Baby dribbles bottle feeding

4 Reasons Why Baby always Dribbles milk while Feeding I empiricalmama

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Are you worried about your baby dribbling milk from the corner of the mouth rather than drinking? Here are reasons and what you should do if the baby always dribbles milk while bottle or breastfeeding.

Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding a baby, there is a learning curve for both mom and baby.

Some babies are born with skills to latch on or bottle feed from day one, while others take days to master the skill of breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

It is concerning for new mothers to see their baby dribbling milk from the corner of the mouth while feeding rather than drinking.

Are they not getting enough to eat? Are they hungry all the time? – are some of the questions you start asking yourself.

In this article, we talk about possible reasons your baby always dribbles milk while bottle or breastfeeding and tips on how to stop the baby from dribbling milk so your baby gets more milk in the tummy and not on the burp cloth.

Table Of Contents

Why does Baby always Dribble milk while feeding?
Baby Always Dribbles Milk while Breastfeeding
- Tongue-tie
- How to identify if your Baby has Tongue-tie?
Oversupply of Breast milk
Baby Always Dribbles Milk while Bottle feeding
- Tongue-tie
- Wrong size nipple
- The way you bottle-feed your baby
How to Stop Baby from Dribbling milk while Feeding?
- Get tongue tie corrected
- The Solution for Fast Milk Flow/Oversupply of breast milk
- Try Different Nipple Size and shape
- Paced feed your Baby
Baby always Dribbles milk while Bottle or Breastfeeding: Conclusion

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Why does Baby always Dribble milk while feeding?

In general, babies are messy eaters whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Therefore, you always need to have a burp cloth or washcloth prepped up before you begin feeding your baby.

Even when they master the skill of feeding when they are a little older, they still dribble milk from time to time.

So, your baby dribbling milk may not be the cause of concern other than a simple laundry problem.

But when you see your baby dribbling milk each feeding over the days or weeks, you may worry about whether they are getting enough to eat.

If they are dribbling a large amount of breast milk or formula at each feeding, they are not swallowing enough milk to keep up with their early age growth requirement.

One of the medical reasons your breastfed or bottle-fed baby is always dribbling milk while feeding is tongue-tie.

Babies with tongue ties have restricted tongue mobility, making it harder for them to latch on to the breast or bottle correctly. And this will result in babies leaking milk from the corner of their mouth rather than getting enough to eat.

Let’s look at possible reasons why a baby always dribbles milk while breastfeeding and bottle feeding in detail.

Baby Always Dribbles Milk while Breastfeeding_{Photo by ?? Janko Ferlič on Unsplash}

There are two main reasons why breastfed baby always dribbles milk while breastfeeding.

Tongue-tie

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a medical condition that some babies are born with. An unusually short and thick band of tissue tethers the bottom of the tongue’s tip to the bottom of the baby’s mouth, restricting its movement.

So, babies with tongue-tie have difficulty latching on to the breast correctly while feeding cause milk to dribble from the corner of the mouth.

Getting the baby to latch properly on the breast is the first step for successfully breastfeeding a baby, followed by a coordinated suck-swallow-breathe pattern once a proper latch is achieved.

But babies with tongue-tie have difficulty sticking their tongues out, affecting the way they swallow breast milk. This restricted tongue movement will cause milk to dribble milk from the corner of the mouth.

So, if you think your baby dribbles milk while breastfeeding or nursing because of tongue-tie, talk to your pediatrician or lactation consultant. They will evaluate the baby’s mouth anatomy and suggest a course of action.

Tongue-tie is a very common condition among newborns, and it can be fixed by a small surgical procedure.

How to identify if your Baby has Tongue-tie?

In addition to baby dribbling milk while nursing, tongue tie makes breastfeeding difficult.

Breastfeeding requires a baby to keep their tongue over the lower gum while sucking at the breast. If they cannot keep the tongue in the right position, they will bite or chew on the nipple rather than suck on it.

This will cause significant pain, and you will be able to judge that something is not right while breastfeeding.

And because a baby with tongue-tie is dribbling milk while nursing and getting enough nutrition, they will fail to thrive.

Newborns are required to meet certain growth expectations by they are a few weeks old. For example, in the first 4-5 days after birth, the baby loses 5-10% of their birth weight, but by the 2 weeks, they regain it.

So, if you notice your baby not gaining weight at about 2 weeks and has fewer wet and soiled diapers, it is an indication that your baby might have tongue-tie.

Oversupply of Breast milk

If you think your baby’s moth anatomy is not a problem for your baby dribbling milk, you might want to check your milk supply.

Some mamas have an overabundance of milk supply due to engorgement, or they are naturally blessed with it.

Oversupply of milk or fast let-down will frustrate your baby at the breast as they can not handle the milk flow, resulting in the baby dribbling milk from the corner of the mouth or making clicking sound while feeding.

Oversupply of breast milk is frustrating for mothers as they will need to unlatch and latch their baby every time they have let down while nursing to make it manageable for their babies.

Here are some of the indications of oversupply of breast milk

Engorgement or breast feel full all the time
Baby biting on the nipple to stop the milk flow
Baby latching and unlatching repeatedly
Baby chokes on breast milk
Clogged milk ducts, milk blebs, or mastitis
Overactive let-down
Baby dribbling milk to manage the milk flow in the mouth

Baby Always Dribbles Milk while Bottle feeding

Tongue-tie and flow of the milk are two common reasons why a baby dribbles milk while bottle feeding.

Whether you are feeding expressed breast milk or formula in a bottle, if your baby can not handle the milk flow or has a tongue tie, they are likely to dribble milk while bottle feeding.

Tongue-tie

As mentioned earlier, tongue-tie is a medical condition where a thick piece of tissue is tethered between the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth, making it difficult for the baby to suck while feeding.

So, even when feeding on the bottle (which is comparatively easy for babies to get milk from than breasts), they can’t suck properly from the nipple. And this will lead to dribbling milk from the corner of the mouth while bottle feeding.

Wrong size nipple

Newborn babies are not used to the fast flow of the nipple. So, if you are not using a newborn nipple for your baby, they will get frustrated with milk flow and dribble milk while bottle feeding.

Nipple comes in varying shapes and sizes, and depending on your baby, you need to choose the size of a nipple.

The way you bottle-feed your baby

Just like breastfeeding, you also need to learn how to bottle feed. It is not as easy as it seems. The way you hold the bottle makes a big difference in how fast the milk flows from the nipple.

So, if you are holding the bottle in a vertical position in your baby’s mouth, your baby will get more milk from the milk that they can’t handle, resulting in dribbling milk while feeding.

In addition, before you decide that your baby is dribbling milk from the corner of the mouth while feeding, check how you assemble the part of your bottle after washing.

Sometimes, you might not have assembled the nipple and other parts of your anti-colic bottle (which requires special attention during assembly), causing milk to spill over the place while feeding rather than from your baby’s mouth. It happens! (It’s a mom thing).

It is also possible that the baby is dribbling milk because they do not like the taste of breast milk or you have accidently given them spoiled breast milk.

Related Read

Why Baby Squirms, Cries, or fuss while Bottle Feeding? (Bottle-feeding Problems and Solutions)
Why Baby’s Gas Smells like Rotten Egg or Sulfur?

How to Stop Baby from Dribbling milk while Feeding?

It is frustrating for moms to see their baby dribbling milk rather than consuming it, as we all want our babies to get maximum goodness of the last drops of our precious breast milk or formula for them to strive.

So, when they are always dribbling milk while feeding, here is what you need to do to stop them.

Get tongue tie corrected

If your baby is not gaining enough weight and has been diagnosed with tongue-tie, you need to get your baby’s tongue tie corrected surgically.

It will improve their daily feeding experience and prevent speech and dental-related problems later in life.

The Solution for Fast Milk Flow/Oversupply of breast milk

If you think you have an oversupply of breast milk, you need to adjust your milk supply to make it manageable for your baby. Here is what you need to do,

Pump some milk or hand express some milk before breastfeeding your baby
Put your baby to the breast after first you have had your first let-down
Unlatch your baby when you have a letdown while nursing. Catch the excess milk leak from the letdown onto a towel, and once let down, slow latch your baby again.
If you think you have an overabundance of milk supply, apply cabbage leaf to your breast to reduce the amount of breast milk you are producing. However, talk to your lactation consultation before trying to reduce your milk supply.

Try Different Nipple Size and shape

Using a smaller nipple size will help stop the dribbling of milk as it will control the flow of the milk into the mouth at a time.

And if your baby has difficulty latching on to the nipple you are using, try changing the shape of the nipple to a more ‘breast-like nipple’ to reduce spills.

Paced feed your Baby

Paced bottle feeding is an approach to bottle-feeding a baby physiologically similar to breastfeeding at the breast.

In paced bottle feeding, you hold your baby in an upright/reclined position (like you do while breastfeeding) and hold the bottle horizontally so milk from the bottle is not pouring into the baby’s mouth.

Paced bottle feeding allows the baby to control the milk flow and set the feeding pace, thereby minimizing spilling milk from the mouth.

Paced bottle feeding also reduced gas and colic in bottle feed baby. Check out the detailed article on how to paced bottle feed a baby here.

Baby always Dribbles milk while Bottle or Breastfeeding: Conclusion

I hope this article helped you figure out why a baby always dribbles milk while feeding. Usually, tongue-tie is the main medical reason for a baby dribbling a large amount of milk from the corner of the mouth.

If you suspect that is the case, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant and get it fixed. All the other reasons for baby dribbling milk while feeding can be easily fixed once you know the cause.

Good much, Mama!

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Baby Always Dribbles Milk (Nursing, Bottle Feeding, or Both)

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Babies are constantly learning and growing in every aspect of their lives – including in basic skills such as eating. While most babies can drink milk or formula immediately after birth, some little ones seem to always lose their milk out the side of their mouth as they’re eating.

Although your baby’s leaking milk can be caused by conditions such as tongue-tie or problems with the nipple size or assembly that you’re using, some babies who dribble milk are simply messy eaters. If your little one seems to be getting enough food (he’s growing well and peeing on schedule), then his milk dribbles shouldn’t be a concern.

If your baby seems constantly hungry and still dribbles most of his meal while eating, there may be a problem. Keep reading to learn about the most common reasons for babies to dribble milk, and for tips on how to help.

Table of Contents

Baby always dribbles milk when feeding

It can be a real pain if your baby leaks their meals all over the place. Not only are you worried that your precious little one might not be getting enough to eat, but you’re having to manage the piles of milk-soaked laundry. And if your child has been dribbling milk for weeks, you may even begin to worry that there might be something wrong.

While some babies are just messy eaters, there can also be underlying issues at play causing milk dribbling. Tongue-tie is one such problem and results in restricted tongue mobility that can make it hard for a baby to form a proper latch on the breast or bottle. Another common problem is the speed at which babies are given milk.

In breastfed babies, mothers with an oversupply of milk may be producing more than their baby can swallow at any given time. In bottle-fed babies, a large nipple size might be flooding the baby’s mouth with too much milk.

If your baby constantly dribbles large amounts of milk when feeding (whether they’re breast- or bottle-fed), you may want to consult with their pediatrician or a lactation consultant to see if your child might have a tongue-tie. If their mouth anatomy seems normal, then it might be worth switching up feeding methods by trying new nursing positions or switching nipples if bottle feeding.

Is baby getting enough milk

One of the biggest worries with milk-dribbling babies is that they might not be swallowing enough food. It can be particularly difficult to tell how much milk your little one is drinking if you’re breastfeeding.

Generally, if your baby seems content after eating and is gaining weight as predicted, they’re eating enough. In contrast, if your baby seems extra sleepy and isn’t gaining weight as expected, they might not be getting enough milk.

Signs that baby is getting enough milk

If your baby appears to be growing and developing fine, then it’s likely not a problem if she’s also dribbling milk.

If your baby is getting enough milk, she may:

Nurse or eat frequently and on a consistent schedule
Seem content and happy after eating
Gain approximately 5.5-8.5 ounces of weight per week until 4 months of age
Clearly swallow while breastfeeding, or empty a bottle
Fill diapers with light-colored urine on a consistent schedule
Appear alert and active, and meet developmental milestones

While it can be frustrating to lose so much breastmilk or formula (not to mention deal with the additional laundry), it should be comforting to know that your little one is still happy and healthy.

Signs that baby isn’t getting enough milk

If your baby isn’t swallowing enough milk, she may:

Seem extra sleepy or even lethargic
Sleep more than 4 hours at a time
Take a very brief or very long time nursing or working at a bottle
Consistently fall asleep while feeding
Have a shallow or painful latch while nursing
Gain less weight than expected (5.5-8.5 ounces per week is normal)
Have dark urine or dry diapers

If your child doesn’t seem to be getting enough milk, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician or lactation consultant right away. If you’re ever concerned about your baby, trust your instincts and seek medical care.

Breastfed baby dribbles milk when nursing

When breastfed babies dribble milk while nursing, there are two main culprits: tongue-tie and oversupply.

Tongue-tie affects your baby, essentially restricting the mobility of their tongue so that it’s hard for them to get a good latch on the breast (hence, the leaking milk).

Oversupply occurs in the mother when she produces more milk than her baby needs, leading to her baby spluttering, gasping, and dribbling milk.

Tongue-tie

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenulum (the part of the mouth that anchors the tongue to the mouth floor) is extra tight or short.

Though it may not seem like a big deal, a tongue-tie can restrict tongue mobility and be of particular concern in babies. Breastfeeding requires careful coordination of a baby’s mouth muscles in order to latch, suck, and swallow effectively, and tongue-tie can hamper that motion, leading to difficulty latching and/or swallowing quick-flowing breast milk.

A baby with a tongue-tie will likely dribble milk while attempting to feed, an occurrence that can be uncomfortable for both baby and mother. While it is possible for babies with tongue-tie to breastfeed, they may experience more difficulty with the process than they might otherwise.

Oversupply

‘Oversupply’ refers to an overabundance of breast milk produced by a mother – much more milk than her baby needs.

Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, and having extra breast milk doesn’t actually mean a better-fed baby. Instead, the flow of breast milk can be hard for the little one to process. It can be a bit like drinking from a firehose for the baby, and can lead to difficulties with nursing.

Some signs of oversupply include:

Baby may cough, choke, or splutter while nursing
Baby may be restless during feeding
Feedings may be short and frequent
Mother might have a strong, forceful milk release
Mother’s breasts might always feel full, or refill quickly after a feeding
Frequent plugged ducts or mastitis
Baby may ‘dribble’ milk while eating

Baby always dribbles milk from a bottle

Babies can dribble milk from bottles just as they do while nursing, and the culprits are often similar: tongue-tie and extra milk flow.

Tongue-tie

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenulum (the membrane that secures the tongue to the bottom of the mouth) is too tight or short.

Tongue-tie can restrict tongue mobility, which can make it difficult for a baby to master the complex action of drinking from a bottle. A baby with tongue-tie may dribble milk while feeding.

Milk flow is too fast/strong

While bottles can be a convenient way for babies to eat, they can sometimes be too convenient. Babies can only swallow so much milk or formula at a time, and if the flow out of their bottle is too fast or strong, it can cause problems.

Each bottle brand has a different speed of milk flow, which can make it tricky to tell exactly how much milk is entering your baby’s mouth per second. And each baby has a different limit for what constitutes a ‘comfortable’ speed.

Nipple too big

One way to control the milk flow in a bottle is through the nipple size.

Different brands have different variations in size, but most begin with a ‘preemie’ or ‘newborn’ level and go on up from there. There are often guidelines for when to use which size nipple, but the ranges can vary, and each child is different. A too-big nipple on a bottle can lead to a strong flow of milk that might be too hard for your baby to keep up with.

When your baby can’t swallow all the milk that enters their mouth, the excess will dribble out the side.

Anti-colic nipple incorrectly assembled

Anti-colic nipples can work wonders by minimizing the amount of air a baby swallows while drinking, helping to reduce gassy bellies. The catch?

In order to keep the bottles and nipples clean, they come apart. And if they aren’t reassembled correctly, then milk or formula can leak all over the place.

Some of the most popular anti-colic nipples are manufactured by:

Phillips Avent
Dr. Brown
Comotomo
NUK
Playtex
MAM

How to keep baby from dribbling milk

While some babies are just messy eaters, you don’t have to resign yourself to endless cycles of laundry just yet.

If your baby has a tongue- or lip-tie, look into correcting it. If you’re bottle-feeding, try a different nipple size or shape, check the bottle assembly, or switch up the position you use to feed your baby.

Tongue and lip tie correction

If your baby has been diagnosed with tongue- or lip-tie (thickened mouth membranes that restrict movement) you can look into a surgical correction.

While surgery isn’t often necessary, it can help improve breastfeeding, especially in cases where the baby isn’t gaining weight properly. Surgical correction can also prevent dental or speech problems later in life.

Try a different nipple size

Smaller bottle nipples can help reduce dribbled milk by limiting the amount of milk flowing into a baby’s mouth at one time.

A too-large bottle nipple is one of the most common causes of dribbled milk, so this is one of the best solutions to test out first.

Try a different nipple shape

Some brands have differently shaped nipples that might work better for your messy eater.

Babies need to latch onto bottle nipples just like they do while breastfeeding, and mixing up the shape of the nipple can lead to a better latch (and fewer spills!)

Ensure anti-colic nipple correctly assembled

Yes, putting back anti-colic nipples can be complicated, but it’s important to double-check that they’re assembled properly.

The seals in the nipple should be air (and liquid) tight, otherwise, you’ll have unwanted spills.

Bottle feed baby sitting up

Drinking while lying down is just plain hard, even for babies.

If your baby is dribbling milk, try feeding them a bottle while they’re sitting up. Keeping a baby upright during feedings can also reduce gas and colic in addition to minimizing milk dribbles.

How to properly bottle feed

Feeding your baby is not only an important process for healthy growth and development, but also a way to establish close emotional contact with the baby and build trusting and loving relationships. The transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding should be carried out after the mother and the child are fully prepared for this. We are talking about both the moral aspect, and about choosing the right bottle and getting adults the necessary skills so that eating brings only positive emotions and benefits to the baby. In this article, we will talk more about how to properly bottle feed your baby and where to start.

How to prepare your baby for bottle feeding

If this method of feeding is a completely new experience for the baby, or if parents decide to bottle feed their baby from a very young age, slow flow nipples should be preferred. So you protect the child from the possibility of choking while eating. Over time, you can gradually switch to bottles with nipples, which would provide faster and more intense feeding.

Feeding bottle selection and daily care

All baby accessories should be kept clean and sterilized regularly and thoroughly.

There are several ways to sterilize dishes:

select the appropriate mode when using the dishwasher;
or place the bottle and teat in a vessel of boiling water for 5 minutes.

Before using this method of cleaning the bottle, make sure that the material it is made of can be exposed to high temperatures. Since some types of plastic contain various chemicals in their composition, after sterilization they can become dangerous for their little user. For this reason, experts recommend choosing glass bottles.

The need for thorough cleansing of everything that the baby will touch is caused by the fact that in the first months of life, the child's immune system is just beginning to strengthen. Before sterilizing the teat, it can be cleaned with dishwashing detergent. There are special products for washing children's dishes, without a strong odor and with a safe composition.

How to bottle feed your baby

Before starting a meal, mom or dad should wash their hands well with soap and warm running water. Particular attention should be paid to the area between the fingers and under the nails. The hand washing process should take at least 20 seconds. And after carrying out this hygienic procedure, hands should be wiped dry with a paper towel or clean towel.

The next step is to prepare for the meal. If you plan to fill the bottle with formula, then dilute it with water in accordance with the instructions in the instructions. Improper proportions can lead to dehydration or bloating. It should also be remembered that for the preparation of the mixture you need to use only clean drinking water.

Breast milk is the most beneficial for a newborn. Despite this, pediatricians advise breastfeeding babies for as long as possible. Even if the mother is ready to give up breastfeeding, milk can be expressed into a bottle and gradually accustom the baby to the nipple. If, for one reason or another, the mother does not have the opportunity to feed herself, then the only alternative is feeding with a special mixture.

In the first six months after birth, cow's or goat's milk or its substitute in the form of soy milk should not be included in the baby's diet. Valid options for supporting healthy development of a newborn are breast milk or formula milk only.

What temperature should the bottle filler be? Under no circumstances should the bottle be heated on the stove or in the microwave. If the temperature of the bottle and its filling exceed 37°C, the baby may be burned. It is recommended to use special bottle warmers. If this is not possible, then use the following method:

put a saucepan on the stove with a little water;
bring the water to a boil, then remove the pan from the heat;
place a bottle of milk in a vessel and heat it up to 37◦С;
check the temperature with a pre-cleaned thermometer or a special device for measuring the temperature of foodstuffs.

You can also check the temperature of the ready-to-use bottle as follows:

turn the bottle over;
drip several times into your wrist area.

In this way, you can check not only the temperature of the milk or formula, but also how well the liquid flows out of the bottle. If you have to shake or squeeze the bottle hard to drip, the nipple is blocked and needs to be cleaned out. If, on the contrary, the filler pours out when the bottle is turned over, this means that the nipple is damaged and another nipple should be used to feed the baby, having previously sterilized it.

How to bottle feed your baby lying down

There are several techniques for feeding your baby. However, it is the feeding of the child lying down from the bottle that young parents consider the most comfortable. It is worth noting that eating in this position will only be safe when the baby's head is slightly raised. Otherwise, the child may simply choke. In the prone position, the child should be placed on his arm bent at the elbow. After feeding, you should place the baby in an upright position, taking him in your arms and putting his stomach to your chest.

Make sure that the feeding bottle is closed correctly: the ring at the connection of the nipple to the bottle must not be too tight. Air must enter the bottle, otherwise a vacuum will be created there, which, in turn, will complicate the consumption of food for the child.

How to bottle feed without spitting up

Since the newborn is not able to fully control the process of feeding, along with milk, he can also take in air. This may be the reason that at one meal the child could not master the planned portion. In view of this, it is recommended to take small breaks during feeding.

As soon as you notice that the baby has stopped sucking on the pacifier, is tired or thoughtful, pick him up in your arms and press his face towards you, holding his head and back. To help burp excess air, you can make a light massage between the shoulder blades, pat on the back or pope.

The air will quickly rise up and the baby will burp it without any extra effort. However, you should be prepared for the fact that, along with the air, part of the consumed mixture or milk may also return. Therefore, before taking the baby in your arms, cover yourself with a diaper, because it will be easier to wash it than clothes.

Never leave your baby alone with the bottle or let him fall asleep while using it. After eating, mom or dad must help their child burp. This will help to avoid colic, bloating and other manifestations of stomach discomfort.

Where to buy baby accessories

It's safe to say that I Love Mommy online store is one of the best places to buy baby food. Our catalogs feature products from world-famous brands, the quality of which you will not have to doubt for a minute. Bottles, baby dishes, pacifiers, baby bibs - all this and much more you can buy for your son or daughter from us at affordable prices in just a few minutes.

Bottle feeding | Canpolbabies.com

Find out how to bottle feed your baby safely, how to help your baby feel safe while feeding, and how to set feeding times based on your baby's needs.

The most important thing is to choose the right position when feeding

When bottle feeding, avoid lying down as the milk flows out of the bottle under the force of gravity (at a constant speed controlled by alternating pressure on the nipple).

An infant may choke on milk if fed in a horizontal position. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right - more upright - position for feeding (the baby's head should always be slightly higher than the rest of the body).

Your baby's head should be in the crook of your arm, in line with his spine. The bottle feeding position should resemble the natural feeding position - especially when you feed him with two different feeding methods.

Remember:

Never leave your baby alone with a bottle as they may choke
Never let a baby sleep with a bottle in his mouth

How to give your baby a bottle

Put the bottle in your baby's mouth so that it forms a right angle with his face. Your baby should not encircle the entire nipple with his lips, but only its oblong part, while the lips should rest against the rounded part. The oblong part should always be full of milk. Otherwise, the baby will swallow a lot of air during feeding, which can cause colic. Air bubbles in the bottle mean your baby is suckling properly.

Emotional connection

Young children need parental love and affection. Your closeness helps him feel safe. Therefore, it is very important to talk affectionately with the baby as often as possible, hug and stroke him. Feeding is the best time to build an emotional relationship with your baby.

This is very easy to do when you are breastfeeding because you are already in physical contact with each other. However, bottle feeding also allows you to be closer to your baby as he feels the warmth of your body. Bottle feeding also allows other family members - the father, brothers and sisters to get closer to the child, since not only the mother can feed the baby in this way.

Calm emotional background

Never feed your baby when you are irritated or tense. Take some time for yourself first, take a deep breath and try to relax. When you have calmed down, sit in a comfortable chair, place a pillow under your arm, place your baby on the pillow, and start feeding while speaking gently to your baby. Your child feels your emotions. If you are tense, he will also feel restless. Also, never feed your baby when he is excited, crying or screaming. When he is in this state, his airways are not protected and food can enter his larynx instead of his esophagus.

Feeding by the hour

Formula milk is not as easily digested by the baby's stomach as breast milk, so according to generally accepted rules, it should be given every 3 hours.

Some pediatricians say it's best to give your baby formula on demand, that is, when the baby is hungry. In their opinion, it is better to feed the child than to wait another hour and keep him in suspense because he wants to eat. However, you still need to control the number of feedings and your baby's weight gain.

During the first month of life, the baby should eat > 7-8 times a day, 90-100 ml for each feeding, in the second month of life: 6-7 times a day, 100-120 ml for each feeding. During the first six months, the baby should gain approximately 150-200 g per week.

Feeding breaks

When your baby suckles milk from a bottle, he also swallows air. Therefore, he may feel full even before he drinks half the bottle. When feeding a child, breaks should be taken every few minutes to allow the baby to take in air - after such a break, he should ask for food again. During feeding, hold the baby in an upright or semi-recumbent position for a while (sometimes even for several minutes) to give him the opportunity to release air accumulated during feeding from the digestive tract. Help the child by holding him on your shoulder, putting his hands on your back. Bend and spread his legs a little.