There’s so much more to feeding baby with milk formula or breast milk stored in bottles. Here are the best tips to make sure that the little one is fed very well.
First, change the baby’s diaper before feeding to make sure she is comfortable for the meal. Also, this allows baby to be fully awake for feeding. If at any time during feeding she falls asleep, then the slumber won’t be disturbed by changing of diapers later.
Next, always prepare the milk formula or breast milk ahead of time. You can do this by mixing the right amount of formula and store it in the refrigerator, which is good for 24 hours. Don’t mix the formula with pre-measured water, and instead, store in separate bottles. For feeding baby, always use boiled water or bottled water for feeding. Make sure that boiled water has cooled down to normal room temperature before mixing it with the milk formula. When it’s time to feed, that is when you mix the formula with water. This way, you need not heat the milk when the feeding baby time comes.
It is NOT wise to warm milk formula in the microwave because it doesn’t provide balanced heating. The wise means would be to put water in a bowl or cup of hot water, then submerge the bottle. After a few minutes, shake the milk to even the heat or warmth, and test the heat with a few spurts on your inner wrists.
Remember to always throw away unused milk because after an hour, bacteria from the baby’s saliva will contaminate with the rest of the milk.
Also, make sure that burping comes frequently during and after feeding baby with bottled milk. Once she burps, then resume feeding until the baby has had enough for the meal time. Note that colic babies or the little ones who tend to frequently spit, burping every half hour would prevent uneasiness in the little one.
There are also times when a preemie or newborn baby would pose a difficult feeding. For this, make sure that you take away the blankets and any extra covering like socks and hats. Sometimes, the trick is to take off all of baby’s clothes, or just leave the diapers on. Once the baby feels warm and cozy, then feeding would come really easy. Some mothers find it effective to rub the baby’s back or legs while feeding, and some tickle the baby’s feet, seeing that the result is better meal times for the little one.
It would also help if babies are placed on the lap, with proper head and neck support, and then fed. This allows feeding baby much more comfortable, and most babies sleep easily during feeding with this practice.
