The Quick "How To" Guide for Bottle Feeding
Here are some simple tips to help you feed your baby and keep them safe and healthy.
The first thing is to ensure that you choose the formula that is age appropriate for your baby. The EU formulas come in different stages, with Stage 1 and PRE being for babies of 0-6 months, Stage 2 being for 6 months + and so on, as you transition through the stages. Our website always shows you the age for each of the formulas in the product name and description.
Buying Bottle Feeding Equipment
You will need several bottles, nipples, and a bottle brush, as well as sterilizing equipment, such as a cold-water sterilizer, microwave or steam sterilizer.
Simple bottles that are easy to wash and sterilize are best.
For the vegan formulas we recommend using the Dr Browns Y-cut nipples, as these have the fastest flow and work best for rice-based formula, due to it being more coarse than dairy formula.
Making Up Bottles for Your Baby
To keep your baby safe from harmful bacteria, bottles and nipples should be sterilized until your baby is at least 12 months old. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling sterilized bottles and nipples.
Beneath every product photo on this website, we provide preparation instructions and the feeding chart.
Always use the recommended amount of powder and water, and never add extra formula powder. Using too much formula can cause constipation and dehydration, and it may not provide your baby with the necessary nutrients they need.
How to Bottle Feed Your Baby
Bottle feeding is a chance to feel close to your baby and get to know and bond with them. Babies will feel more secure if most feeds are given by you, your partner, or their main caregiver.
- Make sure you're sitting comfortably with your baby close to you. Enjoy holding your baby, look into their eyes and talk to them as you feed them.
- Hold your baby in a semi-upright position for bottle feeds. Support their head so they can breathe and swallow comfortably.
- Brush the nipple against your baby's lips and when they open their mouth wide let them draw in the nipple.
- Always give your baby plenty of time to feed.
- Never leave your baby alone to feed with a propped-up bottle as they may choke on the milk.
- Gently place the nipple into the baby’s mouth. Keep the bottle in a horizontal position (just slightly tipped). This will allow the milk to flow steadily and help prevent your baby from taking in air.
- If the nipple goes flat while you're feeding, pull gently on the corner of your baby's mouth to release the suction.
- If the nipple gets blocked, replace it with another sterile nipple.
Remember that all babies are different, so don’t worry if they want to feed more often, or drink more or less than the recommended feed and volume. Your baby will know how much milk they need.
The rule of thumb is to feed your baby when they seem hungry and do not worry if they do not finish the bottle.
Your baby may take short breaks during feeding and may sometimes need to burp.
When your baby has had enough milk, hold them upright and gently rub or pat their back to bring up any wind.
Throw away any unused formula after you've finished bottle-feeding your baby and do not put it back in the fridge for later use.
After a Feed
If your baby swallows air while bottle-feeding, they may feel uncomfortable and cry. Hold your baby upright against your shoulder or propped forward on your lap. Gently rub their back so any trapped air can find its way out.
It's normal for babies to bring up a little milk during or after a feed.
Pretty soon your baby will be gaining weight and have plenty of wet and dirty diapers (enough said!) for you.
