Tips for bottle feeding
We often think that bottle feeding is very easy. But just like breastfeeding, this also takes some practice. It is therefore very normal that you and your baby have to get used to this way of feeding. And that you will encounter some small challenges along the way. Nothing to worry about, practice makes perfect. Especially with these tips when bottle feeding.
Because drinking is a necessity of life, it seems logical that babies can do this from birth. But nothing could be further from the truth: babies must learn to drink from the breast or bottle. Breastfeeding is the best food for your baby and the most natural form of feeding and requires a different drinking technique than bottle feeding.
If your baby was first breastfed and you are now going to bottle feed, then it is not just getting used to a new taste. Also the amount of food is different and the speed at which it enters the mouth. When breastfeeding, your baby organized this itself, now it depends on other factors.
5 tips for bottle feeding:
1. Bottle feed on request
Bottle feeding is often accompanied by a feeding schedule. Totally fine of course, but did you know that feeding on request is also very well possible with the bottle? Just like with breastfeeding, your baby decides when to drink. And that’s usually when it’s actually hungry.
2. Let your baby decide the amount
You can also let your baby decide how much to drink. Quite exciting in the beginning, because you instinctively want all the bottles to be empty. This is not necessary for feeding on demand. Your baby will indicate when it has had enough. You recognize that moment because your baby turns its head away, loses milk through the corners of the mouth, starts drinking restlessly or loses his attention in the bottle.
3. Provide skin-to-skin contact
When you breastfeed you automatically have a lot of skin-to-skin contact with each other. That is not without reason, because physical contact is important for both of you. It creates more connection and makes your child calmer and less stressed. When bottle-feeding, this contact is generally less. Therefore, build in extra skin-to-skin moments yourself, it strengthens your bond and is also very nice.
4. Make every bottle feeding a great moment
Do you experience restlessness, haste or stress while giving the bottle? Your baby will also notice this and will not drink as well as a result. Therefore, make every bottle feeding a pleasant and relaxing moment. Ensure a pleasant (room) temperature, adopt a pleasant feeding position and minimize crowds and distractions around you. In addition, stop in time if the feeding is not going for a while and pick it up again at a later time.
5. Check the basics again
It is possible that – despite all the tips – giving the bottle still does not go as planned. Then take another look at the basics to see if you can change anything.
