Breastfeeding and Bottle feeding
Our center recognizes the many health benefits that are available to babies when they are breastfed, and we are dedicated to providing the best care for our babies and toddlers whether breast or formula-fed. Mothers are welcome to breastfeed babies in our center and a comfortable space is available for mothers who wish to nurse or pump milk at school in the Infant and Toddler building. We are happy to provide families with additional information about breastfeeding support groups in the local area and can share additional information about breastfeeding practices with parents as needed. Our childcare staff are trained in safe handling of both breast milk and formula, and we have refrigerator and freezer space available for storage of extra milk as needed. Parents who are breastfeeding can bring frozen breast milk labeled with the child's name, date expressed, and number of ounces. We ask that all formula bottles be pre-made and labeled with the child's name, date mixed, and number of ounces. Parents are encouraged to send in extra milk either frozen breast milk or extra formula that can be mixed in the event of an unexpected emergency (leaking bottles, spilled milk, late pick up, etc.).
Although health regulations require that teachers dispose of any milk left in the bottle at the end of a feeding, we will do our best to provide your child with the amount of milk he or she needs to avoid wasting precious breast milk or formula whenever possible. Parents will set up your baby's feeding schedule to share with your child's caregiver. Feeding schedules will be updated every two months or additionally as needed to make adjustments for your child's growth and feeding patterns.
Feeding schedules will include solid food when your child is ready. Parents can supply commercially processed baby food in unopened containers (please check the date on the container to ensure freshness). Parents can also send in homemade baby food. Homemade baby food must be stored in an easily cleanable, nontoxic, nonabsorbent container that is tightly closed and clearly labeled with the contents and date for freshness. Caregivers can serve baby food that is opened during the same day. We will move baby food to a serving container and serve in smaller portions at each feeding. Any food leftover after the feeding will be discarded from the serving container, but additional uncontaminated food from the original container can be served later in the day as appropriate.
Although health regulations require that teachers dispose of any milk left in the bottle at the end of a feeding, we will do our best to provide your child with the amount of milk he or she needs to avoid wasting precious breast milk or formula whenever possible. Parents will set up your baby's feeding schedule to share with your child's caregiver. Feeding schedules will be updated every two months or additionally as needed to make adjustments for your child's growth and feeding patterns.
Feeding schedules will include solid food when your child is ready. Parents can supply commercially processed baby food in unopened containers (please check the date on the container to ensure freshness). Parents can also send in homemade baby food. Homemade baby food must be stored in an easily cleanable, nontoxic, nonabsorbent container that is tightly closed and clearly labeled with the contents and date for freshness. Caregivers can serve baby food that is opened during the same day. We will move baby food to a serving container and serve in smaller portions at each feeding. Any food leftover after the feeding will be discarded from the serving container, but additional uncontaminated food from the original container can be served later in the day as appropriate.