Feeding your baby and watching them grow is an inexpressible feeling for mothers. Breastfeeding the baby sure has its own set of benefits for both, the mother and the baby. It also gives the perfect time to the mother for bonding with their tiny munchkin.
If for any reason, the mother has decided to switch from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding, then she is sure to get apprehensive about this transition.
The majority of the mothers are worried about how their babies will react and will they be okay with bottle-feeding or not. But…don’t worry.
Keeping in view your concerns and queries about bottle-feeding, we have tailored a list of 13 bottle-feeding tips for breastfeeding moms.
So mommies, keep reading to wipe away all your concerns and worries about bottle-feeding.
13 Essential Bottle-Feeding Tips For Breastfeeding Moms
1. Pick The Right Bottle
One of the most important tips for breastfeeding moms is to select the right feeding bottle for their babies.
Choose a bottle that has an upward tilt and proper venting that prevents air bubbles. Bottles with a wide nipple base are an excellent choice if you have just started bottle-feeding to your child. Wide nipples make the transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding a lot easier.
Do not forget about cleaning the bottle. Purchase bottles that are easier to clean. Also, refrain from the urge to buy loads of bottles for your baby. If your baby refuses to take those bottles then all the money spent on the bottles will be wasted.
Just buy a few pieces and observe which one your little one is comfortable using.
2. Cleaning And Sterilizing Bottles
Unlike adults, babies do not have strong immunity. Therefore, hygiene and cleanliness should never be compromised for them.
Before preparing the formula, always wash your hands properly to let go of the harmful germs and bacteria. Also, ensure that the bottle is squeaky clean and doesn’t have stuck milk on the rim or the base. If the bottles are not cleaned properly, they will become a breeding ground for unwanted guests like bacteria and they will enter straight into your baby’s tummy.
These germs can trigger severe dehydration that can lead to diarrhea. Dehydration can erode the electrolytes in the baby’s systems which might be dangerous for your baby.
Make it a routine to maintain proper cleanliness when it comes to the baby’s bottle. Oh, and don’t forget to sterilize the bottles to remove all the germs.
3. Hold The Baby And Bottle Properly
To make the bottle-feeding easier for your little one, make sure that you keep him in a position in which he can easily suck the formula.
Do not make him lie down as it poses the risk of an ear infection if the milk flows to his ears. Instead, hold him in your arms or keep him in your lap, and raise your arm or lap a little to make an angle of 45-degree. Your baby will be almost in an upright position.
Next, hold the bottle in a horizontal position so that your baby can take the milk easily. When the baby starts drinking and a little amount of milk is left, then tilt it upwards. This will prevent the baby from gulping air that will later turn into painful gas inside his tummy.
4. Heating The Bottle
Ideally, the formula should be at room temperature, neither too cold nor too hot. The quickest way taken by the majority of mothers is to microwave the bottle.
If you are thinking of doing the same, then stop. Heating the bottle in a microwave can develop hot spots that can scald the delicate lips and mouth of your baby. Moreover, essential nutrients and minerals present in the formula will be lost.
Get a bottle warmer to heat the bottles properly and evenly. If not, then you always immerse the bottle in boiling water to warm it.
Don’t forget to check the bottle before giving it to the baby. Squirt the milk on your wrist to check its temperature.
5. Check The Ingredients Of The Formula
There are myriad formulas available in the market. Not every formula is suitable for your little one. Before purchasing the formula, it is best to consult with your pediatrician.
If you observe that your baby is developing any allergies or is getting irritated, then discontinue the use of that formula milk. Sometimes, when the formula is not suited to the baby, his tummy might get upset and impede digestion of formula. If it’s that the case you can always check hypoallergenic formulas which will provide all the essential nutrients for babies prone to allergies.
If the signs of allergies or discomfort persist then talk to your pediatrician and discuss the issue with him.
6. Check The Expiry Date Of Formula
It is a common mistake by parents to overlook checking the expiry date of the formula milk. Make it a must to check the expiry dates whenever you purchase the formula. Even if you are ordering it online, do check the expiry dates before you open the tin.
Expired formula not only tastes bad but can also upset your baby’s tummy and make him sick.
Apart from checking the expiry dates, also ensure that the tin is properly sealed and there are no cracks or dents on the tin. If the tin is not properly sealed or there are cracks on it, then do not buy it. Unsealed tins or cracks easily allow the bacteria to contaminate the formula.
7. Use Slow Feeding Nipples
If you are both bottle-feeding and breastfeeding your baby, then use a slow-feeding nipple for the bottles.
A baby can drink milk much faster from the bottle without putting much effort, as compared to breastfeeding. Because of this reason, he will refuse to breastfeed and will only accept the bottle.
To avoid this from happening, use slow-feeding nipples as it allows your baby to consume the milk at a slower speed than the regular nipples. Moreover, drinking slowly will avoid the formation of gas in your baby’s tummy.
8. Use Distilled Or Boiled Water
You might have to spend a few extra minutes in the kitchen to boil the water but it will ensure that your baby’s tummy doesn’t get upset.
Do not use plain tap water for preparing the formula. Tap water has a myriad of bacteria and other viruses that might enter your baby’s body and weaken his immune system.
Therefore, try your best to boil the water or use the store-bought distilled water to prepare the bottles.
9. Don’t Add Too Much Water
Formula milk is quite expensive and your baby will need them in sufficient quantities to satiate his hunger.
Many mothers make the formula watery to make it last longer. But, adding too much water can dilute the nutrients and other vitamins that are needed by your baby’s body. The watery formula will only make your baby full without giving him any nutritional benefits.
Use the proper ratio of formula and milk to let your baby absorb all the necessary nutrients, imperative for his physical and mental growth.
10. Burp The Baby
When your little one suckles, he swallows a lot of air along with the milk. The air gets trapped in his tummy which causes discomfort and pain. It also makes him feel full.
Once your baby has finished his bottle or when he is full, place him on your shoulder and gently pat his back. The trapped air inside his belly will escape through his mouth and the digestion would become easier for him.
11. Don’t Force The Baby
Don’t resort to feeding every time your baby cries. Before handing him the bottle, check his temperature, diaper, and other cues that might be making him cry.
Feeding every time he cries makes him dependent on food to comfort himself. This can lead to an unhealthy relationship with the food from a very early age. Feed your baby when he is really hungry.
12. Don’t Give The Bottle To A Sleeping Baby
Giving the bottle while the baby is sleepy will not only be messy but also poses a risk to your baby’s oral health.
If the baby sleeps while suckling the bottle, the milk can stick to his gums and tongue which can lead to infection and cavities. Moreover, if your baby cannot remove the bottle by himself, then it also poses a choking hazard.
13. Stay Near Your Baby
Never leave your baby alone with the bottle. At least until he knows how to hold the bottle and remove it when he gets full.
If you cannot stay close by, then ask your spouse or other family members to monitor your baby when he is bottle-feeding.
Leaving your baby alone with the bottle will not only make things messy but dangerous too.
Winding Up
The transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding might be a little disturbing for you and your baby, but don’t give up.
Take help from the tips shared above to bottle feed your baby effectively without compromising on his health.
What other tips do you think help breastfeeding moms to introduce bottle-feeding? Share it in the comments below.
Author Bio:
Natali Is a Co-Founder at Little Baby Paws. Little Baby Paws is an online store with one main goal for all parents, and that is to be a one-stop-shop for easy to use baby and toddler essentials.