What NOT To Do When Bottle-Feeding An Infant

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © nerissa's ring; Flickr.com

Frequent readers may recall a previous article: "5 Secrets to Successfully Feeding Your Infant." This time you can learn what NOT to do when bottle feeding a newborn. As a mother to multiple children, as well as a former nanny, I've learned a great deal about babies through experience and research. It is my hope that fellow parents and caregivers can gain from my knowledge.

Don’t Use Less Formula Than Instructed

While it may seem harmless to prepare a baby bottle with a little less formula powder or mixture than listed in the directions, it actually can be detrimental to a baby's health. This is one of the most important examples of what not to do when bottle feeding a newborn. Babies need a certain amount of nutrition to be healthy and thrive. Using less mixture can take away some of that nutrition, which can be dangerous for a newborn baby. Only use the measuring scoop that is provided with the formula and follow directions exactly. Not all scoops or formula types measure the same.

Don't Feed Too Much Before Burping Baby

It is important to pause during feedings to burp a newborn baby. Even with the best designed bottles, air bubbles can still get mixed in with the formula or breastmilk. Just the action of feeding can cause the urge to burp as well. Be sure to burp a newborn frequently during feedings, as well as afterward.

Don't Lie Baby Flat

Another example of what not to do when bottle feeding a newborn is to lie the baby flat while feeding. When a baby is lying flat, the formula or breastmilk cannot be fed properly. This can cause gas, choking, and other problems. Be sure baby's head and chest are elevated and supported during feeding.

Don't Prop Baby Bottles

Never use blankets or other items to "prop" up a newborn's bottle. A newborn should be held properly and fed by an adult to ensure that the bottle and the baby both stay in the proper position. In addition to gas and other health problems that can occur due to propping a baby bottle, a newborn needs the bonding and closeness that comes during feeding time.

Don't Place Bottles in Crib or Carrier

Just like propping a baby bottle is not safe, neither is placing the baby bottle in a crib or carrier with baby. Even if a baby can grasp a bottle, not only can a newborn not hold a bottle properly, but feeding baby in the crib can cause baby bottle tooth decay.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network