The Complete Guide on How to Use a Feeding Bottle for a Newborn
People have always said breast milk is best for an infant. Still, there are several cases where a newborn cannot be feeded properly or digest some components of mother’s milk, which calls for the introduction of bottle feeding.
Thus, it is essential to understand that every child is born differently; hence, feeding breast milk or formula varies substantially. Parents should, therefore, discuss the issues with an expert and go ahead with the suggestions for the best care.
A feeding bottle also plays a vital role when the little one is premature and is not able to latch onto the breast properly or the mother does not lactate sufficiently after the child birth.
Feeding a newborn with a bottle allows family members to spend quality time and bond well with the child while the mother can relax and rejuvenate from the hectic schedule.
Using a Feeding Bottle
People believe using a feeding bottle is quite easy, but the truth is that it calls for hygiene maintenance and a routine to make the best use of the product and keep the child healthy.
Here we are sharing a best newborn bottle feeding guide to help thousands of new mommies adopt a healthy feeding routine and ensure the best development of their child in the initial days.
Choosing the Right Feeding Bottle and Nipple
The choice of a feeding bottle greatly impacts how the child gets comfortable feeding, and the mother has a stress-free user experience. The best bottles for newborns are designed to match the child’s needs, and that’s why reputed brands offer various options.
When you decide to buy a feeding bottle for your angel, here are some major points that you need to consider:
1. The Feeding Bottle’s Material
You may come across umpteen options in different price ranges online, but the choice should never be price-driven. Instead, you should focus on the material used in the making.
It is recommended to avoid normal plastic bottles for feeding purposes as these may be affordable but contain harmful plastics containing BPA that interact with the liquid stored in them and make them unsuitable for consumption.
So, always go for high-grade, BPA-free bottles that keep your child away from unwanted infections. You may also go for steel, glass, or silicone bottles, depending on your comfort.
2. Size of the Feeding Bottle
When you start searching for a feeding bottle for a newborn, you may find the big ones better since you may want to use them for as long as the child consumes more milk in one go with growing age. But wait and give it a second thought.
Small-capacity bottles are ideal for newborns and infants as they feed in limited quantities, and a few months later, they may want to hold the bottle themselves. So, choose an appropriate bottle size.
The best approach is to buy two or more bottles in the initial days to use one while the other is cleaned, sterilized, and kept for drying. This approach also helps extend the bottle’s life for several months.
3. Choosing the Nipple Flow
The new-age feeding bottles come with different nipple flow options based on the baby’s age and feeding ability, which, as a mother, you need to consider when buying a bottle. For infants, nipples ensuring slow and regular milk flow are ideal as the little one does not have to put too much pressure.
4. Anti-colic Bottles
When you feed with bottles, a common problem that a baby faces is colic and gas since, during feeding, air passes through the bottle and enters the baby’s stomach, which leads to colic, a painful condition that new parents aren’t aware of and end up stressing when they see the child crying.
There are bottles in the market that come with anti-colic features where valves restrict air entry into the bottle, keeping the baby happy and healthy while feeding.
Also Read: Which Feeding Bottle is Best for Babies? Guide by R for Rabbit
Preparing the Feeding Bottle
So, you have bought your newborn’s best quality feeding bottle, but is it apt to start feeding immediately? Well, take a breath and think sensibly. We know you are excited about the new journey, but remember you are responsible for your baby, and hence, it is wise first to understand how to use a feeding bottle for a newborn before moving ahead.
After unboxing the bottle, the first thing is to sterilize the product and its parts. Yes, you read it right; even if you have bought a perfectly packed bottle, sterilization before first use is a requisite. So here are the few steps that you need to follow:
- Wash your hands and confirm the surface where you have unboxed the bottle is hygienic and dry. You can sterilize bottles using several methods, like boiling them in water for a few minutes, using a microwave, or buying a bottle sterilizer and warmer for everyday use. The choice depends on you since you must sterilize the bottle often.
- Once the bottle is ready, follow the brand’s formula preparation guidelines. If you use the bottle to store breast milk, you should handle it with clean hands and store it appropriately in the refrigerator.
Feeding Your Newborn
Now it’s time to have an insight into bottle feeding tips for best practice and experience. Make sure you hold the baby in a semi-upright position, as letting him lie completely on the back while feeding may cause digestion issues, and the little one might throw up the milk as he is still not a pro at feeding.
So, hold the baby properly and tilt the feeding bottle slightly so that the nipple is filled with milk, and when the baby sucks slightly, the milk flow will be accurate for him.
Do not force-feed the child, and let him enjoy the process calmly and at his own pace. Initially, the baby might take small breaks in between as he may get tired easily. So, let him rest for a few seconds, and meanwhile, let him rest on your shoulder and rub his back gently to encourage burping.
This will ensure the milk has been taken in, minimizing the chances of throwing up. If your baby wants to continue feeding, let him do so until he is satisfied.
Remember, a baby-lead feeding approach is the best since it allows the little one to stay calmer for longer without any issues. Once the feeding session ends, ensure the baby takes a burp, and the goal is accomplished.
Cleaning and Storage of Feeding Bottles
The next and crucial part of how to use a feeding bottle is cleaning and storage since you may need to do this several times a day for smaller children. After feeding, immediately discard any left milk in the bottle and rinse every part with a gentle soap and hot water.
You can better use a bottle brush to make sure that every part is cleaned thoroughly and then pop the bottle into boiling water or sterilizer to complete the process.
Specialists suggest that sterilizing the bottle once every day is vital to evade the growth of bacteria or germs. Also, once the bottles are dry, store them in a cool spot, preferably in the refrigerator, for next time.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide On How To Clean Baby Feeding Bottles
Key Takeaways
When mommies use feeding bottles for newborns, they must be vigilant and pursue the hygiene routine religiously to assure that the little one gets the best nourishment without any health concerns.
If you are searching for best-in-class feeding bottles and accessories, browse the R for Rabbit feeding range to find immaculate designs and top-notch materials designed with love and care for the tiny tots.
Every child has a different appetite, so look for the baby’s cues and feed him on demand. Understand that both of you are adjusting to the new routine, so it is best to let it settle down at a slow pace. There may be times when you would feel that you just fed the baby a few minutes ago, but he wants to be fed again.
Also, there will be days when he will feed less than usual. Do not panic; the feeding needs will change quickly as the baby grows in the first few months. Remember, practice and patience are the best keys to this new journey, and soon, your munchkin will be a pro in feeding. So, enjoy parenthood and share this amazing experience with other family members by letting them feed the tot whenever you want to relax.
