Deciding whether or not to bottle feed your baby is not a decision that is made lightly. Society and the media don’t make the decision any easier as they make bottle feeding appear to be a bad choice compared to breastfeeding.
While nothing can replace the natural benefits of mother’s milk, today’s infant formula milk are highly nutritious and specially formulated for baby. Combined with cuddles at feeding time, your baby ill have food for body and soul. If you are breastfeeding, you might find there are times when you need or want to express milk so that baby can be fed from a bottle.
Getting Started
You will need below items for bottle feeding :
- Bottles and teats (around six bottles)
- Bottle brush
- Mixing jugs
- Sterilizing equipment
- Suitable infant formula milk powder
Infant Formula
Formula is whole milk (usually cows’ milk unless an alternative is recommended by your doctor) adapted for infants with certain nutrients added. You should discuss which formula is most suitable with your doctor or nurse.
Bottle Feeding Step-by-step and Tips
- Only make one bottle at a time, for food safely reasons.
- Follow the instruction on the can and measure the formula accurately
- Fill the bottles with cool, boiled water. Add the formula. Screw the cap and shake well until milk powder is completely dissolved.
- Always test the temperature before giving to baby. Shake a few drops on the forearm. If the milk is too cold, stand the bottle in a pot of hot water. If the milk is too hot, hold the bottle under cold running water or stand it in a pot of cold water.
If you are going out, never carry warm milk with you. Always take it cold in an insulated container and heat when needed. Better still, take cool boiled water and powder separately and make up formula as required. Heating of formula in a microwave is not recommended. Always shake first to ensure even temperature and check temperature before feeding.
You will need to sterilize bottles and other feeding equipment until baby is around 12 months old. You can use boiling water, electric steamer, or sterilizing tablets. Always clean the bottle with bottle brush and natural dishwashing soap first before sterilizing it.