How to Bottle-Feed Your Baby

Parents can use formula or breast milk to bottle-feed a newborn. Parents usually opt to bottle-feed when the baby is around six months old.

Bottle-feeding a newborn

Bottle feeding is a safe alternative to breastfeeding and can help when the mother can't breastfeed the child or when the child is over six months of age.

When should one introduce a bottle to a baby?

Breastfeeding moms should wait until their baby is at least a month old before introducing the bottle. This helps the baby get used to breastfeeding and also stimulates milk production. Parents who want to bottle-feed exclusively can give it to their newborn after birth.

Also read: The best way to bottle-feed your baby

Bottle feeding experience can be different for each baby. Some babies start feeding right away, while others need encouragement. To make things easier, parents can follow these simple steps:

1. Getting the bottle ready

When using formula milk, prepare the milk using the correct ratio of water and formula. Warm the bottle by placing it in hot water. Freshly expressed milk can be given immediately to the baby. But if the breast milk is taken out of the fridge, it needs to be warmed up.

2. Testing the bottle

Parents should check the milk's temperature before giving the bottle to the baby. If the milk feels lukewarm on the wrist, it is good to give it to the baby. But if it's hot, it must be cooled down first.

3. Getting into a comfortable bottle-feeding position

A parent should get into a comfortable position before starting bottle feeding. Also, they should keep the bottle tilted so that the milk flows slowly without choking the baby.

4. Doing a nipple check

If the baby feels uncomfortable during the feed, the parents should check the nipple. The milk flow might be too much or too little for the baby's comfort. They should replace the nipple and check on the baby to ensure a smooth feeding session.

You may also like: Which Feeding Bottle Is Best for Babies: A Guide for New Parents

Issues and solutions relating to bottle-feeding

• The baby is refusing the bottle: The parents must try a new bottle or nipple and encourage the baby to start feeding.

• The baby falls asleep without finishing the bottle: The parents should gently wake the baby to get them to finish the feed. They should adjust the baby's schedule for better feeding.

• The baby cries while feeding: Sometimes babies cry if they have a gassy stomach or need to be burped.

• The baby has a cold and doesn't feed: Babies with a stuffy nose can't feed as they breathe with their mouths. The parents should deal with the cold first and then try feeding.

Signs that a baby is hungry

Parents can know that their child is hungry if the baby:

• Cries after a feed.

• Sucks hands and makes smacking sounds.

• Opens the mouth and drools.

• Search for a bottle or breast with their mouth.

What volume of milk should a newborn drink?

There is no exact measurement of milk a newborn should drink daily. It all depends on the baby's appetite. Parents should ensure that their baby is fed once every three to four hours for proper growth.

What kind of bottle should parents give to their babies?

Parents can use any bottle and nipple that the baby is comfortable with. They can check with other new parents and paediatricians for recommendations.

• Developing a closer relationship with the child during bottle feeding
• Bottle feeding allows the baby to bond with family members who feed them.
• Switching from breast milk to bottle
• Weaning is difficult for the baby and the mom, so parents shouldn't rush. Instead, gently wean the baby and start bottle feeding.
• When the baby refuses the bottle
• Babies usually refuse the bottle when they are not hungry. Some babies need a bath before feeding, while others need their bottle nipples changed.
• The use of a feeding cup

Parents can try using feeding cups for babies older than six months. This will help a baby shift from bottle feeding to a cup by the time they are a year old.

Also read: Most Common Bottle Feeding Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Risks and difficulties with bottle-feeding in bed

Bottle-feeding newborns in bed gets them habituated to it, and they will not sleep without a bottle. It is also a choking hazard and can cause tooth decay or ear infections.

Tips for bottle feeding

The parents should:

• Prepare the bottle in advance before the baby starts crying.

• Breastfeeding moms should get their partners to bottle-feed the baby.

• Offer milk in small quantities and add more if the baby seems hungry.

Things to keep in mind

• Parents should not force-feed the baby.

• Parents should hold the baby during bottle feeding and keep it tilted.

• They should not put the baby to bed with a bottle as it can be hazardous.

• A baby's appetite keeps changing.

• They should not add baby food to the bottle. One can only use formula, and breastmilk can be used.

This might also interest you: Feeding Bottles 101: Guide to Proper Cleaning, Sterilizing & Storage

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