Easy Bottle Feeding

Yes, bottle-feeding can be a breeze (for the most part). For a mom, the key is filling it with the right ingredients. For a baby, it's simply a matter of latching on (which is relatively simple, thanks to that sturdy easy-to-nip nipple). Still, there are things you can do to make bottle-feeding even easier, and more intimate, enjoyable, and rewarding for both of you. Check out these five strategies for easy bottle-feeding.

1. Let your baby know what's coming.Prepare your baby for feedings by stroking her cheek with your finger (or the tip of the nipple) or putting a drop or two of formula on her lips. That will clue her in to the fact that dinner (or lunch, or breakfast, or a snack …) is on its way and encourage her to root, turning her head in the direction of the stroke. Then place the nipple gently between her lips and let her dig in.
2. Keep air out of it. To eliminate gassiness, tilt the bottle up so the liquid fills the nipple completely. Otherwise, your baby might be gulping down air — and that could spell trouble for that tiny tummy. Using disposable bottle liners (which automatically deflate and eliminate air pockets) or angled bottles that keep the formula pooled near the nipple are other useful ways to minimize gas.
3. Follow your baby's cues. Watch for signs that your baby has had her fill so you don't overdo it. Babies, especially newborns, can't always drain a bottle. If your baby drifts off to sleep after drinking several ounces, she has probably had enough. If she turns away from the bottle fussily after just a few minutes of sucking, she may be experiencing gas. If that's the case, burp her, and offer her the bottle again. If she still rejects it, take that as a sign that the meal is over.
4. Go with the flow. Nipples are available in different sizes (newborn nipples dispense milk more slowly), so be sure the one you're using is right for your baby. If your baby makes gulping and sputtering sounds during feedings, and milk tends to dribble out of the corners of her mouth, the flow is probably too fast. If she seems to work very hard at sucking and acts frustrated, the flow might be too slow. If that's the case, loosen the cap a tiny bit (if the cap is too tight it can create a vacuum), or try a new nipple.
5. Nourish her with love. Bottle-feeding provides a delicious opportunity to get close to your baby. So take time to cuddle her, look into her eyes, and talk or sing quietly to her. Open your shirt for some skin-to-skin contact and you'll be offering her a soothing sensation.