once had a problem with lumps. it's a small battery power mini beater that fits right in the bottle, turn it on for 15 seconds, and like magic, no lumps. everyone i know uses it and thinks it's the coolest things---no lumps in their bottles either. they are about $4 at babies r us, i buy 3, one for the diaper bag, one for home, and another for my hubby to use with his protien drinks as his stuff is way more thick and has atendency to burn out the motor at times. well worth they money. in fact i purhase one for every baby shower i go to. even if they aren't typically bottle fed, at some point most end up with cereal in their bottle, and it helps mix and eliminate lumps there too. hope this helps!

**you know fail to see the part where she asked for anybody's opinion on what type of formula/milk she used. you pro-breasfeeding people need to get a life and focus your attentions elsewhere. i'm sure she is more than aware the choice she made to use formula and you have no idea her reasoning, nor is it anybody's business. i tried breastfeeding---my baby has a severe milk allergy, and even after eliminating practically all and any form or dairy or high allergy foods from my diet, he still could not tolerate it. he is now on $23 a can formula that last us 4 days, believe me if i could have it another way i would. but that is nobody's concern but mine and should anybody have the nerve to judge or say anything about it to they'd be walking away with some severe issues. mind your nosey business and stick to answering the question at hand!!!!

Answer 2

I found that same thing as well, and the suggestion to use warm water before mixing in the powder did the trick for me. Warm the bottle as you would, then when it's ready put in the powder and shake it really hard. If any of the suggestions don't work, then double check the expiry date if it's close to be expired and it's doing that, get rid of it, or if everything is as it should contact the company, they might even send you some free Cans.

I too would like to add that there is nothing wrong with formula feeding (I nurse and formula feed), why do people have to add there opinion about formula feeding when that wasn't even part of the question ? She didn't ask for anyone's opinion on what is best. Whatever the mother chooses to do is her business and nobody elses, so have some respect. People ask questions on here to get answers, not to be preached to by a complete stranger.

Answer 3

I've given 7 m/o daughter Enfamil Lactofree Lipil for 7 months & i put the formula in the bottle first & then i stir the formula up w/a spoon & feed her,i've done his since she came home on2.11.06
but my husband puts the water in 1st,then he stirs up the formula,i am not trying to sound mean?! but do u use warm water to make her formula ? b.cuz this will help if u use warm water =) good luck on which advice u choose ok !! =)

Answer 4

Some people make formula by the batch, say one day's worth, in the blender or food processor. Then put the bottles in the fridge. I tried this once, but the formula foamed so much I couldn't even measure where the liquid ended and where the foam began.

Answer 5

i've never heard of that happening before with any formula, if ur guna whisk it make sure u have sterilized the whisk, but i think u would av already known that, is the pre-boiled water warm or cold? i make my daughters bottles up with quite warm water and it always mixes well, if it still does it maybe you should contact the company who make the formula and ask them for there advise

i hope this has helped a little

Answer 6

I had the same problem, warming the water first helps some and they do have those formula mixers which I hear work pretty well. In the end I switched to soy and use the ready to feed, much easier.

Answer 7

Try puttling the formula in first. If you do that already try putting it in after the water.

Or you could put a little formula in at a time. That might work .

Answer 8

try placing the powder in a little at a time with a little water til complete.
or you can use one of those milk shake blenders the ones that you can mix in a cup. then just pour it into the bottle.

Answer 9

I used to have the same problem, but i use the whisk now and no more lumps, if u drain it your removing part of formula that the baby need, the whisk will make it all disolve.

Answer 10

Put the powder in the bottle first , then shake it for all you got .