How to Bottle Feed your Baby
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- Location, location, location.
- Hold the bottle firmly, and tip it horizontally so that your baby isn’t drowned in milk.
- As your baby drinks, gradually tilt the bottle so teat is always full of milk, not air.
- If you can’t see any bubbles or the teat collapses, move it gently around your baby’s mouth to let air back into the bottle.
- Check your baby’s position as she feeds and ensure that your baby is not tilted sideways or with his/head leaning backwards.
- If your baby seems to be full after 10 minutes, he/she may need winding.
How to bottle feed your baby
Knowing how to bottle feed your baby properly will ensure a content, happy and enjoyable father-baby bonding experience, with much less of a chance of sick-up.
Steps
1- Location, location, location. Find somewhere comfortable to sit with your baby. Position your baby on your lap so that they’re reasonably upright and support their head. Make eye contact with your baby and enjoy the opportunity to bond.
2- Hold the bottle firmly, and tip it horizontally so that your baby isn’t drowned in milk. Lightly connect the teat against your baby’s lips or gently stroke the teat on their cheek to encourage them to turn towards it. When your baby opens its mouth wide with its tongue down, help your baby draw the teat into its mouth.
3- As your baby drinks, gradually tilt the bottle so teat is always full of milk, not air. Your baby may feed in short bursts of sucking then rest in between. These breaks in feeding give your baby time to feel if he/she is full or not.
4- If you can’t see any bubbles or the teat collapses, move it gently around your baby’s mouth to let air back into the bottle. If your baby won’t let go, carefully slide a clean finger between your baby’s gums and alongside the teat to break the suction.
5- Check your baby’s position as she feeds and ensure that your baby is not tilted sideways or with his/head leaning backwards. Gently adjust your baby’s position if it becomes uncomfortable for them to feed.
6- If your baby seems to be full after 10 minutes, he/she may need winding. See “how to wind your baby”
Tips
If your baby regularly brings up large amounts of milk after feeds, talk to your health visitor or doctor.
Leaving your baby lying flat or alone propped up with a bottle may result in choking.
Don’t let your baby fall asleep with a bottle in its mouth as this can lead to tooth decay.
Bottle feeds and the cuddles afterwards are a special time for you to bond. Try to keep the number of people who feed your baby to a minimum as this will give your baby a chance to build a relationship with those closest.
Keep the environment relaxed. As your baby grows she will associate feeding and mealtimes as a calm and enjoyable part of her daily routine.
