Bottle-feeding Your Baby
Secrets to proper bottle-feeding.
We're Here for you
The decision to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby is up to you. Whichever method you choose, the staff is here to help you begin. We will work with you to build your confidence and knowledge of your baby’s nutritional needs. If at any time your baby is having trouble feeding, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for help. Remember to wash your hands before each feeding and to take time to get comfortable, relax and enjoy this special time with your baby.
Bottle-Feeding in the Hospital
Your baby will receive a first feeding two to four hours after birth. Then, you will receive formula to feed your baby about every three to four hours. Feel free to ask the staff for more formula as needed. We provide ready-to-use formula at room temperature. Here is how to use it:
- Shake the bottle for about five seconds.
- Remove the cap. (You should hear a click as the center of the cap pops up. Do not use if the center is already up or if you don’t hear the click.)
- Put on the sterilized nipple and ring.
- Feed your baby in a comfortable position with the baby’s head slightly higher than the tummy. Tilt the bottle so that formula always fills the nipple.
- Give your baby a chance to burp after every half ounce.
- Discard any remaining formula that isn’t used within one hour. (Formula becomes contaminated from the bacteria in your baby’s mouth.) Make sure your nurse knows how much your baby ate before discarding any bottles.
Bottle-Feeding at Home
Sterilizing water/equipment — Discuss sterilization with your baby’s health care provider. Some say you should sterilize until a certain age, others say it is not necessary unless you use well water.
Preparing formula — Formula preparation depends on whether you choose powdered, concentrated or ready-to-use formula. Be sure to read all the directions on the can before using.
Sucking — Babies need approximately 100 minutes of sucking per day. If your baby is a quick eater, more sucking may be needed. It is OK to use a pacifier.
Weight gain — It is normal for babies to lose some weight after birth. Bottle-fed babies usually regain their birth weight by 10 days of age.
Bottle-Feeding Dos
-
Do hold, cuddle and talk to your baby during feedings.
-
Do place your baby on his/her side or back after feedings. Babies should never be placed on their bellies to sleep. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is more frequent in babies who sleep on their stomachs.
-
Do check expiration dates on formula.
-
Do mix correctly, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
-
Do store prepared formula in the refrigerator and use within 48 hours.
-
Do use opened cans of formula powder within one month.
Bottle-Feeding Don’ts
-
Don’t use whole milk for the first 12 months. (It is not nutritionally balanced for a newborn and it may cause allergies.)
-
Don’t prop bottles in your baby’s mouth.
-
Don’t feed your baby lying flat on his/her back.
- Don’t feed your baby hot formula. If he or she prefers warmed formula, use an electric bottle warmer –OR– hold the bottle under warm running tap water –OR– place the bottle in a pan of hot, not boiling, water for a few minutes. Do not use a microwave oven.
Burping - To remove bubbles from the tummy, burp your baby after each half ounce of formula. Place the baby against your chest and shoulder or sit the baby on your lap; either way, you need to support the baby’s head with your hand. Using your other hand, gently rub or pat your baby’s back. (See illustration at right.) Continue feeding after you hear a burp. Sometimes a little milk will come out with a burp, so you may want to keep a cloth handy. Give your baby a final burp at the end of the feeding.
Spitting-Up- Spitting-up is very common in babies,especially after feedings or with burping. The amount is usually small. Unusual vomiting may be a symptom of other problems.
For more information, call 610-402-CARE.
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
