Bottle feeding correctly
There’s a technique to bottlefeeding too, so follow our step-by-step guide to get it right…
1. Get comfortable
This means both of you, so make sure your baby has a clean diaper on and choose a comfortable place to sit, preferably with your back supported by cushions. Have a cloth to hand, to catch any spit up.
2. Get your baby into a good position
If you’re bottlefeeding your baby’s position isn’t as crucial as it is for breastfeeding, but you’ll still want him to be comfortable and content while he feeds. Hold him so his head is in the crook of your elbow and he’s in a slightly raised position. Stroke his cheek with the bottle nipple and gently slip it in his mouth when he opens up.
3. Avoid air bubbles
Hold the bottle at an angle so that the nipple is constantly full of milk – you’ll have to adjust the angle as the milk is drunk. This helps prevent your baby sucking in air, which can increase wind.
4. Wind him
At the end of the feed, or possibly earlier if he seems uncomfortable, you should wind your baby thoroughly so he can fall asleep without being in any discomfort.
5. Experiment with bottles and nipples
If your bottlefed baby is regularly suffering from wind, you may want to experiment with using slower-flowing nipples on his bottle, or different shapes and styles of feeding bottle. Make sure that you feed your baby in an upright or near-upright position, as this will help any air bubbles to come up naturally. Keep in mind that as he grows bigger and stronger he’ll need a faster-flow nipple or he’ll likely get frustrated during his feeds.
6. Feed safely
Never prop your baby’s bottle up so she can feed by herself – she could choke.
If you have any questions about bottlefeeding, you can talk with other moms in the feeding and food area of our chat forum, or you could ask a question in our answers section. Don't forget, you can upload your favorite photo of your baby into one of our galleries, such as I love my baby or even monsters!
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 18/06/2007
Related Chat 4
Yep tried breast feeding but she wouldn't take any as I wasn't lactating well. So bottle fed all the way through now. Your very welcome and thankyou :)
Thank you very much, thats what I thought. Did you bottle feed? Your little JEssica is beautiful, congratulations. x
they have ready made formula there it in glass bottles and they supply you with the teats. Just ask them and state which one you'd like your baby on. But this is only while you stay in hospital you will need to have your own bottles and formula at home ready!
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