One of the most significant and initial times of bonding between you and your baby is when you feed them. Even though nursing is frequently advised, when done properly, bottle feeding can be a safe and efficient method of giving nourishment. You can make sure your baby is well-fed, comfortable, and developing strengthily by learning how to bottle feed them.
To make feeding your child safe and stress-free, it’s crucial to adhere to a few easy steps, regardless of whether you’re using formula or expressed breast milk. Even little things like selecting the ideal bottle and feeding position can have a significant impact on your baby’s comfort.
We’ll go over all the important details of bottle feeding in this guide, such as how to position your baby, prepare the bottle, and identify feeding cues. You’ll feel at ease and confident after a little practice, which will make feeding time fun for you and your baby.
| Step | Description |
| Prepare the Bottle | Clean and sterilize the bottle and nipple. Fill the bottle with the appropriate amount of formula or breast milk. |
| Check Temperature | Before feeding, test the milk temperature by dropping a bit on your wrist. It should be warm, not hot. |
| Hold the Baby | Support the baby"s head and neck. Hold them in a semi-upright position to help with digestion and prevent choking. |
| Feeding Position | Ensure the nipple is full of milk to prevent the baby from swallowing air. Tilt the bottle so that the nipple is always filled with milk. |
| Monitor the Baby | Watch for signs of fullness or discomfort. Allow the baby to feed at their own pace, and don’t rush the process. |
| Burping | After feeding, gently burp the baby to release any trapped air. Hold them against your shoulder or sit them upright and pat their back gently. |
- Stages
- Preparation
- Features
- Position during feeding
- Burping up air
- What else should you consider?
- Video on the topic
- Different positions for feeding
- How to properly feed a baby at night how many times and up to what age
- Measured bottle feeding
- How to properly feed kittens and what.
- How to properly feed a baby from a bottle
- How to feed a newborn with formula?
- BOTTLE FEEDING – rules ✅
- Bottle feeding: what you need to know? Advice for parents – Union of pediatricians of Russia.
Stages
The following procedures should be followed when bottle-feeding a newborn:
- Prepare the child and all the necessary items.
- Feed the baby in the correct position.
- Help the baby burp air.
Preparation
Both formula and breast milk that has been expressed can be given from a bottle. You must prepare the formula according to the directions on the packaging. Adjust the mixture’s dilution to the manufacturer’s recommended ratio.
A diluted mixture like this won’t give the baby all the nutrients they need in one feeding if you add more water to it. You run the risk of dehydrating yourself if you stir the mixture with less water.
The adult should wash their hands both before making the mixture and before giving the baby food. For every feeding, it is advised to make a fresh portion of the mixture. The mixture needs to be warmed up if it was made earlier and refrigerated. Use a bowl of warm water or a special heater for this.
Tilt the bottle to see how the mixture comes out. Drops should flow at a rate of roughly one drop every second. The nipple should be replaced if the milk flow is excessively abundant. For information on how to properly defrost breast milk, see another article.
Features
- Check the temperature of the mixture by dripping a little of the contents on your wrist. The mixture should be warm.
- To prevent the baby from getting dirty, put on a bib. Take the baby in your arms and try to attract his attention by stroking the baby"s cheek. You can also drip a little of the mixture on the baby"s lips.
- Do not allow the baby to fall asleep until he has finished his portion of the mixture. Keep in mind that underfeeding of about 20 milliliters is normal.
- The bottle should be taken away from a child who has drunk all the milk. If this is difficult, use a toy to distract.
- Do not rush to put the child to bed immediately. Give him the opportunity to burp air, for which hold the baby in an upright position.
Position during feeding
The infant and the adult should both find comfort in this position. The infant can be held in your arms in the same manner that you nurse it. Ensure that the infant’s head is slightly elevated and not inclined to the side or rear, as this may cause difficulties for them when they swallow. When feeding from a bottle, this is the most appropriate position for a newborn. The infant forms a psychological bond with her in this position and senses her closeness, both of which are critical to the child’s development.
It is not advised to feed the infant while they are lying down in order to stop milk from entering their middle ears.
To ensure that there is always milk in the nipple, hold the bottle at a slight angle. Holding it vertically will prevent the baby from choking. It is worthwhile to loosen the ring a little bit if it is screwed on too firmly. The nipple won’t flatten if a small amount of air enters the bottle. When the baby is correctly sucking the nipple, you will notice bubbles.
Burping up air
The infant not only swallows the mixture or milk, but also air. Consequently, even though the baby hasn’t finished his portion, he may feel satisfied. Because of this, it’s important to take quick pauses throughout the procedure to allow the baby to exhale. The baby will feel hungry again and finish his milk with the help of this break. Moreover, burping up air will stop colic.
Give the infant a few minutes to spend in an upright or semi-upright position during this break. Placing the newborn on your shoulder with his hands on your back is the ideal position. Remember to cover your clothes with a towel or rag because the baby may spit up food particles and air. Give the infant a gentle rubdown or pat on the bottom.
A newborn should be bottle fed according to the recommended formula, using a sterile bottle, positioning the baby comfortably, and feeding steadily to prevent gas or overfeeding. It’s critical to follow your baby’s cues and feed them only when they’re hungry and stop when satisfied. You should also provide a peaceful, comforting environment for them to eat in.
What else should you consider?
- You can"t start feeding the baby when the mother is tense, irritated, upset or depressed. Try to calm down, take a few deep breaths, then get comfortable and only then start the process. Do not forget that a newborn is sensitive to everything that is in his mother"s soul. And if the mother is tense, this will cause the baby to be anxious.
- It is also not recommended to feed the baby if his condition is restless. In an excited or crying baby, milk can get into the respiratory tract.
- Never leave the baby with a bottle and, especially, do not prop it up with something. In such a situation, there is a high risk that the child may choke on milk.
Give your baby the breast first, followed by formula, if he is receiving mixed feeding and gets his nourishment from the mother’s breast and a bottle.
For the health and development of a newborn, proper bottle feeding is essential. You can make sure your baby gets the best nutrition possible by using the proper procedures and keeping your surroundings clean. To avoid choking, always check the temperature of the milk before feeding and hold the bottle at the proper angle.
It’s also critical to follow your baby’s cues and feed them whenever they ask for food, rather than rigidly following a set routine. This method feeds your baby’s hunger needs more efficiently while also strengthening your bond with them.
Finally, to prevent infections, always remember to clean and sterilize bottles and nipples. Feeding time will become enjoyable for you and your child as you both get more accustomed to bottle feeding and it becomes a natural part of your routine.
