Bottle Feeding Challenges- How to Overcome Them

Bottle feeding your baby is a skill you have to learn as a new parent. It’s

potentially possible to overfeed a baby from a bottle, which can lead to a

range of problems ranging from your baby being a bit uncomfy, to causing

reflux and excessive weight gain, so it’s useful to be aware of some key

basics before you begin bottle feeding your baby.

Ultimately, it’s really important to bottle feed your baby responsively. This

means following their lead when it comes to feeding frequency and volume.

The following points may be helpful to consider when it comes to bottle

feeding;

-Paced bottle feeding. Ensure your baby is being offered the bottle in a

paced, responsive way. Using paced bottle feeding will ensure your baby

doesn’t overfeed, and helps keep them more comfy during and after feeds. It

will also limit the amount of air your baby takes in.

-Remember that bottle feeding is a skill for your baby, and it may take them

time to perfect it!

-If you are formula feeding your baby, bear in mind that the volumes

suggested on the tin, will be an approximation of what your baby needs to

drink. Each baby is different, and following your baby’s lead is very important.

-If you are formula feeding, ensure you’re using the correct method to make

up formula. Not following these guidelines, may put your baby at risk of

infection, or digestive discomfort. It’s not recommended to use any sort of

formula preparation machine.

-Teats and bottles come in variety of shapes and sizes, and there’s not one

perfect bottle for every baby. Sometimes, some trial and error is involved to

find ones that suit your baby.

-If your baby is 12 weeks or over, you may like to consider using a cup or

beaker, rather than a bottle to feed them.

-Try and limit the number of people who may be offering your baby the bottle.

Feeding is an important time for bonding and connection, and too many care

givers giving a bottle may confuse or unsettle your baby. There are lots of

ways others can bond and care for your baby (and you) that don’t involve

feeding.

If you’re finding feeding your baby tricky, or would just like some reassurance

or guidance, please reach out to an IBCLC.