
Vaatsalya Clinic
TIPS FOR BOTTLE FEEDING
If you are planning to bottle feed with expressed breast milk or formula , these tips will help keep your baby safe and healthy.
Buying bottle feeding equipment
You will need a number of bottles and nipples, as well as sterilising equipment. There’s no evidence that one type of nipple or bottle is better than any other. As hygiene is so important, simple bottles that are easy to wash and sterilise are probably best. Sterilising the bottles and all accessories is very important.
Preparing bottle feeds
Make sure your bottles and nipples are sterilised. If you’re using infant formula, pay close attention to the instructions on the packet when you make up the feed.
How to bottle feed your baby
- Make sure you are sitting comfortably. Enjoy holding your baby and looking into their eyes as you feed them. Bottle feeding is a chance to feel close to your baby and get to know her.
- Hold your baby fairly upright for bottle feeds. Support her head so she can breathe and swallow comfortably. Brush the nipple against your baby’s lips and, when the baby opens her mouth wide; let her draw in the nipple.
- Always give your baby plenty of time to feed.
- Keep the nipple full. When bottle feeding, keep the nipple full of milk, otherwise your baby will take in air. If the nipple becomes flattened while you’re feeding, gently poke a clean finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to release the suction. If the nipple gets blocked, replace it with another sterile nipple.
Burping your baby
Your baby may need short breaks during the feed and may need to burp sometimes. When your baby does not want any more feed, hold her upright and gently rub or pat her back to bring up any wind. This may only be a small amount.
Throw away unused formula
Don’t forget to throw away any unused formula or breast milk after you have finished feeding your baby.
Go with the flow
Babies differ in how often they want to feed and how much milk they want to take. Feed your baby when they’re hungry, and don’t try to force them to finish a bottle.
Don’t leave your baby
Never leave a baby alone to feed with a propped-up bottle as they may choke on the milk.
Common questions about bottle feeding
Why doesn’t my baby settle after a feed?
If your baby swallows air while bottle feeding and is then put down to sleep,she may feel uncomfortable and cry. After a feed, it’s usually helpful to hold your baby upright against your shoulder or propped forward on your lap. Gently rub her back so any trapped air can find its way out easily.
Why does my baby sometimes vomit after a feed?
Some babies bring up more milk than others during or just after a feed. This is sometimes called posseting, regurgitation or reflux. Keep a kerchief handy just in case.
It can be upsetting when this happens, and you may be worried that something is wrong. If it happens often, or your baby is violently sick, appears to be in pain or you’re worried for any other reason, talk to your doctor.
Check that the hole in your baby’s nipple is not too big – giving milk too quickly can cause sickness. Sitting your baby upright on your lap after a feed may help.
If your baby brings up a lot of milk, she may be hungry again quite quickly. Don’t force them to take more milk than they want during a feed. Every baby is different. Some prefer to feed little and often.
Could formula feeding make my baby constipated?
When using infant formula, always use the recommended amount of infant formula powder stated on the packet. Don’t add extra infant formula because using too much can make your baby constipated and may cause dehydration
When your baby is born, you’ll begin an entirely new phase of your life. Take the time during your baby’s first days to enjoy this new beginning…
VAATSALYA CLINIC -the woman and child care clinic conveniently located at at Mahim , offers the most comprehensive and best OBSTETRIC, GYNEC and PEDIATRIC care to women and children in all stages of life. Our Gynecologist DR MAULIK JOSHI and Pediatrician DR SHAIVALI JOSHI take the time to listen to you, answer your questions and make sure you leave the clinic feeling satisfied,informed and cared for. Our team consists of our Doctors, Nurses and front office staff to give you the best possible medical care.We are dedicated to helping all women and children stay healthy.
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