Bottle Feeding Baby Tips

Bottle Feeding Guide

With all the information and advice out there regarding bottle feeding, it is easy to get confused. This bottle feeding guide will give you helpful advice that will help you keep your baby healthy and thriving. Remember that every baby is unique and will vary intake as well as have different preferences and needs. Don’t follow a strict feeding schedule in the first few weeks or so, you will be able to establish a pattern in one or two months.

Also, do not force your baby to feed more than she seems ready to eat. In the beginning weeks you should offer your baby a bottle every two to three hours. She will be needing about one to three ounces per feeding.

Remember to pay attention to hunger cues that is your baby’s way of letting you know that she hasn’t had enough or needs to be fed again. When your baby is moving around when waking or sucking on her finger or is moving her mouth or head around, these are all hunger cues. As crying is a late sign of hunger, try to get her fed before you she gets to that point.

 

Bottle Feeding VS Breastfeeding

The choice between bottle vs breastfeeding is an important one to make. Experts suggest that breast feeding is the healthiest option for both baby and mom. However, some factors might lead you to consider bottle feeding.

Also, some new mothers will face physical issues and challenges that may make it difficult or not allow for breastfeeding. If you are unable to breastfeed or you decide bottle feeding is a better option for you and your baby, bottle feeding is a healthy alternative. Your baby will still get all the nutrients they need to thrive and grow.

If you do not have lifestyle or physical limitations that will not allow for breastfeeding and you have that choice to make, there are pro’s and con’s to breastfeeding vs bottle feeding to consider.

The pro’s to breastfeeding are: it is more convenient (no bottles to carry around), it is way less expensive, and it is always available. The con’s to breastfeeding are: you don’t know how much milk they are getting, breasted babies need to be fed more frequently and may not allow for mom to go back to work for months.

Pro’s to bottle feeding include: you can share the responsibility with your partner, it will allow for mom to go back to work earlier, and you will be able to see exactly how much milk your baby has taken. Con’s to bottle feeding are: bottle feeding is quite expensive, you need to prepare bottles (baby may get inpatient), and cleaning/preparing bottles is time consuming.

 

Bottle Feeding Tips

Although all if this information and new responsibility can be overwhelming, just know that you are not alone and that information is available to you at all times. The bottle feeding tips in this article will at least cover the basic questions and point you in the right direction.

If in doubt regarding correctly feeding your baby, do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. That is what they are there for and they more than happy to discuss concerns with you so your baby is healthy, happy and that she thrives. When bottle feeding, the most important thing to remember is that are you are feeding and nurturing your baby and you two will figure out along the way what works best for the both of you.

 

 Bottle Feeding Newborn

When bottle feeding newborn, it is important to have the correct supplies and equipment available. You should discuss this with your pediatrician before making purchases. Your pediatrician can give recommendations based on family history of allergies, lactose intolerance, or other concerns. We also recommend that you choose baby bottles closest to breastfeeding. Remember to just purchase enough supplies for the first week or so as what you buy may or may not work for your baby.

When feeding a newborn, it is best to feed your baby on demand. She will take 2 to 4 ounces per feeding during the first few weeks and she will want to feed every two to four hours. When bottle feeding your newborn, take care to cradle her in a semi-upright position and make sure that you support her head. Never feed her lying down as this can cause ear infections.

Also, make sure to tilt the bottle so the milk or formula covers the nipple and the neck of the bottle, this prevents your baby from sucking in air. Although, even with the most care taken to prevent this, your baby will still swallow air during feedings. This is why it is important to burp your baby after every feeding or your baby’s tummy will become increasingly upset.

 

Bottle Feeding Positions

Bottle feeding position is very important as if not done correctly, your baby can get ear infections and or a really upset tummy. Then you might need help on how to stop hiccups in newborns.

First, find a comfortable place to sit with your baby. Next, position your baby on your lap and make sure that she is in a reasonably upright position, and that her head is supported comfortably.

This is a wonderful time for bonding, so make eye contact and enjoy some cuddle time. Hold the bottle firmly as your baby drinks, tilting the bottle slightly so the end is always full of milk instead of air. If your baby is trying to feed with her head titled back or sideways, you will need to gently adjust her positions as it will become difficult for her to swallow.

Never let your baby fall asleep with a bottle in her mouth, this can cause tooth decay. Gently remove the bottle form her mouth if she does not fall asleep while feeding. Additionally, never leave her alone propped with a bottle or lying flat as she can choke or get an ear infection. After your baby is done with her meal, remember to give her lots of love and cuddles as this a special bonding and nurturing time for you and your baby.