Guide To Bottle Feeding

How Do I Make Up A Bottle?

All the bottles that you will need can be made up at the same time. Pour the specified amount of formula according to the packets instructions. Add the required amount of cooled, boiled water, put the lids on the bottle and shake well. Store the bottles in the fridge until you need them.

How often should I offer a bottle to my baby?

You might find that your baby gets hungry between two to four and a half hours after the previous feed. Try to ease your baby into a regular feeding routine, based around his natural feeding patterns After around a month you should notice that your baby needs less night time feeding. As the number of bottles you need reduces, divide the same amount of formula between the existing bottles.

What position should my baby be in when feeding?

Hold your baby so that his head and back are nestled into the crook of your arm. If he does choke, you’re able to lift him into a sitting position quickly. Always hold the bottle so that the teat is full of milk, otherwise your little one will be sucking on air.

Should the bottle be used straight from the fridge?

No! Heat a pan of water, remove from the heat and put the bottle in the water until it’s warm. Remove the bottle from the water and shake it thoroughly to dissipate the heat. Test the temperature by putting a few drops onto your wrist. The temperature should be luke warm. Do not use a microwave to heat the bottle as it does so unevenly.  There are a number of bottle warmers on the market.

How do I care for my baby bottles?

Sterilise new bottles and teats before you use them. After use rinse the bottles and teats in hot soapy water and scrub with a bottle and teat brush and be sure to push water through the teat holes. Rinse with clean, hot water. Baby bottles and teats can be washed in the dishwasher but be sure to inspect them thoroughly after they have been washed. Eventually teats will need replacing. If they appear sticky, soft or stretchy they need to be replaced.

Which bottles and teats should I choose?

Teats can be regular or orthodontic. Regular teats are long and slender. Orthodontic teats have a milk reservoir and a smaller tip. You will need to try both to see which suits your baby best. Clear bottles are handy because it allows you to see how much milk is in it.

Should my baby be put to bed with a bottle?

No! Sugars in the formula could lead to tooth decay as the mouth does not produce sufficient saliva, while sleeping to rinse the sugar away.

Should my baby have a bottle if he’s crying?

If it’s close to feeding time, your baby may be crying because he’s hungry, In this situation you should feed him. However, if you believe that your baby’s crying is not due to hunger, do not offer a bottle to pacify him. Instead try offering water in case he’s thirsty