Rules for Artificial Feeding

Artificial feeding is one of the ways to feed a baby. It may be necessary for medical reasons or at the request of the mother. It is important to understand that artificial feeding requires compliance with certain rules that will help ensure healthy nutrition for the child and prevent possible problems.

1. Maintain cleanliness when preparing the mixture

Before preparing the mixture, you should thoroughly wash your hands and make sure that the utensils you will use are clean. Use a clean measuring spoon to scoop the mixture and dilute it with boiled water. Prepare the mixture for one feeding, as the mixture may deteriorate during storage. It is also important to prepare the amount of formula prescribed by the pediatrician. In the beginning, you can prepare 10-20 ml more, and when the baby’s diet improves, it will be easier to select the amount of formula for feeding.

2. Follow the feeding schedule

With artificial feeding, milk stays in the stomach longer than with natural feeding, so it is important to follow the feeding regimen. If the baby is worried 15-20 minutes before the scheduled feeding, you can slightly change the feeding time.

3. Warm the mixture

Before feeding, the mixture should be heated to 37-40° C. If you do not have a heater with a precisely set temperature, you can determine the temperature of the mixture by dropping a drop of the mixture onto the inner surface of your forearm. You shouldn't get burned and you shouldn't feel cold.

4. Choose the right pacifier

The hole in the nipple should not be too large so that the milk flows out in drops and not in a trickle.

5. Hold the bottle correctly

The bottle must be held so that the neck is filled with milk. Otherwise, the baby will swallow milk and air at the same time, which will increase the risk of regurgitation.

6. Don't leave your baby with a bottle alone

It is unacceptable to leave a baby alone with a bottle, as he may spit up and choke on milk.

7. Don't feed a sleeping baby

You should not feed a sleeping baby, as this may lead to choking on milk.

Cookware processing

After feeding, nipples and horns must be thoroughly washed and boiled for 30 minutes. Select a special container for boiling horns and nipples. To pour the mixture, you should use a special measuring spoon, which is usually found in the mixture packaging. The instructions on modern plastic bottles and pacifiers may have different numbers, but generally 30 minutes of boiling is sufficient to kill bacteria.

Artificial feeding is a responsible process that requires compliance with all rules and recommendations. Remember that feeding a baby is not only a process of obtaining nutrients, but also an opportunity to strengthen the bond between mother and baby. Choose a feeding time when you can give your baby your full attention. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician or lactation consultant.