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 no mother of ours was on the phone while feeding us.
• Sit comfortably, facing your baby. This allows you to see the 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 (this increases the risk of ear infections, read here).
• Hold both the bottle and the baby firmly. Placing the baby or using a muslin or similar “tricks” to lean the bottle on 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.
• Alternate sides during feedings. Rotate the baby from your right arm to your left to avoid preference for one side.
• Pay attention to signs that the baby needs to take 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 so the milk flow stops. Offer the baby the option to continue feeding if they’re interested.
•How long should a feed take? Usually, it should take no less than 10 minutes and no more than 20 minutes. A maximum time 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 eat, rather than the feeding ending because the milk ran out. If the baby consistently finishes the entire portion, start preparing a bigger 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 (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 so they may exhale a little air. Often, parents place their baby over their shoulder after a meal, which in my opinion may sometimes cause the baby to throw up.