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Bottle Feeding

Breastfeeding | Bottle Feeding | Lactation Consultants | Milk Banking

If you cannot breastfeed, bottle feeding is an appropriate alternative.  Although formula is not the same as breast milk, it is meant to mimic breast milk as much as possible. It includes the proper amount of carbohydrates, protein and fat, however it does not contain the antibodies the baby would get from breast milk. 

If you are feeding your baby formula the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mothers use a commercially prepared formula.  Commercial formulas can be found in three different preparation methods: Ready to feed formula, liquid concentrate, and powder formula that need to be mixed with water.  Ready to feed liquid formulas are convenient and require little preparation.  They are useful in areas where water is not safe to drink, or while families are on vacation away from a water source.  These are the most expensive types of formula.  Dry powder formulas are inexpensive but can be rather cumbersome in preparation.  The preparer needs to be very careful to use the correct ratio of powder to water.  If the formula contains too much water the baby will not get enough vital nutrients.  However if the formula contains too little water, the baby can get diarrhea which can easily lead to dehydration.

Tips for Bottle Feeding 

• Find the correct nipple for your baby.  Try a few and find one that works well for your baby.
• Be consistent.  Don't change the nipples too frequently.
• The speed at which the formula is allowed to leave the nipple is called the draw.  Be sure the nipple draw is right for your baby.  If the formula comes too fast or too slow it can cause excess gas for babies.
• Old nipples can become stiff, replace when this happens.
• If nipples become clogged, clean with extra hot water and poke the hole with a toothpick.
• While feeding, hold the baby in a semi-reclining position; this prevents milk from pooling in the back of the throat, which in turn prevents middle-ear infections.
• Alternate how you hold the baby.  They focus on your face while they are eating and switching positions promotes balanced eye muscle development.
• If your baby seems full, stop feeding them.  Many bottle fed babies become overweight because they are forced to eat that last 1 or 2 ounces.
• Make sure feedings are a special time for you and your baby.  This is a time you can bond with your child.