Feeding Techniques for Newborn Babies

The best and most recommended form of feeding your newborn is by nursing. Bottle feeding is the next best choice. In this article, we will talk about and compare the two methods, breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

Bottle feeding

A formulae is based on cow’s milk. It’s available as three types: powder, liquid concentrate and premixed ready-to-feed. The first is the least expensive and the last is the most expensive and most convenient, as its name suggests.

Some mothers are not able to breastfeed due to several complications. They are advised by doctors not to do so. The baby is totally dependant on mother’s milk, so if the mother is not in the best health, it can affect the baby detrimentally.

Make sure your baby is not lactose intolerant. If that is the case, he/she will have to be fed on soya-based milk. Infant formulae usually contain proteins, fat, vitamins, iron, calcium and other nutrients.

Carefully read the instructions on how much water to use when making the formula. The directed measurements should be used and the water should be pure. Pay attention to the temperature as well-it should be lukewarm. A stock of infant formula can be made and stored up to a maximum of 24 hours in the refrigerator. Never use the microwave to heat baby’s milk. 

The bottle and its nipple should be sterilized before use, each time. They can be placed in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes, then cooled. If your baby develops any allergies, stop feeding the formula and consult your doctor immediately. You may be asked to switch to another formula.

Breastfeeding

This technique has many advantages and in that way, is superior to bottle feeding. Breast milk is nature’s solution for the baby’s digestive system. It contains the whole gamut of nutrients the baby needs. Formulas in the market try to satisfy these needs but they only get close. Plus, mother’s milk contains antibodies that safeguard the baby from many infectious diseases. Studies prove that breastfed babies are able to avoid certain medical problems, like high cholesterol and allergies.

Did you know that breastfeeding is also beneficial to the mum?  It helps to burn calories and shrinks the uterus. Nursing mothers can easily get their pre-pregnancy figure back. If you breastfeed, you will be less susceptible to ovarian and breast cancer too.

How is bottle feeding advantageous?

Bottle feeding can be more convenient for mothers, depending on their daily routine. It provides flexibility, especially as bottled milk can easily be stored. Breast milk digests faster than bottle milk, so it means having to breastfeed the baby every 2 hours. The feeding times will be few and far between with formulas, proving much needed rest for new moms. Then there’s the fact that some mums are more comfortable feeding their babies with the bottle in public. The father and other family members can take the responsibility of feeding the baby this way. You can even measure how much the baby drinks/eats, something you can’t do when breastfeeding.