Feeding baby
Although your baby may be happy to drink formula milk straight from the fridge, most babies prefer it slightly warmed. Stand the bottle in a jug of hot water, shaking the bottle occasionally to distribute the heat.
Never heat your baby’s milk in a microwave, as this can cause hotspots that can burn him.
Test the temperature by shaking a few drops of milk on to the inside of your wrist. Then you’re ready to go! Follow these steps:
1. Sit comfortably in a supportive chair and use a pillow to raise your baby on your lap if necessary.
2. Tip the bottle before you offer it so the teat is filled with milk. Adjust the angle as your baby feeds to avoid him gulping air.
3. Wind your baby halfway through the feed by sitting him upright after he has finished on one side and gently stroking his back until he burps
4. Throw away any milk that’s left after 30 minutes.
Formula that’s been out of the fridge for more than 30 minutes is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which could make your baby ill.
As with breastfeeding, you can offer your baby a bottle whenever he seems hungry – he’ll let you know how much he needs by crying for it!
Posted in Children's Health
