Feeding an infant can come with a set of challenges. The techniques and tips for breast feeding infants and formula fed infants are different. In addition, there are several ways to burp your infant after feeding. When your baby is ready to start solids, there are even more considerations.
Formula Feeding
Formula feeding requires planning and preparation, states Kids Health, a website by Nemours Children's Health Systems. Always prepare formula as stated on the formula container. After feeding your baby, discard any leftovers. In addition, throw away any prepared formula left unrefrigerated for more than an hour. If you prepare formula ahead of time, ensure you will be feeding it to your infant in less than 24 hours. Warm formula just before feeding, but do not use the microwave, as microwaving bottles causes the formula to heat unevenly, creating hot spots that may burn your baby.
Breast Feeding
The Baby Center website explains that the more you breast feed, the more milk you will produce. If you are having trouble producing milk, having your baby nurse helps increase the flow. Try to feed your baby when he is hungry. Look for signs such as increased activity and alertness, and rooting behavior. When breast feeding, maintain a healthy diet, anything you eat is passed along to your baby. Be sure to limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume.
Burping Tips
The Kids Health website explains that babies get fussy after swallowing air while nursing or bottle feeding. Burping your baby helps prevent fussy behavior. Burp your baby when you switch breasts, when breast feeding , or every two to three ounces when bottle feeding. If your baby is fussy during feedings or gassy, try burping more often. You can burp your baby by holding her upright with her head on your shoulder, sitting on your lap with your hand supporting her chin, or laying face down on your lap. Be sure to gently pat your baby on her back no matter which position you choose. If your baby does not burp after a few minutes, try a new position.
Introducing Solids
Lucile Packard's Children's Hospital's Infant Feeding Guide recommends feeding baby cereals as your infant's first food, and then adding vegetables before fruits. When feeding your baby a new food, always serve it by itself, and wait a week before adding any other new foods. This helps you determine if your infant has any allergies to certain foods. Be sure to carefully wash, seed and pit fruits and vegetables if you make your baby food at home. In addition, do not add sugar and salt. Do not give infants under one year cow's milk or honey.
No comments:
Post a Comment