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BOTTLE FEEDING

Though breast feeding is best for the baby, sometimes babies are not fed by this method or it is stopped earlier than 12 months of age .It is therefore suggested to have first hand knowledge about the basics of bottle feeding, Iron-fortified baby food formula is the best alternative for breast feed.

Bottle Feed Gear

• 8 ounce reusable or disposable nursing bottles
• Nipples, with a few extras
• Bottle and nipple brushes

Bottle Feed Formula

Baby feed formula comes in various ready to use liquid and powder forms. The instructions on the container strictly need to be followed for best results. Seek your baby’s physician for recommended brands of baby food. Mix in the right amounts of milk or water to the ready - to -use baby foods.

Some Essential Tips

• Sterilize the bottle gear once in two weeks. Make sure the nipples and bottles are thoroughly brushed after each feed and that no dirt is stuck in them. Cleanse your hands with soap and water before preparing the formula.
• Try and feed you baby within half an hour of opening and mixing the formula, never let it over stay or refrigerate as there is the risk of micro organisms settling on stale food.
• Always taste the food before bottle feeding the baby, check for the temperature, and don’t feed foods that are hot.
• Water , milk , food formula , juices can be bottle fed.
• Air tight the powdered formula and ensure that the lid is closed perfectly.
• Do not microwave baby food, as it can get extremely hot and also do no reheat the previously prepared mix.
• Do not give supplements of vitamins and iron to the baby unless prescribed by the doctor.
• Before making any changes in the bottle feed, always consult the doctor and only then go for a new feed as frequent changes can affect the baby’s sensitive digestive system.
• Never leave the bottle in the baby’s mouth while he is sleeping or inactive, this might cause cavities in his developing teeth.
• Feed the baby after every 4 or 5 hours also considering his eating time habits, never force the baby if there is still some milk left in the bottle.
• Do not worry about the baby spitting up and curdling of the milk, this is a natural phenomenon.
• Use a bib and lessen the mess while feeding the baby.

Ways to Bottle Feed

• Keep the baby close to you in your arms, the head slightly higher so that he can drink the milk easily without it spilling over.
• Slant the bottle slightly so that the milk is in the nipple and reaches the baby without going sideways.
• Air bubbles need to be seen when the baby is drinking the milk so that no clogging occurs.
• Make sure that the incision in the nipple is large enough for the milk to flow out when the baby is drinking.
• Check when the baby is full and try and burp him up by gently patting on his back. It’s important the baby burps so make sure he does.
• Gently cradle the baby in your arms for a little while after feeding him.

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