Bottle Feeding Tips

There's more to bottle feeding than you may realize. Get the inside scoop here.

• Change your baby's diaper before the feeding. This helps wake your baby for the feeding and allows for undisturbed sleep after the feeding.

• Prepare your baby's daily amount of formula ahead of time. You can:
  • Mix the desired amount of formula beforehand and put it the fridge. Then when you are ready to use the milk, place it in a bowl of warm water to take the chill off. Prepared powder formula may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours after mixed.
  • Pre-measure both the powder and water in separate containers (a sealed container for the powder and a baby bottle for the water). Make enough for the day/night. Then, when you are ready to feed your baby, mix the two together. This eliminates the need to warm the milk.
• Use boiled water or bottled water when mixing your baby's formula. When using boiled water, allow for the water to come back to room temperature before mixing with the formula.

• Never warm formula in the microwave. This can cause the milk to be very hot in some areas. Always warm milk by placing the bottle in a bowl or cup of warm water. Be sure to test the milk on the inner aspect of your wrist to ensure temperature safety. Perfect formula temperature is when you are unable to feel hot or cold.

• Discard any unused milk one hour after the feeding. Bacteria from your baby’s saliva begin to rapidly multiply when left at room temperature.

• Make sure to burp your baby frequently during feedings.
  • If your baby does not spit up frequently, wait until your baby stops sucking from the bottle and then burp your baby. The gas bubbles make your baby think that he/she is full and will cause them to stop drinking the milk.
  • Once your baby lets out a good burp, he/she will probably resume eating.
  • If your baby tends to spit up frequently or has colic, try burping your baby more frequently, approximately after every half an ounce or so.
• For a sleepy newborn or preemie:
  • Remove blankets and hat. Babies love to sleep when they are cozy and warm. If that doesn't do the trick, undress your baby.
  • Rub your baby's back along his/her spine.
  • Tickle your baby's feet.
  • Wipe your baby's face and chest with a cool, damp cloth.
  • Hold your baby on your lap with your non-dominate hand supporting your baby's head, neck, and shoulder. Some babies tend to sleep when they are snuggled in mommy or daddy arms during feedings.

Remember, practice makes perfect.