The Covid-19 Outbreak has made safe infant feeding even more important all over the world. Breastfeeding is the first step in a good defense, and for infants who are not breastfeeding, high-quality infant formula is a great alternative. Proper feeding reduces the risk of infants developing infectious diseases such as the flu, colds, and even covid-19. There are several ways that harmful pathogens are blocked by boosting your baby’s immune system. In addition to proper nutrition, skin-to-skin contact can also help boost infant immune systems. 

Formula Feeding Amidst The Covid-19 Outbreak

Infant feeding plays an important role in the overall development and immune support. While breastfeeding offers the most support for immature immune systems, high-quality European infant formula is also beneficial. Organic infant formulas and those that have added nutrients help to support infant growth and provide immune system support. 

Maintaining Bottle Cleanliness During The Pandemic

Washing and sterilizing infant feeding equipment is a normal part of taking care of your child. During the covid-19 outbreak, this part of the process is even more important. Bottle feeding is a great way to ensure that your baby gets the nutrients and minerals they need to grow up strong. The best way to ensure that your infant bottles are clean is by boiling them in hot water ahead of every usage. Make sure to boil the nipples as well as the bottles themselves. 

Always follow the proper sterilization and washing guidance when feeding with bottles. It is also important to sterilize teethers, pacifiers, and any other feeding implements you use with your child. Bottle-fed children will be able to boost their immune system when fed responsively over forced feedings. During the pandemic, it is also advisable to limit the number of people who are allowed to feed your child. 

Proper Feeding During A Pandemic

It is important to feed your infant correctly, not only during a pandemic but at all times. Proper feeding leads to a healthier, happier infant who will be better equipped to ward off illness. When feeding with a bottle, pacing is a great way to ensure your infant gets just the right amount of nutrition and milk they need to thrive. Always use a clean bottle with sanitized nipples. Allow your child to pause between milk draws and guide their feeding pace. 

It can be tempting to overfeed your infant in an attempt to feed them for health, but an uncomfortable baby will be more prone to distress and illness. The same goes for breastfeeding or even bottle feeding with breast milk. Choosing the proper size bottle for your child’s level of development will also encourage proper feeding habits and improved immune system response. 

Feeding Your Infant When You Have Covid-19

Contracting Covid-19 is one of the worst things a parent can face. While it is advisable to limit your chances of contracting the virus, it is equally important to know how to feed your baby if you do catch it. There are some precautions you can take to help reduce your infant's chance of getting sick. The first option is to isolate yourself and leave their care to the other parent or caregiver. When delegating care is not an option, you can still work to protect your infant from contracting Covid-19 during feeding times. 

Wear a mask anytime you are around your infant or other people. This will help stop the spread of the virus. Wash your hands well with antibacterial soap before each feeding and each time you touch your child. It is also a good idea to wash your hands following each interaction with your baby as well. Wearing a mask will help limit transmission, but if you feel the need to cough or sneeze, take a moment to put your baby down and move away before you do. You will need to wash your hands following each episode before picking your infant up again. 

Wash all surfaces in and around your infant's regular feeding area. Make sure to use a disinfectant, not just plain water. Follow our sterilizing tips in the previous section to ensure that all feeding implements are sterilized prior to use. If you pump, make sure to wash the pump and all parts before and after each use. When breastfeeding, make sure to wash your nipples before each feeding. Using a feeding shield is a great way to add another layer of protection against transmission. 

Virus Transmission Risk Factors

Infants are very resilient but also at high risk at the same time. Most infants are not very mobile, so it limits their ability to contract the virus from too many surfaces. The most risk comes from the person feeding the baby infecting the infant or bringing them in contact with surfaces or other people who may be infected. Wearing a mask is the first step in prevention, the second is proper handwashing. For breastfeeding mothers, it is important to note that the virus can’t be passed on through breast milk. If possible, express milk and have a partner or help feed your infant if you happen to be sick or simply follow our suggestions above. 

Immune Boosting Feeding Tips

What you feed your child has a dramatic effect on their overall health. Feeding your infant organic European infant formulas with added vitamins and minerals can help boost their immune response. There is no cure or vaccine for Covid-19 currently, however, boosting the immune system is a great way to prevent the virus from taking hold. Organic infant formula from Europe is full of vitamins and minerals designed to give your infant the best chance of developing a strong immune system. 

European infant formulas are made from ingredients that come from dynamic farming and are further processed in a very clean environment. With less pollution, antibiotics, and hormones going onto the ingredients, the better those ingredients will be when they are made into infant formula. Clean ingredients are easier for infants to break down which further increases their chances at proper immune system development.