Family Birth Center

bottle-feeding the Baby

Bottle-fed babies usually eat every three to four hours. Slowly increase the amount given until the baby takes what the doctor recommends. It's normal the first day or two for the baby to be sleepy and uninterested in eating. The baby may only take 1/2 ounce at a feeding-don't push feedings until the baby is ready for them. Usually, two to four ounces of formula every three to four hours is sufficient in the first month. Later, your baby will take about three to four ounces every three to four hours and will work its way up to around 24 ounces in 24 hours. You will need to increase amounts of feedings as your baby's needs and activities change. Ask your physician about the best kind of formula and bottles. Formulas are available in several forms (they are all equally healthy).

• Ready to feed, never add water
• Concentrate, mix with water
• Powder, mix with water

Preparing Formula
Wash everything involved in formula preparation with soap and water. Mix formula exactly as stated on the formula directions. Never use more or less water. Newly prepared formula should be covered and refrigerated immediately. Unused formula should be thrown out 48 hours after it is opened/prepared. Opened cans of powder can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to one month.

Bottle-feeding Tips

• If baby is crying before feeding, try burping-the baby may have swallowed some air.
• Consult baby's doctor for the formula that is right for your baby.
• Babies may prefer formula warm, at room temperature, or even cold. To warm formula, place the bottle in hot (not boiling) water or run hot tap water over it. To check the temperature of the heated formula, shake the bottle gently, then shake a few drops on the inside of your wrist.
• Any formula not finished at a feeding should be thrown out. Bottles are good for one hour after being removed from the refrigerator.
• Cradle baby close to you in your arms so the head is slightly higher than the body and you can maintain eye contact. Place the nipple in the mouth on top of baby's tongue.
• Hold the bottle so that the nipple and the neck of the bottle are filled with formula so that less air is swallowed.
• Try burping the baby halfway through the feeding and again when the baby is finished. Initially, the baby may need to burp every 1/2 ounce or so, until the baby can coordinate sucking and swallowing. A good way to burp a newborn is by supporting the baby in a sitting position in your lap with your dominant hand holding the baby's chin and the other patting the baby's back. Never prop a bottle for feeding.
• Never microwave a bottle for a feeding. The bottle may seem cool to the touch, but the contents continue cooking and may burn the baby's mouth and throat.
• It's normal for baby to spit up a small amount of fluid after feeding. Try burping more at the start of each feeding. Switching to a nipple with a smaller hole or different shape can also reduce spitting up. Spitting up large amounts of formula may be a sign of overfeeding.

Make sure your newborn is sleeping on the side after a feeding.

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