All about bottle feeding

The quality time you spend feeding your baby is an important way of showing your love to your baby. As a new mom who has chosen to bottle feed your baby, you will have to makes lots of decisions – like brand of formula, type of bottles and nipples – and have many questions. Mercy BirthPlace nurses and physicians will provide you answers to help you bottle feed your baby in a safe, nutritionally sound way that is enjoyable for you and baby.

What kind of stuff will I need to buy?

• At least eight 4-ounce bottles

• At least eight 8-ounce bottles

• At least eight nipple units with caps

• At least one bottle brush

• A can opener

What's the best kind of bottle?

Select the type of bottle that seems most convenient for you –  traditional-style bottles (glass or plastic) or bottles with disposable liners. Some bottles are curved to help prevent air going into the nipple. Any of these bottles are fine. However, bottles designed to be held by baby are not recommended.

What's the best kind of nipple?

There are many types of nipples and not much research on the benefits of any specific type. Traditional style nipples are symmetrical and made of rubber or silicone. Another style is the orthodontic or natural shaped nipple (Nuk is one brand); some say this shape is similar to the shape of a mother's nipple in baby's mouth. Bottles with disposable liners (Playtex Nurser, for example) have their own unique shaped nipple, as do several of the newer curved bottles.

Each baby can have a definite preference. Buy several types and find out what works best for your baby.

Be sure to test the milk flow of whatever type of nipple you choose by inverting the bottle when it has milk in it. The milk flow should be one drop of fluid per second when first inverted, and then the flow should stop. If the milk pours continuously when you invert the bottle, it may be difficult for your baby to handle that amount of milk.

Do I need a sterilizer?

No, although everything involved with preparing baby's formula must be kept very clean. Wash your equipment in clean, hot soapy dishwater or in a dishwasher. Have a separate can opener for the baby's formula.

What kind of formula should I buy?

The three basic types of infant formula are made from cow's milk, soybeans or are specialized for specific nutrition needs. Buy the brand recommended by your baby's doctor. Before baby is born, be sure to tell your baby's doctor if you or the baby's father had difficulty tolerating certain formulas. Do not change formulas without doctor approval.

What form of formula should I buy?

Choose the form that best fits your lifestyle and budget. There are three ways to buy formula: ready-to-feed, concentrate and powder. Ready-to-feed is the most expensive but the most convenient. Powder is the least expensive and is convenient for travel. The most important thing is to mix the formula according to instructions on the can; if it is not mixed correctly, your baby may become ill.

How should I store formula?

Once formula has been prepared, treat it just like any other dairy product: refrigerate it until it is fed, usually up to 48 hours.

Should I prepare bottles ahead of time?

Yes, a day's worth if you can. A little planning can make feeding time go much smoother. If you have already prepared the day's bottles, you avoid having to rush about preparing a bottle while your baby is crying from hunger.

Do I need to warm the bottle before feeding?

Probably. Warm formula to body temperature by placing the bottle in a cup of warm water. Check the temperature by placing a few drops on your wrist; it should not feel warmer than your skin. Never warm formula in a microwave or on the stove; the formula can get too hot and burn baby's mouth.

What if my baby spits up the formula?

Spitting up after eating is a common experience for many babies. This doesn't necessarily mean your baby is having difficulty with digestion. It is important that you not change brands of formula without consulting with your baby's doctor.

Are there any specific safety tips on feeding my baby?

There are several good safety principles you'll want to follow:

• Keep your baby's head slightly elevated during feeding to keep formula from flowing into the ear canals.

• Halfway through the feeding, hold baby with your other arm. Switching from left to right (or right to left) helps baby exercise the muscles in both eyes.

• Never prop a bottle. Not only is this a lonely way to eat, it is dangerous. Baby may choke on milk and have no one available to help.

Learn more about bottle feeding