New parents are often overwhelmed with anxiety when it comes to feeding their newborns. You’ll want to be sure that you’re using the most appropriate type of formula for your baby’s age, the correct amount of water, and they’re being fed at a time that they’re most hungry.
It might take some trial and error to find what works best for your little one, but in the meantime here are some tips on how to properly feed your newborn! Here are some things you need to know.
Baby Bottles
Make sure you have the correct size bottle for your newborn. You also want to make sure that it is thoroughly cleaned with hot water and soap before every use so no bacteria build-up. Make sure the nipple has not been previously used and you can even use a baby bottle maker that will sterilize a clean baby bottle, nipple, and ring in just 3 minutes! Make sure you buy the right type of formula for your baby too. You can either go with ready-to-feed, or you can choose to go powder and then add it to freshwater that is also at an appropriate temperature.
Eating Schedule
Newborns eat often in small amounts. They usually need several feedings every 24 hours. Some newborns can eat up to 12 times in 24 hours. It all depends on the type of baby that you have. If your little one is crying, screaming, or very fussy for no reason – it may be time to feed them.
Burping
After you’ve fed your newborn and filled their tummy with a nutritious meal, it’s a good idea to burp them. If you’re not sure how to properly do so, ask your doctor or nurse for instructions. You can even pick up some special techniques from the internet. Feeding is very important during their first couple of weeks so be sure to always have clean bottles and nipples ready in case they’re hungry.
Cleaning/Sterilising
Once you’ve fed your newborn, make sure any utensils and appliances are cleaned and sterilized to avoid bacteria from being passed on to your brand new addition to the family. You also want to be sure that freshwater is nearby so that you have a good supply of clean water to give your newborn as well during their first several months.
Understanding When Your Newborn Needs To Eat
Your newborn will let you know when they are hungry. They will typically cry or make other noises that indicate they need to be fed. Make sure that you’re checking the bottle’s temperature before giving them formula, and if it’s too hot, wait for it to cool down. If your baby happens to finish their entire feeding, burp them and put them down for a nap. As they get older, they’ll be able to eat larger amounts at one time so you won’t need to feed them as often. This will allow your baby more freedom, but will also require you to utilize the correct formula for their age.
Everything You Need To Know About Baby Formula
But what if you can’t breastfeed your newborn? Or perhaps you cannot produce enough of your lactation to adequately nourish them? If this is the case, then the baby formula is an ideal option for feeding your newborn. Here are some things you need to know about baby formula:
- Baby formula contains all the nutrients that babies need during their first year of life. It’s pasteurized so it doesn’t have any risk of contamination or illness related to bad bacteria.
- Most formulas contain cow’s milk, soy protein, and other vegetable oils.
- Make sure to not open the box until you need it. You want to buy a new box about a week before so that if any problems arise, you have some time to contact the manufacturer and exchange it for a different one. Sometimes opened baby formula can be returned, but this is up to your store’s policy.
If there’s any chance of contamination or spoilage, never use a container of infant formula. Throw it away immediately and purchase another container from your local retailer. Never mix partially used containers together as the bacteria from each container might interact with one another and cause illness in your newborn – or worse yet, death! Baby formula is designed specifically for babies who cannot get enough nutrients from breast milk alone. It is designed to help your baby grow into a healthy little one that can explore the world around them. Make sure that you’re using it properly and following all directions before feeding your newborn for the first time.
Burp Cloths
When you feed your newborn, it’s a good idea to have a few burp cloths nearby. Babies tend to spit up a lot like their first months of life progress. You can purchase these from most retailers or even pick some up from an online retailer that specializes in baby products.
What You Need To Avoid When Feeding Your Newborn
Make sure you avoid feeding your newborn anything that they should not eat. Never give them hard candy, dried fruit, or other sweets because this could be hazardous to their health. As they get older, you will be able to start incorporating many different types of foods into their diets but for now, stick with the appropriate baby food options. As long as your baby is properly fed and healthy, both of you will grow to love the experience of nurturing your little one during those first few months after bringing them home from the hospital.
Feeding your newborn can be a challenge at times, but it’s important to always have clean bottles and nipples on hand just in case. Make sure you’re using the correct type of formula for your baby, and that you properly prepare it before feeding them. If you’re worried about the cleanliness of your baby bottles and feeding utensils, make sure you use a special bottle maker that will sterilize all three things in just 3 minutes. Properly burping your newborn after they’ve been fed is also very important as well! Be sure to check with your doctor or nurse for more detailed instructions on how to properly take care of your newborn. If you’re concerned, don’t be afraid to ask!
