Bottle Feeding: The Essentials for Busy Parents

Bottle feeding in bed: problems and risks

For many parents, bottle feeding in bed is a common practice, but it brings with it a few problems and risks worth knowing about. When bottle feeding a newborn, your child's safety and wellbeing come first.
To begin with, it is important to make sure the bottles you use are the best bottles for newborns. These bottles are designed specifically around the needs of little ones and have teats suited to a little one's delicate mouth . Choosing the right bottles can reduce the risk of problems such as colic and posseting .
When bottle feeding in bed, though, you do need to bear in mind the risk of choking . Infants should never be left alone with a bottle, because the milk may flow too quickly or the child may choke on the teat. An adult should always keep a close eye on the baby during a bottle feed, however tempting it is to let the baby drop off to sleep.
Another point to consider is hygiene . Do use a bottle steriliser to keep bottles and teats clean. If baby bottles are not cleaned and sterilised properly, infections and digestive problems can follow.
In the end, bottle feeding in bed can be practical for parents and soothing for baby, but it calls for constant vigilance . To keep the problems and risks that come with this practice to a minimum, the best baby bottles, careful supervision during the feed and strict hygiene are essential. Your newborn's safety and wellbeing should always come first.

Why are breastfed babies so fussy about bottles and dummies?

Breastfed babies can sometimes be fussy about bottles and dummies, for several reasons:

• A different kind of sucking : Sucking at the breast is not the same as sucking from a bottle. Your baby has to get used to the new feel of a bottle and a dummy, which can sometimes unsettle them.
• Milk flow : Bottle teats are designed to deliver milk at a steady rate, whereas at the breast the baby can control the flow by sucking. Some breastfed babies prefer a slower flow of milk, similar to the breast, which can make it harder for them to take the bottle.
• The taste of the milk : Breast milk tastes different from formula or expressed milk. Some babies are sensitive to changes in taste and prefer breast milk.
• Emotional bond : Breastfeeding often creates a strong emotional bond between mother and baby. If your baby is used to feeding directly at the breast, they may take the bottle only reluctantly, because it doesn't come with the same skin-to-skin contact and closeness to mum.
• Resistance to change : Babies sometimes find it hard to accept new objects or routines. Moving from the breast to the bottle can be a big change for your baby and can bring some resistance with it.

It is worth noting that every baby is different and that some breastfed babies take to bottles and dummies more easily than others. If you are trying to give your breastfed baby a bottle, it can help to try different teats , ask a healthcare professional or lactation consultant for help and be patient throughout the transition. A few tricks can also make the change easier, such as offering the feed when your baby is calm and hungry, or letting someone other than mum give the bottle.

When your baby doesn't finish the bottle or falls asleep while drinking

If your baby doesn't finish the bottle or falls asleep while drinking, that can be completely normal and is generally nothing to worry about. Here are some possible reasons why it might happen:

• Feeling full : Your baby may have reached the point of feeling full and simply isn't hungry any more. Forcing your baby to finish a bottle can lead to overfeeding, which isn't advisable.
• Tiredness : Babies can tire quickly while drinking from a bottle, particularly if they have a strong need to suck in order to settle. In that case it is perfectly natural for them to fall asleep during or after a feed.
• Distractibility : Babies are often very curious and are easily distracted during a bottle feed. Outside stimuli such as noise or movement can make them lose concentration and drift off to sleep.
• Difficulty sucking : Some babies may find it hard to suck from a bottle, particularly if they are used to the breast. This can make them tire more quickly.

If your baby repeatedly leaves the bottle or keeps falling asleep during feeds, here is what you can do:

1. Respect your baby's signals : Watch your baby's cues so you know whether they are full or tired. Don't force them to drink more when they don't need to.
2. Use the right teats : Choose a teat with a flow rate that suits your baby. Some teats allow a slower flow, which can be better for babies who tend to splutter or fall asleep quickly.
3. Create a calm setting : Try to feed your baby in a quiet spot with few distractions, to keep interruptions to a minimum.
4. Stay connected : Keep eye contact with your baby during the feed, to reassure them and encourage them to keep drinking.

If you have specific concerns about your baby's feeding, always speak to a paediatrician or a healthcare professional. They can respond to your baby's individual situation and help you resolve any problems that come up.

When and how should you give a breastfed baby a bottle?

Introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby depends on several factors, including your baby's needs and mum's own preferences. Here are some general tips for bringing a bottle into a breastfed baby's feeding:

1. Wait a few weeks : It is recommended that you wait at least a few weeks, or even a few months, before introducing a bottle, if breastfeeding is going well. That gives your baby time to settle into breastfeeding and develop a good latch.
2. Choose the right moment : Pick a moment to introduce the bottle when your baby is calm, relaxed and not very hungry. Avoid doing it when your baby is hungry, as they may become frustrated if milk doesn't arrive straight away.
3. Use breast milk or formula : When starting with the bottle, it is generally recommended that you begin with expressed breast milk. That way your baby can get used to the familiar taste of breast milk. If you use formula, make sure it suits your baby's age.
4. Choose the right bottle and teat : Choose a bottle with a teat that mimics the shape of the breast. Some teats are designed specifically for breastfed babies and have a slower milk flow, to avoid confusion between breast and bottle.
5. Bring someone else in : Sometimes a baby is more willing to take the bottle when someone else offers it. Mum can step away while the baby has the bottle.
6. Be patient : Some babies resist the bottle at first, so it is important to be patient. Don't force your baby to take the bottle. Try to keep a relaxed, positive attitude throughout.
7. Go gradually : You can start by giving one bottle a day, ideally at the same time. Increase how often you do it, step by step, as needed.
8. Try different temperatures : Some babies prefer milk at a temperature close to that of breast milk, so do try different temperatures to find one that suits your baby.
9. Professional support : If you are finding it hard to introduce the bottle, or if your baby stubbornly refuses, it can help to ask a healthcare professional, such as a lactation consultant, for advice tailored to your situation.

Do remember that every baby is different and that what works for one may not work for another. The key is to be patient, listen to your baby's signals and keep things gentle and respectful.

When your baby refuses the bottle

It is common for some babies to refuse the bottle, particularly when they are used to the breast. If your baby refuses the bottle, these steps can help you work through it:

1. Be patient : The first thing to keep in mind is patience. Babies can be reluctant to try something new, and it may take a while for them to get used to the bottle.
2. Try different teats and bottles : Babies may have preferences for particular teats or bottles. Try different brands and types of teat to see whether your baby prefers a particular one. Choose a teat that mimics the shape of the breast, as this can make the transition easier.
3. Bring someone else in : Sometimes a baby is more willing to take the bottle when someone else offers it. Mum can step away while the baby has the bottle.
4. Try different temperatures : Some babies prefer milk at a temperature close to that of breast milk, so try giving them a bottle of milk at just the right temperature.
5. Use expressed breast milk : If you are breastfeeding, try using expressed breast milk rather than formula. The familiar taste of breast milk can make a bottle feed more appealing for your baby.
6. Choose the right moment : Offer the bottle at a time when your baby is not very hungry or very tired. Avoid doing it when your baby is hungry, as they may become frustrated if milk doesn't arrive straight away.
7. Be persistent, but respectful : Try offering your baby the bottle regularly, but don't force them to take it. Watch your baby's cues and stop pressing if they refuse outright.
8. Speak to a doctor : If your baby refuses the bottle over a longer period and it becomes a problem, do see a paediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can give you advice tailored to your situation.

Do remember that every baby is unique and that it can take a while for a baby to get used to the bottle. The main thing is to stay calm, not to force your baby, and to keep trying in a gentle and respectful way.