When bottle-feeding, the goal is to let your baby take the lead. Choosing a slow-flow nipple (Stage 0 or 1) is best for most infants, as it mimics the natural pace of breastfeeding and helps reduce gas.
Finding the Right Position
How you hold your baby is important. Never feed your baby while they are lying flat or prop a bottle on a pillow. Instead, keep their head and shoulders elevated.
- Semi-upright: This is the most common position. Cradle your baby in the crook of your arm and hold the bottle at an angle so your baby can take breaks as needed.
- Upright (sitting up): This position is helpful for babies with reflux. Have them sit in your lap and hold the bottle horizontally so they can control the pace.
- Side-lying: Lay your baby across your lap with their head slightly elevated. Many parents find this position best for mimicking breastfeeding and reducing gas.
Keeping Things Clean
Always start with a clean bottle and nipple. You can wash them with hot, soapy water, use the dishwasher on high heat, or use a steam sanitizer.
- Pro tip: If your baby is under 3 months old, has a weakened immune system, or has oral thrush, it is best to sanitize all parts by boiling them in water for 5 minutes.
Expressed Breastmilk: Handling & Storage
If you are pumping, keeping breast milk safe is a top priority. Here are the key safety timelines:
Room temperature: Freshly pumped milk is safe for up to 4 hours.
Refrigerated: Safe for up to 4 days.
Frozen: Safe for 6 to 12 months.
- Thawing: Never use a microwave. Thaw it under warm running water or in a bowl of warm water. Once thawed in the refrigerator, use within 24 hours
- The “2-hour rule”: If your baby starts a bottle but does not finish it, discard the remaining milk within 2 hours.
Formula Preparation 101
- Preparing formula correctly ensures your baby receives the proper nutrition.
- Water First: Always measure the water into the bottle first, then add the powder. This helps ensure the ratio is accurate
- Level scoops: Use a flat, level scoop—do not pack the powder down or leave it overflowing.
- The ratio: Most formulas use 1 scoop per 2 ounces of water; always double-check your specific label
- You can prepare formula for the day, but it must be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.
- Safety timing: If left at room temperature, prepared formula is safe for up to 2 hours.
A Note on the Baby Brezza
While formula machines are convenient, they can sometimes mix the incorrect concentration. If you use one, make sure it is set correctly for your specific formula and clean it regularly. If your baby appears constipated or is not gaining weight, stop using the machine and contact us!
If you have questions about fortification, calories, or your baby’s growth, please reach out. We want you to feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Blog written by Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Divack