Bottle-Feeding Basics – 5 Tips for New Parents to Master Bottle Feeding
Photo: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash
You don’t need a degree to bottle feed your newborn baby, but the task can be a bit challenging, especially if your little one isn’t as cooperative as you’d like. Every baby is different, with some taking to the bottle like pros and others needing a bit of encouragement.
If your new baby doesn’t seem enthused about the bottle, don’t get discouraged. It’s not anything you’re doing wrong, and it’s unlikely that you have anything to worry about. It just means you’ll need to find a combination of feeding position, formula, bottle type, and nipple flow that suits your child’s preferences best. With that said, here are a few tips that are sure to help you master the art of bottle feeding a newborn.
1. Choose the Best Formula
The type of newborn baby formula you use will depend on your budget, your baby’s preference, and the convenience factor. Formula comes in three types: ready-to-feed, powdered, and concentrated. The most convenient but most expensive is the ready-to-feed formulation.
The powdered and concentrated versions will need to be mixed with water to create a drinkable liquid. These types of baby formula are less expensive than the ready-to-feed kind. Many parents keep some of each on hand to make feeding baby easier in the middle of the night or while traveling.
2. Choose a Feeding Position that’s Comfortable for Baby and You
Feeding time can be a lovely bonding experience for you and your baby. To get the most out of this time, you need to choose a feeding position that’s comfortable for both of you. Use pillows for support if you love a position but you’re not quite comfortable.
Some popular feeding positions include cradling your baby in your arms, sitting baby upright on your lap against your chest/abdomen (this is especially helpful if your baby has reflux), propping baby on your legs (great for making eye contact while feeding), and using a C-shaped nursing pillow.
3. Choose the Ideal Bottle Type
If you’ve already browsed the baby section at the store, you know the bottle selection is virtually endless. There are bottles for colicky babies, gassy babies, and babies who prefer the breast. It’s all a tad overwhelming for many new parents.
The key to choosing a bottle type is to let your baby decide. Your little one might take to any old bottle, or they may be picky. Either way, they will let you know which type they prefer. Keep in mind, though, bottles with fewer parts are much easier to run through the bottle sterilizer after 2 a.m. feedings!
4. How to Select Nipple Flow
Your little one will likely need to get used to the bottle, so it’s a good idea to start with a low-flow nipple. If your baby shows signs of wanting to consume more, you can switch to faster flow nipples.
As you feed your baby, listen for gulping or sounds that indicate they may be having trouble swallowing fast enough. These could indicate that the nipple flow is too fast.
5. Burping 101
Most new babies need a little help burping during and after eating. You can accomplish this by placing your little one on your shoulder and gently patting their back. Alternatively, you can place babies on their tummy across your thighs and pat their back to encourage burping. Be sure to burp your bub a few times throughout the feed and right after to help release tummy gas that could cause discomfort.
Bottle feeding isn’t rocket science, but it can be challenging with some babies. The tips above will help you master this important task.
