Whether you start bottle feeding your baby right from the start or you introduce a bottle at some point during the first months of your little one\u2019s life- here are some tips on how to create a bond with your baby while bottle feeding.<\/p>\n
Bottle Feeding Do\u2019s:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Make sure that you have a lot of body (or skin) contact with your baby. Hold your baby as if you were breastfeeding her and change sides as well mid-feeding, or hold her with your left arm one feeding at the next feeding, hold her with your right arm.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Hold her head at about the same height as your heart. That way you have the optimal distance that your baby needs to see your face well.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Get to know your baby and learn to know when he is hungry. If you have a baby specialist or nanny who spends a lot of time with your baby make sure you keep your little one with you at least a few hours a day so that you too, learn to differentiate the cries.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Keep a warm and quiet environment during feeds. Switch off the TV and focus your attention on your baby.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Use a round nipple with a wide base.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Use a glass or BPA-free bottle.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Make sure the milk is at least room temperature. If you take out milk from the fridge, warm it in a warm water bath (never the microwave as it destroys the ingredients of breastmilk) and swirl it before use- but don\u2019t shake it! Test the temperature on your wrist.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 When you start a feed, stroke your baby\u2019s lips with the nipple lightly and wait until she opens her mouth.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Make sure only 1 drop comes out of the nipple when you hold the bottle upside down. That way you ensure that it has a good flow and your baby still sucks on the nipple which is important for his development.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Pace the feeding so that the feed takes about 20 minutes with a burp in the middle.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Wash your bottles and nipples with soapy water after each use and sterilize once a day.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 If you are using formula the amount of what your baby needs may vary. Speak with your lactation consultant if you are unsure whether you are feeding too much or not enough.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Don\u2019t change formula brands without consulting your pediatrician or lactation consultant. Every change in milk puts stress on a baby\u2019s gut so it is important to choose wisely which formula you\u2019d switch and stick to.<\/p>\n
Bottle feeding Dont\u2019s:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Don\u2019t use a bouncer or other infant seat to feed her a bottle.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Don\u2019t put the bottle in his mouth and put a towel roll under his chin to keep the bottle in place. Always feed baby in your arms. That way you can react quickly when he starts coughing.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Don\u2019t push the bottle in your baby\u2019s mouth. If he resists, wait until he is ready.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Don\u2019t give up after 1-2 tries. Come back to bottle feeding later in the day, or after baby is better rested, etc. Remember it takes time to adjust to something new.<\/p>\n
Can you think of any other Bottle feeding Do\u2019s or Dont\u2019s that you\u2019ve learned along the way as a parent? I\u2019d love to hear them.<\/p>\n