Feeding Time! Bottle Baby Basics

Typically baby bottles are designed to feed an infant, and come equipped with a nipple or teat. Choosing the right bottle for baby may require some research and browsing around, and testing for the right fit ( glass baby bottles that are of a compact size with flat sides are so much easier for baby to grip), but is well worth the time and effort spent. In fact, a well chosen bottle can help prevent baby suffering a stomach upset and a host of other problems. Ultimately, how you intend using the bottle will help you identify which bottle is correct for you.

Basics of Bottle Feeding

A really good baby bottle and correct feeding techniques can help prevent baby from gas pain, throwing up, and from burping:

Choosing a Bottle

While searching for the best baby bottles, choose those that have unique air flow systems so as to minimize any discomfort baby mig ht experience while feeding. Choose nipples that have the slowest possible flow, as babies could choke and take in too much air if they drink too much milk too fast. Before you actually buy the bottle, ask yourself the following questions:

• How often do I intend to use the bottle? What would I be filling in it, and how would I be cleaning it?
• Do I prefer using disposable bottles?
• How many bottles would I need, and of what size?
• Does my baby tend towards swallowing too much air while feeding?
• Does my baby suffer from too much colic?

Temperature of the Bottle

The temperature of the bottle is very important. It is important that the bottle of baby formula or breast milk is at the temperature that baby prefers - this could even be room temperature before you feed your infant. Remember never to microwave the bottle since this could produce hot spots that could burn baby. The bottle could be heated either by using a bottle warmer bought from a store, or by the old fashioned method of filling a large bowl of water from the hot water tap, placing the bottle in it, and then reducing the water flow to a trickle so that the bottle is soon brought to a preferred temperature. To be always cautious, check the warmed formula by placing a bit on your forearm, before feeding it to baby.

Positioning Baby

Positioning baby for a feed is equally important. Hold the baby in a slightly upright position on your lap, with the head comfortably nestled in the crook of your arm. Keep switching sides, so that both sides of baby's brain are stimu lated. Use a pillow to support yourself, so that you do not suffer a sore back and stiff shoulders and neck later on. Make eye contact with baby and talk to baby tenderly; as feeding time is an ideal time to bond with baby.

Giving the Bottle

Glass baby bottles must be kept tilted at a 45 degree angle while feeding baby, to help guard against gas pain and throwing up. Ensure that both the neck of the bottle and the nipple are full of milk; since this helps reduce air swallowing by baby. To end a feed or to remove the baby bottle, gently pull the bottle and nipple from baby's mouth. After 10 minutes or so, baby will be full, and now needs to be burped. Gently place baby on your shoulder, and with soft touches, pat or stroke baby's back. Always use a bib, since with the burp; baby also brings up a little milk.

Propping the Bottle

Never prop a bottle for feeding baby; as this could lead baby to choke. Bottle feeding baby should be a nurturing and fulfilling experience for both mother and infant. Propping a bottle deprives baby of the warm feel of mother's body.

Continue to: Features and Uses of the Best Baby Bottles