Tips For Properly Feeding Your Baby With Bottle

Deciding whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is one of the most important decisions parents have to make. Often, however, it may happen that the mother has no choice due to problems with starting or the amount of breast milk she is able to produce. This is exactly where formula comes to the rescue. What are the rules when feeding a baby with a bottle, which common mistakes to watch out for and what are the amounts of milk to give your baby according to its age? The answers to all these questions and more come in this article from #MommyVeronika.

The right preparation

If you have decided to feed your baby with a bottle (for whatever reason) it is good to have the following things in place:
– between 4 and 6 bottles and pacifiers for them (according to the age of the child)
– brush for washing the bottles
– sterilizer (at least for the first 4-6 weeks of the newborn’s life)
– bottle warmer or thermos at night
– and of course, formula suitable for the baby’s age

Feeding with a bottle is no less a responsible task than breastfeeding. Before the actual eating begins, you should make sure that all of the things listed below have been checked:
– The temperature of the milk is good. You can check if this is the case by putting a few drops on the inside of your hand. Keep in mind that babies and especially newborns are more sensitive than us. If the milk feels warm to you, it can be scalding to the child.
– The baby’s diaper is fresh and clean. After all, no one would enjoy eating while feeling discomfort and irritation on the butt.
– And, of course, take your time to find the most comfortable position. For both – you and your baby. Don’t worry! With time you will get used to it and you will both have 1-2 positions that you prefer and find most comfortable so it won’t always take a lot of time adjusting.

Choosing the most suitable bottles and teats

Glass is a durable substance, so the glass bottle is easier to wash and sterilize, and lasts longer. But on the other hand, it is heavier and there is always a danger of breaking. In recent decades, plastic bottles have almost replaced glass bottles as they are practical, lightweight and unbreakable. But compared to glass, plastic is susceptible to bacteria, so experts warn that such bottles must be very well maintained. 

There are two types of teats: rubber and silicone. The rubber ones are made of natural rubber, very soft, elastic and resistant to bites. Therefore, they are suitable for slightly older children who are already teething and can bite. But since they are made of natural materials, microorganisms are more easily attached to them, and frequent sterilization reduces their quality. Silicone teats are harder, less elastic, and the child who already has teeth can pierce them. For this reason, silicone pacifiers are more suitable for babies up to 6 months or before the appearance of teeth. They withstand high temperatures and can be sterilized in boiling water or in a microwave oven.

Bottle hygiene

Wash the bottle after each use and sterilize the bottle before each feeding. For each type of bottle, carefully read the instructions for sterilization, because it depends on how successful the maintenance will be and how long the bottle can be used. After the 2-3rd month, it is enough to wash the bottle with plain water and dishwashing detergent. Carefully wash all parts of the bottle that have been used, not just those in contact with the milk, because bacteria multiply very quickly in milk. Never ever reheat raw milk! Always discard the rest of the milk, wash the bottle and then prepare new, fresh milk.

How to prepare milk for infants and can we do it in advance?

Follow the instructions on the package. When preparing it, it is important that the water is 40°C. This way, the milk will dissolve the fastest, and at the same time, the useful substances (vitamins and probiotics) will be preserved. Some milks require the addition of water at a higher temperature, so it is important to read the instructions carefully. When you give the milk to the baby, it should be cooled to 37°C. It is best to always prepare the milk right before the individual feeding. This is the only way you can be completely sure that the milk’s quality is flawless. For easier feeding at night, you can boil water in advance and store it in a thermos.

Right amounts of milk according to the age/weight of the baby:

When feeding your baby with formula, you should stick to the recommended doses. Of course, they can vary according to the size and weight of your child, but most often the scheme looks something like this:
0-4 weeks – according to the newborn’s request
1 month – 6-7 times 90-110 ml
2 months – 5-6 times 110-130 ml
3 months – 5-6 times 130 ml each
4 months – 5-6 times 150 ml
5 and 6 months – 3-4 times 180 ml (also depends on the daily intake of solid foods)
7 to 9 months – 3-4 times 180-200 ml (also depends on the daily intake of solid foods)
10 to 12 months – 2-3 times 180-220 ml (also depends on the daily intake of solid foods)

Food return

This phrase is used when the food (milk) from the stomach slowly comes out through the mouth, usually in smaller amounts. Regurgitation is a phenomenon characteristic of babies in the first weeks and months of their life. To reduce the food return, after a feed, slowly raise the baby to an upright position and hold it there for about 20 minutes, regardless of whether they burped or not. It is more important that the stomach is not too full, otherwise regurgitation is inevitable.

Should infant formula be changed?

Always read and pay attention to what age the label says the milk is for. Of course, change the milk according to the age of your child. Also, be aware that babies are different, so not everyone is suited to the same type of infant formula. If you notice that the baby does not tolerate the milk, change it. Sometimes babies may experience fussiness, vomiting, dry skin with redness, become irritable and restless. These may all be symptoms of an allergy and are a sign that you should best talk to your pediatrician about. He/she will most likely recommend a special infant formula for your baby.

Common bottle feeding mistakes to watch out for:

1. Widening the hole in the teat. Sometimes mothers think that bottle feeding is too slow, and the baby is tired of it, and they want to help him suckle by enlarging the teat hole. Remember that a hole that is too big can cause the baby to choke or swallow a lot of air, leading to painful colic. These two reasons make the widening of the dummy’s hole a big no no.
2. Using a damaged teat. Don’t skimp on dummies! You should replace them when the baby grows or if they are worn, damaged or bitten. A baby can choke on a torn piece of the teat. Dirt and bacteria accumulate in the cracks that are invisible to the naked eye. For safety and security reasons, best change the dummy every 3 months.
3. The formula milk should be appropriately chosen for your baby’s age. The milk label contains accurate information about its purpose, as babies of different ages have different needs. Formulated milk is tailored to the baby’s age, so you can trust the manufacturer.



4. Strictly follow the instructions on the package when preparing the formula. Don’t make it too thick or too thin. Too large doses of protein can be a burden on the baby’s digestive tract and/or kidneys. Thin milk can lead to a shortage of components necessary for the baby’s growth.
5. Do not use tap water to prepare formula. Use bottled low-mineral water that is fresh and has not been kept in the sun (the bottle must be opened the same day).
6. Preparing formula for later feeding too early. Milk should be prepared right before eating, otherwise it loses its nutritional value. If you plan to go out with the baby, take the required dose of milk powder and water in a thermos to mix them at the right time.
7. Improperly washed accessories. A dirty bottle and teat can cause very unpleasant stomach ailments as well as thrush sores. Dried saliva and the remains of old milk are a good environment for bacteria to grow. Feeding accessories should always be well washed and sterilized.
8. Licking the bottle’s dummy to check the temperature of the milk. Never ever do this! There are bacteria and other microorganisms in the mouths of adults that can be dangerous for a baby. We can carry diseases and not get sick, but the consequences for a small baby are unknown. To check the temperature of the milk, it is best to drip a few drops of it on the inside of your arm or wrist.