BOTTLE FEEDING GUIDELINES
- Always check the temperature
- Prepare only one bottle at a time
- If you have made feed, check the temperature by squirting the milk on the inside of your forearm. It should be at body temperature
- Do not re-heat or allow your baby's milk feed to sit at room temperature
- You and your baby should be comfortable at feeding times. Find a nice quiet place, perhaps with relaxing music, so that you can enjoy this special moment
- Hold your baby close and talk or sing to him/her. Close physical contact whilst feeding helps promote trust and love
- Tip the bottle slightly so that the teat is full of milk, not air
- Small air bubbles in the bottle show that the milk is flowing properly
- It may be necessary to twist the bottle and teat while your baby is drinking to let in air to prevent a vacuum from forming (some babies will automatically let go from time to time anyway, solving the problem themselves)
- If the flow is too slow, slightly enlarge the teat's opening
- Never prop feed or leave your baby alone while feeding, as this can lead to choking.
