When to Give Home-Modified Animal Milk
- Only when no other breast milk alternative is available.
How to Modify Animal Milk for Infants Under 6 Months Old
You need
(See table below for amounts.)- Fresh or pasteurized cow’s milk or goat’s milk (other animals’ milk is NOT suitable for small infants).
- Clean, safe water
- Sugar
- Measuring cup. You can also use a marked cup or glass (capacity of 60 to 150 ml depending on age) with the water mark in middle and the milk mark at the top of the cup.
- Teaspoon
- Stove or cooking fire
- Clean and sterilized infant bottle or cup for feeding
| Age (months) | Milk (ml) | Boiled water (ml) | Sugar (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | 40 | 20 | 4 |
| 1-2 | 60 | 30 | 6 |
| 3-4 | 80 | 40 | 8 |
| 5-6 | 100 | 50 | 10 |
Follow these steps
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Use a marked cup or glass to measure milk and water at a ratio of 2 to 1 (i.e., you need twice as much milk as water).
- Fill the cup or glass to the “water” mark with water. Put the water into the pot.
- Fill the cup or glass to the “milk” mark with milk. Add the milk to water in the pot.
- Measure the sugar and add to the liquid. Stir well.
- Bring liquid to a boil for 1 minute and then let it cool while covered.
- Feed infant using a cup (or an infant bottle if hygienic conditions allow). Discard any unused milk, or have an older child or the mother drink it.
- Wash all cups, spoons, bottles, nipples, rings, caps in warm soapy water.