However, difficulties can arise, but fortunately when they do, they’re relatively easy to resolve.
Listed here are some common problems, and some strategies on how to address them.
To learn more about bottle for breastfeeding, you can see here
Position
A twenty minute feeding can be taxing on your arm, and it’s easy to let your baby slide around and not remain on the optimal position for feeding.So here’s what you do to insure she’s lined up properly. Support your baby’s head with the crook of your arm, and prop her up at a 45-degree angle so that she doesn’t swallow a lot of air, and align her head and neck. Holding your baby this way can tire out your arm, though, so tuck a pillow by your side for your arm to rest on.
Make switch sides halfway through the bottle-feeding session. Not only will this give your arms a break, but it will also give your baby a fresh perspective.
Amount
Babies are good regulators of how much to eat. That’s to say, she’ll stop when she’s full. You know she’s done when she turns her head away from the nipple.
Remember to burp her well if she does turn away a short time after beginning to feed, as she may have gotten air in the feeding process. If after burping she still turns away-she’s done.
Here’s the magic formula: A baby under six months old who’s not eating solids should drink two to two-and-a-half ounces of formula per pound of body weight over 24 hours.
Burping
When air gets trapped, your little loved one can behave as if she’s full.
If you suspect she’s full, a good burping is in order. Even if you’re not sure, burping your baby about halfway through the feeding will not only make sure she hasn’t trapped air in her tummy, but also give your arm a break as you switch sides. Smart, huh?
You can use angled bottles to help insure your baby doesn’t get too much air while feeding.
Dozing Off Mid-Feed
If your baby appears to be nodding off in the middle of her feeding, you might have to change her feeding schedule to accommodate her naps.
In the meantime, however, you can help keep her awake as you feed with a slight jostle (I used to nudge my kids’ cheeks the forefinger of the hand I’m holding the bottle with). You can also try shifting sides, changing her diaper, etc., to keep her awake.
Allergies
Some babies develop allergies to the proteins in cow’s milk, which is used to create many baby formula.
When there’s an allergic reaction, it comes in one of two ways: 1. right after feeding, or 2. a week or so later.
Watch for fussiness, vomiting (not simple spitting up), wheezing, swelling, colic, loose stools, and skin rashes.
If you suspect an allergy, you should speak with your doctor, and consider switching to a different formula.
Minimizing Spitting Up
More than half of all babies spit up during feeding. To minimize the spitting up, follow these suggestions:
Burp your baby every 3-5 minutes during feeding Give your baby smaller feeding, but more often Hold your baby’s head higher than her feet Hold her upright immediately after feeding, and avoid bouncing her Keep her diaper and clothing loose around her belly.