The right way to bottle feed

What are the principles for proper bottle feeding?

• Start by putting your phone aside. I know this is easier said than done, but none of our mothers were on their phones while feeding us.
• Sit comfortably, facing your baby. This position allows you to observe your baby’s needs and address them calmly.
• Position the baby with their head elevated and supported so they can easily swallow and breathe. Avoid feeding the baby in a supine position, as this increases the risk of ear infections.read here).
• Hold both the bottle and the baby firmly. Placing the baby down or using a muslin or similar “trick” to prop the bottle puts the baby at risk.
• Start feeding by gently rubbing the bottle nipple on the baby’s lips.
• If the baby seems interested and opens their mouth, gently insert the nipple into their mouth. Once they start sucking, keep the bottle in a horizontal position (parallel to the floor), slightly elevated. This will help prevent milk from pouring into the baby’s mouth, allowing the baby to control the flow by actively sucking.
• Note that the tip of the nipple (closest to the baby’s mouth) should be full of milk.
• Pay attention to signs that the baby needs a pause or break from feeding. If it seems the baby needs one, gently remove the bottle from their mouth or tilt the bottle back to stop the milk flow. Offer the baby the option to continue feeding if they’re interested.
• How long should a feed take? Generally, it should take no less than 10 minutes and no more than 20 minutes. A maximum of 30 minutes is typically recommended. Babies become more efficient as they grow and get stronger.
• There should always be some milk left in the bottle, meaning the baby controlled how much they ate, rather than the feeding ending because the milk ran out. If the baby consistently finishes the entire portion, start preparing a larger portion.
• When the feeding ends, remove the bottle from the baby’s mouth. Do not leave the bottle with milk or any sweetened drink in their mouth, especially while they are sleeping, as this can cause suffocation and tooth decay.
• What about burping? Is it a must? Absolutely not. When mealtime ends, hold the baby upright, with their back against you, and gently pat their back to help them release any trapped air. Often, parents place their baby over their shoulder after a meal, which, in my opinion, may sometimes cause the baby to vomit.