A New Beginning

Feeding Your Baby a Bottle

Formula Feeding CHAPTER 10: Formula Feeding

Feeding time presents an ideal opportunity for you to bond with your newborn. It’s a special time to build a strong foundation for the rest of your baby’s life.

HOW DO I KNOW MY BABY’S READY TO EAT? When your baby’s ready to eat, they have ways of letting you know. They’ll start by showing feeding cues. Feedings usually go more smoothly if you start when they’re showing early cues.

Practicing rooming-in and placing your baby skin-to skin can help you learn their cues. You’ll be right there where you can respond to them quickly. If your baby is already crying, they may be too upset to feed. When this happens, calm your baby first by gently rocking them side to side or through skin-to-skin contact.

FEEDING CUES – SIGNS THAT YOUR BABY IS READY TO EAT

Lips smacking and puckering

Head moving side to side

Hands to mouth and stretching

Tongue sticking out and fidgeting

Crying (last feeding cue)

WHAT ARE PROPER BOTTLEFEEDING TECHNIQUES?

Your baby will learn to suck, swallow, and breathe — all at the same time. As new parents who are bottle feeding, you’ll learn the techniques that are best for your baby, and for yourselves. So try to keep an open mind as you share this learning experience with your little one. A newborn needs human contact. Feeding is an ideal time to share it. Take advantage of this time to make eye contact with your baby and to really connect. Make this a time to touch, talk, and sing. Try not to get distracted by your phone or other electronic devices. A baby also benefits from skin-to-skin time with parents during feedings. If you’re comfortable and relaxed, your baby will be too.

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Chapter 10: Formula Feeding