If you have decided to choose bottle feeding for your baby, one important thing you should keep in mind is that your love, cuddling and attention are just important as to your baby as the formula itself.
• After preparing your infant's formula, test the temperature by shaking a few drops onto the back of your hand. Many babies prefer their formula slightly warm.
• Check the flow of the milk. It should be 2 or 3 drops a second. Too small a hole will make sucking hard, too large will allow milk to gush out.
• Always lie the baby in a semi- upright position on the bed or in your arms like in breast feeding.
• During feeding hold the bottle firmly at an incline so the nipple fills completely with formula. So that baby can pull against it as she sucks, and tilt it so that the nipple is full of formula, not air. If he dozes off during her feeding, he may have gas, which is making her feel full. Sit her up and burp him for a couple of minutes, then offer her some more formula.
• If your baby refuses to let go of the nipple after feeding , do not pull the nipple out from her mouth, slide your little finger in between the gums and the nipple to release.
• Feeding time should be pleasant for both you and your baby. Always hold your baby close and cuddle against you, and talk softly during the feeding. Skin to skin contact will also help you feel closer to your baby.
• Never leave your baby alone with bottle, she may choke. Feeding may take as long as a half hour if she is feeling playful.
