BOTTLE FEEDING Several different bottles are available and the choice is strictly up to you. You may prefer to use the disposable bottle inserts since they eliminate the need for sterilizing bottles. Despite the ads to the contrary, there are no major advantages of one type of bottle design over another in terms of amount of air swallowed by your baby. If glass or plastic bottles are used, a thorough cleaning of both the nipple and the bottle in the dishwasher is sufficient after rinsing with hot soapy water.  Frequent exposure of nipples to heat will cause the plastic to get gummy and the holes in the nipple to close, so check the flow through the nipple frequently.

Many different types of commercial formulas are available which provide the necessary nutrients for your infant. Prepared formulas can be purchased ready-to-feed, concentrated (equal parts of water are added) or powdered (1 scoop of powder to 2 oz. water). During the first six weeks the water should be boiled for 5 minutes then allowed to cool before being added to the formula.

Feeding should be an enjoyable time for you and the baby. It gives you a chance to get to know your child and to take pride in the feeling of satisfying of one of your infant’s most basic needs. It is best to feed your baby in a semi-upright position, holding the bottle at such an angle that the nipple is always filled with milk. This helps prevent air from getting into the stomach, although air is still swallowed as the baby alternates swallowing and breathing. Propping the bottle on something so the baby can feed

can cause choking - Do Not Do This. In addition, bottle-propping deprives your baby of the warm, loving care and stimulation so necessary to his development and growth. If you are using plastic or glass bottles, watch the rate of rise of the bubbles in the bottle. There should be a moderate flow. If the nipple hole is too large, your baby will tell you by gulping milk, which runs out of his mouth. If the holes are too small, your baby will tire before he has satisfied his hunger. During the first few months formula should be warmed before feeding it to your infant to avoid chilling him with a large quantity of cold liquid. This is best accomplished in a bottle warmer or in a pan of hot water. Do not microwave formula as it may burn your child. The temperature of the milk should always be tested before giving it to your infant. The formula should feel warm when a drop is applied to the inside of your wrist.  

During the first month, your baby will drink roughly 2-4 oz every 2-4 hours. This will increase to 3-5 oz during the second month. For the first month, it is not a good idea to let your baby sleep longer than four hours at a time except at night. This is just a general guideline.  Remember that babies eat primarily to get calories and their intake will depend on their activity level and growth rate.  Relax and let your baby tell you when he is hungry. He will usually establish his own schedule during the first few weeks. Babies, like adults, will often vary their intake from day to day and feeding to feeding. Night feedings are tiring especially if you have older children at home. Ask your partner to share some of these night feedings if you are not nursing.  Try to rest and even nap during the day.  Napping daily is essential during the first 2 weeks of baby’s life. If a friend or relative will take the older children, take advantage of the opportunity by resting, not cleaning or shopping.

Your baby should be burped during feedings by placing the baby on your shoulder and firmly patting his back. Older infants may be placed in an upright position on your lap.  It is not unusual for your baby to spit up a small amount of milk when he burps. Placing the baby in a semi-upright position for 15 minutes after feeding will facilitate digestion. Your baby may fall happily asleep after his feeding. This is his way of letting you know he has had enough to eat. The older infant may remain awake, content to hear your voice and watch the activities of the household.