Using a bottle to feed a baby is a process that requires careful handling. Before starting, make sure the bottle nipple is disinfected with hot water, and hands are thoroughly washed to ensure the hygiene of the feeding equipment and prevent bacteria from harming the baby. Then, keep the nipple upright to avoid contamination and gently pour in the prepared formula, checking the temperature of the liquid in advance to prevent overheating and scalding the baby.
While feeding, the mother should choose a stable sitting position that is comfortable for both herself and the baby. When holding the baby, position their upper body against your elbow and support their buttocks with your arm to create an angle of approximately 45 degrees. You can gently touch the baby’s lips with the bottle in the other hand to guide them to start sucking.
As the baby starts sucking, adjust the angle of the bottle to ensure that the nipple is always filled with liquid, reducing the chances of the baby inhaling air. Pay attention to whether the nipple collapses due to sucking. If this happens, gently pull the nipple to let air enter the bottle to restore its shape, or temporarily loosen and tighten the nipple cap to allow air to flow in.
During the feeding process, continuous observation of the baby’s sucking state is crucial. The nipple hole size should be moderate: too large may cause the baby to swallow too quickly, while too small may make sucking difficult. When the baby is lying down to drink, be sure to monitor them on the side to prevent choking, which is a safety measure to effectively avoid the risk of suffocation.
After feeding, do not rush to lay the baby flat. The correct way is to hold the baby upright, with their head lightly resting on your shoulder, and gently pat their back to help them burp. This helps to expel gas from the stomach, reducing the likelihood of the baby spitting up. Every detail in the feeding process reflects meticulous care and protection for the baby.
