6 min. read Feeding is such a special and important part of early parenthood that it’s no wonder we want to get it right. It’s a natural process, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy! That’s why you’re not alone if you’re wondering how to get your baby to take a bottle in the best way. Whether you have decided to bottle feed from the beginning, or if you are combining both bottle and breast, here is the essential information you need on how to bottle feed a baby. If you have any remaining questions or concerns regarding your baby’s feedings, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional.
Let’s get back to basics on how to bottle feed a newborn. When it comes to how much and how often you should bottle feed your baby, both depend on your child’s individual weight and growth spurts, as well as his or her age. The best way to know how often you should be bottle feeding your newborn is to feed when he or she is hungry. Learn how to spot those baby hunger cues, here. The length of the feedings may vary depending on each individual baby, but they generally don’t take longer than 20 minutes. Below are some general guidelines to follow for feeding by your baby’s age: 1 If you are considering a combination of both breastfeeding and bottle feeding, check out this article for more information.
When it comes to bottle feeding, there are a few must-have items that you should stock up on: bottles and nipples. Learning how to introduce a bottle begins by choosing the right bottle for your baby so that he or she can feed efficiently and safely. And with so many choices of bottles and nipples, we know this decision can feel overwhelming at times. We recommend that you choose a bottle with an anti-colic valve built into the nipple to help reduce any stomach discomfort. You should also consider a bottle that is easy to hold and that is BPA free. If you are exclusively bottle feeding your newborn, try this anti-colic baby bottle that is clinically proven to reduce fussing and discomfort. It has a flexible teat for easy latch-on, as well as a built-in anti-colic valve to make for quick and simple cleanings after feeding your little one. And if you plan on both breastfeeding and bottle feeding, consider this natural baby bottle designed with unique comfort petals to increase softness and flexibility without nipple collapse. Its ultra-soft nipple and overall design is ideal for combination feeding.
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Designed to reduce colic, gas and reflux*
Our unique AirFree vent is designed to draw air away from the nipple keeping it full of milk, even when the bottle is horizontal. Reducing the amount of air your baby ingests help w/ common feeding issues such as colic, reflux, and gas.
See all benefits The first step in learning how to introduce a bottle to your baby is knowing how to make up the bottle. Before you begin to make the bottle, clean and sterilize your baby’s bottle either with a commercial sterilizer or with a pan and boiling water. Once you have cleaned the bottle and the surface that you will be using, as well as your hands, follow these steps to make up a bottle: 2 1. Boil the water. If you are using a pan, ensure that the water comes to a rolling boil and is not left for more than 30 minutes after boiling. 2. Read the formula packaging instructions. If you are giving your baby formula, refer to the instructions provided on the packaging to know how much water and powder you need. 3. Add the formula and water together. Add the water to the bottle and then the specified amount of formula in the sterilized bottle and mix it thoroughly by gently shaking the bottle. 4. Immediately cool the bottle. Once you have mixed the formula and water, hold the bottle under cold running water to cool it down to feeding temperature. But ensure that the level of the cooling water is below the bottle lid to avoid contaminating the feed. You can then dry the bottle with a towel after you have cooled it. 5. Check the temperature. Drip a little formula onto the inside of your wrist to check the temperature. The liquid should be lukewarm and if it is not, simply run it under some more cold water until it has reached the desired temperature. Now that you know how to make a baby bottle, we will discuss how to get your baby to take a bottle.
Like most parents, you’re probably wondering how to get your baby to take a bottle quickly. Here are a few things you can do to help when getting your baby to take the bottle: 3 In addition to those above tips, consider these three popular positions for bottle feeding a newborn: If you find that you are still having difficulty getting your baby to take the bottle, check out this article on what you can do when a baby refuses a bottle. You can also contact your child’s doctor for any questions or concerns, as well as if you think your baby has reflux symptoms. After all, your doctor knows what’s best for your baby’s unique needs!
Learning how to bottle feed a baby may seem a bit intimidating at first. But with a little advanced preparation and organization, you will discover your own methods to getting your baby to take a bottle sooner than you think. Ensure that both you and your baby are comfortable and equip yourself with a supply of bottles and nipples and you’re all set to bottle feed!
1 Seattle Children’s Hospital - Bottle-Feeding (Formula) Questions 2 WHO - How to Prepare Formula for Bottle-Feeding at Home - PDF 3 kidshealth.org - Formula Feeding FAQs: Getting Started
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