Quick Answers
Bonakid 1 is a powdered infant formula designed for babies from birth to 12 months. The number of scoops needed per bottle depends on the baby’s age:
- 0-1 month: 2 level scoops per 2 fl oz (60 ml) of water
- 1-2 months: 2.5 level scoops per 3 fl oz (90 ml) of water
- 2-3 months: 3 level scoops per 4 fl oz (120 ml) of water
- 3-6 months: 3.5 level scoops per 5 fl oz (150 ml) of water
- 6-12 months: 4 level scoops per 6 fl oz (180 ml) of water
Always follow label instructions and your pediatrician’s recommendations when preparing infant formula. Never add extra scoops or overconcentrate.
Background on Bonakid 1
Bonakid 1 is an infant milk formula suitable for babies from birth to 12 months old. It is produced by FrieslandCampina, a multinational dairy cooperative based in the Netherlands.
Some key features of Bonakid 1 include:
- Nutritionally complete formula for babies’ first year
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health
- No added sucrose or fructose
- Made from cow’s milk and vegetal oils
- Fortified with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
- Powder formulation requires mixing with water before feeding
Bonakid 1 aims to provide a breastmilk substitute that supports age-appropriate growth and development when breastfeeding is not possible or supplemented feeding is desired.
The formula comes in 400g tins and is available globally, though packaging and exact formulation may vary slightly between countries. It meets the nutritional recommendations and standards for infant formula in the regions where it is sold.
Key Factors That Determine Number of Scoops
When preparing a bottle of Bonakid 1, there are three key factors that determine the number of scoops needed:
Baby’s Age
The number of scoops required increases gradually as the baby gets older. This is because the caloric and nutritional needs of babies increase over the first year.
Newborns need 2 scoops per 2 ounces of water. By 12 months, babies need 4 scoops per 6 ounces of water. Following the age guidelines ensures baby gets the right concentration of nutrients.
Amount of Water
More water requires more powder to achieve the desired calorie and nutrient density. For each age range, the scoop instructions correspond to specific water amounts.
Using the correct water volume prevents the formula from being too dilute or too concentrated. Too much or too little water can impact nutrient absorption.
Level vs. Heaped Scoops
Bonakid 1 directions specify using level, not heaped, scoops. Level means scraping off any excess powder from the top of the scoop so it is flat.
Heaped or rounded scoops contain more powder than intended. This could make the formula too concentrated and difficult to digest. Level scoops ensure accuracy.
Specific Scoop Recommendations by Age
Here is a more detailed look at the number of level scoops of Bonakid 1 needed during each age range in the first year:
0-1 Month
– 2 level scoops per 2 fl oz (60ml) of water
Newborns have very small tummies but need the nutrient density of formula to support rapid growth and development. Mixing 2 scoops with 2 ounces of water provides the appropriate calorie load.
Any more than 2 scoops risks overconcentration and strain on the immature digestive system. More than 2 ounces exceeds stomach capacity.
1-2 Months
– 2.5 level scoops per 3 fl oz (90ml) of water
Around 1 month, babies begin consuming larger volumes per feeding as their stomach capacity increases. The scoop-to-water ratio changes to accommodate this.
2.5 scoops mixed with 3 ounces provides the right consistency and calories for the 1-2 month age range. Give baby the full bottle even if they don’t finish.
2-3 Months
– 3 level scoops per 4 fl oz (120ml) of water
Between 2-3 months, babies require even more calories and nutrients as they grow rapidly. Hence feeding amounts continue to increase.
3 scoops to 4 ounces of water delivers the appropriate nutrient profile for this stage. Larger bottles help satisfy babies’ hunger.
3-6 Months
– 3.5 level scoops per 5 fl oz (150ml) of water
The 3-6 month period sees babies gain higher caloric needs and capacity for larger feeding volumes. Concentrations can be diluted somewhat.
3.5 scoops to 5 ounces provides suitable calorie delivery while accomodating bigger appetites. Babies start experimenting with solid foods during this time too.
6-12 Months
– 4 level scoops per 6 fl oz (180ml) of water
From 6 months to 1 year, feeding sizes increase again as babies eat more solid foods and need higher daily calories. 4 scoops to 6 ounces adapts the formula to meet needs at this age.
Closer to 12 months, more of baby’s nutrition comes from solids. Formula intake decreases but still provides important supplemental nutrition.
Mixing Instructions
To mix Bonakid 1 properly, follow these steps:
- Wash hands before preparing
- Boil fresh drinking water and allow to cool
- Pour the required amount of water into bottle according to age
- Add the corresponding number of level scoops of powder
- Attach cap and shake gently until powder dissolves
- Cool to feeding temperature and serve immediately
- Discard any unused formula
Key tips:
- Always use the enclosed scoop to measure accurately
- Heating the water helps dissolve the powder
- Shake well so no lumps remain
- Test temperature before feeding
- Prep only what baby will consume for that feeding
Proper mixing is important for ensuring your baby gets even distribution of nutrients with no clumping.
Common Mistakes
It’s important to avoid certain errors when scooping and mixing Bonakid 1:
Using the Wrong Scoop Size
Scoop sizes can vary between formula brands. The Bonakid 1 powder tub comes with its own specifically sized scoop.
Only use the provided scoop, not one from another product. Different scoops will alter the proportions.
Not Leveling Off the Scoop
Failing to level off the scoop can compact in too much powder. This overconcentrates the formula, creating issues like constipation.
Remember to scrape off excess from the top for accuracy.
Mixing Wrong Water Amount
Putting too little water can make the formula too thick and hard to digest. Too much water overly dilutes it.
Use the exact water volumes stated for each age to get the right consistency.
Not Measuring Ingredients
It’s tempting to eyeball scoops or water amounts rather than measuring precisely. This risks getting the proportions wrong.
Carefully measure both powder and water every time to maintain the intended balance.
Forgetting to Shake Thoroughly
Neglecting to shake can leave dry clumps of powder. Always mix well until all powder dissolves evenly into the water.
Otherwise baby may get inconsistent nutrition from undissolved chunks.
Benefits of Proper Dilution
When mixed according to instructions, Bonakid 1 provides several benefits:
Nutritional Completeness
The right scoop-to-water ratio delivers a formula containing complete proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins and minerals in appropriate amounts.
Easy Digestibility
Properly diluted formula is gentle on young digestive systems. It supplies nutrients without overburdening.
Supports Growth and Development
Correct preparation provides optimal fuel for growth and development milestones like weight gain, brain maturation and immunity.
Prevents Dehydration
Appropriate water content keeps babies hydrated while getting necessary calories.
Promotes Healthy Feedings
Diluting as instructed makes feedings an enjoyable experience babies look forward to.
Signs Formula is Overly Diluted or Concentrated
Improper scoop or water amounts lead to overly diluted or concentrated formula. Watch for these signs:
Overly Diluted Formula Signs
- Runny, watery consistency
- Increased or excessive spit up/reflux
- Nutrient inadequacy causing poor weight gain
- Dehydration from not getting enough calories and fluids
- Increased crying from hunger
Overly Concentrated Formula Signs
- Thick, pasty consistency
- Constipation
- Excessive crankiness during/after feeding
- Slow growth
- Spitting up curdled milk
Diluting correctly avoids these digestion and nutrition issues. Pay close attention to baby’s reactions. Notify your pediatrician if any symptoms concern you.
What If Baby Won’t Finish the Bottle?
Sometimes babies may take less than the full bottle amount prepared. Here are some tips if this happens:
- Burp halfway then try offering remainder of bottle
- Note timing and adjust next bottle size accordingly
- Pour out any formula baby didn’t consume after feed
- Don’t force baby to finish – follow their hunger cues
It’s normal for appetite to vary from feeding to feeding. Just adjust the prepared volume at the next one if baby didn’t finish the previous.
Don’t save unused formula after feeding or mix with fresh batch later. Bacteria can grow quickly in unfinished bottles left out.
Transitioning Between Age Stages
When transitioning between Bonakid 1 age ranges, some tips include:
- Consult your pediatrician about timing for changes
- Increase scoops and water gradually over a few days
- Watch baby for signs of intolerance like gassiness
- Change amounts if poor weight gain or dehydration
- Ensure larger volume doesn’t exceed stomach capacity
Making incremental changes gives baby’s body time to adapt to new concentrations and feeding sizes.
Don’t rush increasing amounts even if baby seems hungry. Slow transitions are gentler on still-maturing digestive systems.
Signs Baby is Ready for Change
Here are signs baby may be developmentally ready to adjust Bonakid 1 amounts:
- Draining bottles completely at current amounts
- Waking more frequently hungry at night
- No longer content after feeding
- Weight and height staying along growth curves
- Tolerating some solid foods well
These cues indicate current intake isn’t fully satisfying. Increasing scoops and volume instep with guidelines prevents undernourishment.
But don’t proactively increase amounts without other evidence baby needs more. Overfeeding risks complications like obesity later.
Special Situations and Considerations
There are some special situations that may warrant deviation from standard Bonakid 1 guidelines:
Premature Babies
Babies born premature have unique nutritional needs and immature digestive function. They need specially formulated premature infant formulas.
Speak with your NICU doctor for individualized mixing instructions tailored to your preemie. Never give standard formula to a premature baby without medical guidance.
Underweight Babies
Babies falling off growth curves may benefit from higher caloric concentration to regain weight. Temporarily adding an extra scoop per feeding could help.
Consult your pediatrician before adjusting amounts if weight gain concerns you. Only increase within tolerable limits based on age.
Mixing with Expressed Breastmilk
When combinding breastmilk with Bonakid 1, maintain age-appropriate ratios. Lactation consultants can provide guidance on safe mixing.
Alternate breast and bottle feedings where possible to get the advantages of both. Never add more scoops to stretch breastmilk.
Special Dietary Needs
For babies with food intolerances, specialized formulas tailored to the condition may be recommended. Brands like Bonakid offer hypoallergenic and lactose-free versions.
Discuss options with your pediatrician and follow any alternative mixing directions for special medical needs. Don’t modify regular formula on your own.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about scooping Bonakid 1:
Can I round up on scoops for a hungrier baby?
No, use only the listed number of level scoops for each age range. Adding more concentrates the formula excessively. Follow your pediatrician’s instructions about properly timed increases.
What if I accidentally add too many scoops?
If you realize the mistake immediately, you can add a little more water to dilute it. But if baby has already consumed it, monitor for any constipation or feeding issues.
Can I reuse any leftover formula?
No, throw out any formula remaining in baby’s bottle after a feeding. Bacteria multiply rapidly in used formula left unrefrigerated. Always mix fresh bottles.
Is it okay to microwave bottles to warm them?
Gently warming bottles in warm water is safest. Microwaving risks creating hot spots that burn baby’s mouth. Never serve bottles straight from fridge or warmers – always check temperature first.
Conclusion
Bonakid 1 provides age-tailored nutrition for babies in their critical first year when growth and development occur rapidly. Following label instructions precisely ensures your baby receives the right caloric and nutritional balance to support these needs. While amounts increase over time, overconcentrating or improperly diluting the formula can pose risks. Adhering to the recommended number of level scoops per water volume as baby reaches each new stage will provide the healthiest start.
