Bottle feeding

Breastfeeding is the first feeding choice for newborns. In addition to nutrients, it also contains antibodies and other protective substances which help to prevent infections and allergies. Sometimes there are circumstances that make you choose to feed your baby artificially, for example when taking certain medicines.

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

  • Minimum 2 bottles with scale, 1 small and 1 large
  • At least 2 newborn teats
  • A bottle cleaner (steel wire with brushes all around)
  • Bottle warmer or microwave
  • A pan for boiling the bottles and teats or a steriliser
  • Tap water
  • If your house is pre 1960, it may have lead pipes in it. It is best to replace these because lead is not good for your health, but if this is not possible, use mineral water for food preparation.

HOW MUCH FOOD?

  • Six to eight feedings per day are normal for a healthy newborn. Preferably leave up to 4 hours between feedings in the first week.
  • On the first day, your baby will receive 10-15 ml of food at a time (depending on their birth weight). For the first 10 days, the feedings will be increased by an average of 10cc each day (2nd day: 20 cc per feed, 3rd day: 30 cc per feed, etc.). Eventually, your baby should reach approximately 90-110 ml per feed. The maternity nurse and the midwife will help you with this. Because every baby is different, it is possible that your baby will drink more or less than this amount; don't worry. During the week you can call the midwife if you have any questions and after the week you can call the health centre if you have any questions about feeding. The centre will also tell you when you can give your baby more than 110 ml per feed.
  • Too much food can cause cramps, spitting up and obesity. It is okay if a baby drinks less once in a while, you can then offer more the next time.

PREPARING THE FOOD

  • Wash your hands.
  • Prepare all items on a clean tea towel.
  • Look on the packet or can for the correct ratio of food/water and keep to it! Also note the expiry date. Never dilute or thicken the food unless advised by a doctor.
  • You can prepare the food per bottle or for up to 24 hours ahead. Bottles are the most hygienic. If you prepare the food in advance, it is best to do this with boiled water. It is best to count the scoops of powder separately in a bowl and then put them in the water. That way it won't be a problem if you lose count.
  • Wipe the measuring spoon of powder with the back of a knife. Tap the scoop with nutrition before you put it in the water to remove the air bubbles.
  • Mix the powder well into the water with a clean whisk or fork.
  • Store prepared food in a sealed jug at the back of the fridge (max 4C) for up to 24 hours; definitely not in the fridge door.
  • Take the right amount for each feed and warm it up in the bottle in the bottle warmer or microwave. When using the microwave, shake regularly during the heating process and again afterwards. Check if the temperature is right by putting a few drops on the inside of your wrist. It's okay if you don't feel it.
  • Do not reheat heated food.

BOTTLE FEEDING

  • You feed on demand. This means that you must learn to see the hunger signals that your baby gives. If he starts sucking on his hands or making smacking noises, this is a sign of hunger. In the beginning, he will want to eat about every 3-4 hours. Some babies do not satisfy their sucking needs after one feeding and keep searching. This does not mean that they have not had enough! A soother is a good solution in this case.
  • On the bottle, use the teat with the smallest hole and a standard wide teat shape. The nipple should be as long as possible (length 2,5-3cm). If you use the teat with the smallest hole, the milk will not come out by itself. This will allow your baby to decide how fast he/she wants to drink without his/her mouth becoming overflowing with milk.
  • When feeding, hold your baby upright on your lap, snuggled close to you with plenty of skin contact. Swallowing is easier for your baby if you sit up straight.
  • Offer the teat of the bottle as you would offer your breast. Stroke the tip of the nipple over the upper lip and the skin above it. You can alternate this with stroking the cheek with the teat towards your child's mouth. When your child opens his/her mouth, provoke the bite by pulling the teat back a little so that the child must reach for the bottle. Offer the bottle to your child and he/she will take a big bite and start drinking immediately.
  • Make sure that the teat of the bottle remains filled with milk while you are drinking so that no air can enter. Keep the bottle as horizontal as possible to eliminate gravity. This means your baby must suck and massage more to get the milk out of the bottle. This will ensure that your baby's sucking needs are met.
  • When your child takes a pause from drinking, pull back the teat with the bottle. You can either withdraw the bottle completely or partially. See what works best for you. A break from drinking is normal. After that, your baby will drink again, or he/she is finished. Both are good. There is no need to force your baby to finish the bottle. Hi­­­­­s drinking needs may vary from day to day.
  • Look out for signs of stress or discomfort in your baby: spread fingers and/or toes, milk running away from the corners of the mouth, a worried look from your baby, turning his head away or pushing the bottle away, gulping the milk, panting or whooping. These can all be signs that you are feeding too fast. Take a pause from drinking to allow your baby to recover and adjust your feeding schedule. You can ask your midwife, a lactation expert or the infant welfare centre for help with this.
  • Giving a 100 ml bottle takes 20-25 minutes on average. Every baby is different, so your baby may do it differently. If it takes very long or short, see if a different teat (e.g., 3-position teat) helps.

 AFTER FEEDING

  • Hold your baby upright against you, some babies burp then.
  • Always throw away any leftover food. After use, rinse the bottle and nipple well with cold water and put them in the fridge empty until the next feeding.
  • Boil plastic bottles and nipples for 3 minutes every day. A glass bottle must be boiled for 10 minutes, and when doing so, place a cloth at the bottom of the pot, otherwise it may bounce around during boiling. Store the boiled bottles and teats, preferably covered, in the refrigerator.
  • Plastic bottles that show (hairline) cracks should be replaced.
  • Teats wear out after 6 weeks and then need to be replaced.

IMPORTANT

  • The contents of a pack of formula usually lasts for 4 weeks, so pay close attention to this.
  • Feed your baby yourself (both parents) as much as possible during the first few weeks and make sure there is plenty of skin-on-skin contact. This appears to be better for the child's development and it allows you to get to know your child quickly.
  • You do not need to give your baby extra vitamin K if you are feeding formula, as these are already added to the formula.
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