Women's Health

Maternity

Bottlefeeding How-To

Bottlefeeding looks - and is - easy, but there are a few things you will need to know before feeding your baby.

Preparing The Baby's Bottle

You will want to begin with sterilized bottles and nipples. You can sterilize your baby's bottles and nipples by washing them in the dishwasher, or on the stove top. On the stove top, place the bottles in a pot, cover with cold water and boil for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to cool completely. Do not touch the inside of the bottles or tips of the nipples.

Next, you will mix the formula and pour into the bottles. Always wash your hands before mixing the formula. If using a powder or concentrated formual, be sure to mix with water according to the instructions on the can. Never add too much or too little water, as either can cause nutritional problems for your baby.

Warm the bottle by placing it in a pan of warm water. Do not use a microwave. Microwaving can cause "hot spots" that can burn your baby's mouth and throat. Microwaving may also change the nutrition of the milk.

Before feeding your baby, always check the temperature of the formula. Shake a few drops onto your wrist to make sure that it is not too hot.

Feeding Your Baby

Hold your baby during feedings to provide a special time for you and your baby (this is an excellent opportunity for bonding with your baby!). Sit in a comfortable chair, holding your baby in your arms, with her head up slightly higher than the rest of her body.

Never "prop" your baby's bottle - this increases the risk of choking. Also, drinking while lying down increases the likelihood of ear infection.

Hold the bottle so that the formula fills the nipple. This ensures that your baby will not suck air.

Remember to burp your baby after every 1-2 ounces and at the end of the feeding.

After your baby as finished feeding, throw away any formula left in the bottle.

Travel Tips

Powdered Formula lets you mix just the amount of formula you need when your baby needs it. You can bring the water needed to mix with the powdered formula in a thermos, or in a separate bottle.

If you travel with bottles made ahead of time, the formula needs to be kept cold. Formula spoils, as do other foods. You can store bottles in a cooler for the trip.