Image credit: iDiva
There might not be a ‘right’ way to bottle feed your baby. However, there are some positions and methods you can do to make it a more comfortable and pleasant experience for baby and you.
Here’s the bottle-feeding do’s and don’s to look out for:
Don’t
Tilt the bottle too high
The bottle should always be parallel to the floor, never tipped up too high. Baby should be propped up into a sitting position or at a 45-degree angle. Avoid feeding baby in a lying down position – especially if it’s a newborn. This will prevent choking and reduces the amount of air baby is sucking in.
Force to finish
Feed smaller amounts and follow baby’s lead when baby pushes the teat out. Don’t try and force it back in. If baby is fussing, it usually means that they are trying to tell you something. Perhaps she’s full, need a burp or flow is too fast. Attempting to force feed her will not solve the problem and may even make the situation worse. Try taking a break and continuing it 15 minutes later or feed in small, frequent feeds.
Swaddle
Avoid swaddle baby during feeds. Baby’s hands should be free so you can check for signs of stress and so baby can participate in the feeding. Swaddling also stimulates a cosy and conducive environment for baby to sleep – it’s frustrating when baby falls asleep halfway through the feeding!
Force the teat into baby’s mouth
Instead, encourage baby to open her mouth by gently stroking her lips with the bottle teat. As they get older, they will willingly open their mouths to accept the teat when they’re hungry.
Do
Use a slow flow teat
Use a teat that is age appropriate for your baby. If you notice that baby fusses when you feed, you might be using a teat that is too big or too small for them. It takes some trial and error to figure out what works best for your baby. Some babies prefer a faster flow – watch their cue!
Bond with baby
Use feeding time as an opportunity to bond and connect with baby. Look at her, smile and talk while feeding. Never leave baby unsupervised with a bottle – especially a newborn!
Mix it up
Alternate sides that you feed baby to mimic breastfeeding. Avoid feeding baby facing away from you. Take this break to burp baby before continuing again.
Apply pressure to chin
Applying gentle pressure under baby’s chin will encourage her to feed. Pressure from the teat on the roof of her mouth may trigger her sucking reflex.
Get the latest articles on all things pregnancy and baby! Subscribe to our mailing list and like us on Facebook!
