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Best Bottle Feeding Tips! Being a parent is a fantastic journey with plenty of happiness, love, and—of course—learning involved. Bottle feeding is one of the things new parents sometimes worry about. Although it may appear straightforward at first, some techniques will help you and your child have a much simpler experience.
Here is some of the best advice for bottle-feeding your child, whether you are using formula or pumping breast milk. Best Bottle Feeding Tips!
Not every bottle is produced equally. Babies have diverse tastes; thus, the correct bottle and nipple/teat will make all the difference. While some newborns prefer a varied flow rate, others may prefer a specific nipple shape.
Start with a few different kinds and observe which one your baby enjoys most. Ensure the nipple/teat flow fits your baby’s age; a newborn needs a modest flow, while older babies may want a faster one.
Bottle feeding calls for comfort above all else. Hold your infant semi-upright nearby. This facilitates your baby’s swallowing and helps reduce the risk of choking. Ensure your infant’s head rises over their stomach to help stop milk from running too fast and minimise spit-up.
Finding a position that fits you is also crucial. You can try lying your baby across your lap or hanging them in the bend of your arm. You can choose the best position for both of you, as long as it’s comfortable for your child.
Every baby is unique; therefore, you should allow your child to choose when they are ready to feed and when they have eaten enough. If your infant isn’t interested, don’t force them to finish the entire bottle. Start feeding them when they show hunger signals, such as sucking on their hands or producing smacking sounds.
If your baby starts to look away or push the bottle out, it might be a sign that your baby is full. By noticing these signals, you can avoid overfeeding and keep your infant happy and healthy. Learning your baby’s signs/cues improves the parent-child relationship and has long-term benefits.
Gassiness can make bottle feeding unpleasant for your baby. To help prevent gas, try burping your infant midway through the feeding and again at the end. Either sitting on your lap or on your shoulder, gently pat or rub your baby’s back. This will help any air bubbles consumed during feeding escape.
Should your infant be very gassy, you could try various postures, such as holding it straight or lying it across your lap on its tummy. Maintaining your baby’s calm during meals also helps reduce the amount of air they swallow.
Babies like milk at a temperature that is not too hot or too cold—ideally, approximately body temperature. Use a bottle warmer or set a bowl of warm water to warm a bottle. Drizzling a small milk drop on your wrist will always help you assess the temperature; it should feel warm but not hot.
Steer clear of heating bottles in a microwave. This can produce hot areas in the milk that might burn your child’s tongue. For the best effects, keep warm slowly and evenly.
Feeding your child is a beautiful opportunity to bond as much as it is about providing food. As you feed your infant, be sure to hum or speak in a gentle voice. Another crucial means of connection during mealtime is eye contact. Thanks to this relationship, your infant feels comfortable, safe, and cherished.
Try to keep distractions to a minimum throughout meals. Turn off the TV, stow your phone, and concentrate on sharing this unique time with your child.
Holding the bottle at an angle that keeps the nipple/teat milk-filled helps to prevent your baby from ingesting air. Just tilt the bottle enough so that milk fills the nipple/teat. This lessens the likelihood of gas, spit-up, and fidgety behaviour following a meal.
Change the bottle’s position if you notice your infant sucking air to keep it full. Ensure the milk flow is neither fast nor slow; an inconsistent flow can make feeding unpleasant.
Developing a feeding schedule can be really beneficial for your child and for you. It can simplify your daily planning and help your infant understand what to expect. Babies usually feed on demand in the first several weeks, but eventually, they settle into a more consistent pattern. In the first few weeks, parents spend too much time feeding, which is normal.
Most babies should be fed every 2 to 3 hours, but they may need fewer feedings as they age. If your child deviates from this rigorous regimen, relax; every baby is different. A regular schedule will calm both of you down.
Maintaining your baby’s health depends on keeping bottles and nipples clean. Clean bottles, nipples, and any other feeding tool in warm, soapy water following every meal. When your baby is under 12 months, it’s a good idea to sterilise everything by boiling it for a few minutes or using a steam steriliser.
Avoid leaving bottles out for extended periods, especially if they contain milk. Refrigerate or throw away any leftover milk.
It’s normal to face some challenges with bottle feeding, but there are a few signs you may need to adjust your approach. If your baby is very gassy, spitting up a lot, or having trouble latching onto the nipple/teat, it could be a sign that the bottle or nipple you’re using isn’t the best fit. Try different bottles and nipples to see if it helps.
If your baby seems uncomfortable or refuses to feed, check with a maternal-child health nurse or a doctor for guidance.
Determining your baby’s milk needs might feel overwhelming. Every infant is unique; hence, some may need more or less.
The Genie Formula Calculator is a valuable parenting tool for determining if your infant is getting sufficient. This removes the guesswork and increases your confidence in your feeding schedule.
Most new moms and dads find the Genie Formula Calculator helpful and a lifesaver.
Though it’s natural for a new parent to doubt themselves, remember that you know your infant best. Use your senses; if you need assistance, don’t hesitate to seek it. Every baby is unique; what helps one may not help another. Spend some time finding out what your baby enjoys; soon, you will be more assured.
Parenting Genie provides Genie Chat that is accessible 24/7 if you have queries or feel uncertain about anything. You may also consult a Parent Live Expert 24/7 for customised advice anytime you need it. You are not alone; help is always available to guide you as you navigate your parenting path. You can ask questions about pregnancy, baby sleep, tantrums, etc.
Knowing how to make bottle-feeding comfortable for you and your child will make the experience more remarkable. Remember, it’s all about discovering what works for you and your baby. Bonding with your child at these times will help you create lifetime memories.
Genie Chat and Parent Live Expert are available 24/7 for parenting questions. The Genie Formula Calculator is a must-have tool for every new parent for peace of mind.
The Raising Children website has additional tips for new parents on bottle feeding.
