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How to Bottle Feed a Baby
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of your baby's life, because of the many benefits that breastfeeding can offer your baby. However, breastfeeding can be a challenge for some mothers, and for those who face this challenge, this article will help you understand all about bottle feeding.
From wanting to resume work to being unable to produce enough breastmilk for the baby’s needs, there are several reasons why a mother may decide to introduce a baby to bottle-feeding. This article discusses all a new mother needs to know about the nuances of introducing a bottle to her baby.
Video: How to Bottle Feed a Baby?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emG0G24GeVg
When To Introduce A Bottle To A Newborn?
Lactation experts recommend that a mother wait to introduce the bottle to her baby until breastfeeding is completely established and the baby has learnt to latch on perfectly. Based on your schedule or the baby’s need for extra nourishment, you can introduce the bottle to your baby. It takes a baby at least 2 weeks to be accustomed to feeding from a bottle.
Selecting a Feeding Bottle for Your Baby
Choosing the right bottle for the baby is important. If your baby is very young, then start with a slow-flow bottle. Once the baby is accustomed to the flow it is time to introduce a bottle with normal flow. The best feeding bottles are ones which are BPA (bisphenol-A) and EA (oestrogen activity)-free bottles.
How Much and How Many Times You Should Bottle Feed Your Baby?
Initially a bottle-fed newborn will start by drinking 30-60 ml milk like breastfed babies. After 2-3 days the baby's requirement may increase to 60-90ml. Also, feeding the baby every 3-4hrs is recommended initially. Babies tend to sleep in between feeds for 4-5 hrs, but it's important that you wake the baby up every 5 hrs for a meal. After the first month your baby will increase her intake to 120 ml or so and will need to be fed every 4 hours. This will gradually increase to 180-240ml, 4-5 times a day till she reaches the 6th-month mark.
Should You Combine Breastmilk and Formula?
Combining breastfeeding and formula-feeding is the perfect way to ensure that your baby gets the best of both. If you plan on returning to work, then substituting a few breastfeeds for bottle feeds and later breastfeeding the baby at night will create a good balance.
Here are few tips to on how to combine breastmilk and Formula:
You can drop your daytime feeds slowly and introduce bottle-feeds. Doing this gradually will prevent your milk supply from reducing drastically and also prevent breast engorgement.
Feeding breastmilk early in the morning and in the evening provides your baby with plenty of nourishment.
When you are at home it's better to offer breastmilk first and supplement with formula after the feed if necessary.
Also it is not a good idea to mix breastmilk and formula in the same bottle as the mixture may spoil.
Sterilising the Feeding Bottles
It is important to sterilise feeding bottles and all their attachments until the baby is 1 year old to keep infections at bay. Here are few tips on how to sterilise feeding bottles:
1. Washing Feeding Bottles
After every feed, bottles, teats, and any other feeding equipment must be washed with hot soapy water and rinsed well.
Keep aside a cleaning brush only meant for the feeding bottles and a smaller brush for the teats. Reverse the teats and wash them with hot soapy water Instead of strong detergents use regular liquid soap or a baby-specific liquid soap.
Remember to rinse all the feeding equipment with cold water to make sure there isn't any soap left on it.
2. Sterilising a Feeding Bottle
Here are a few ways in which you can sterilise feeding bottles:
Traditional boiling method - Sterilising feeding equipment with boiling water is the oldest method. Boil the feeding equipment in water for 10 mins. Make sure all the equipment is submerged in water. Do check the bottles and teat regularly as boiling them at high temperatures may lead to damage.
Microwave or Electric steriliser - Feeding equipment can also be sterilised in the microwave or an electric steriliser. You will need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions of the feeding bottle steriliser and follow them. Make sure all the bottles and teats are facing downwards inside the machine, and the equipment is left inside only for the recommended time.
Sterilising Solution - You can also use sterilising solutions available in the market. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Just make sure all the equipment is fully submerged in the liquid.
3. After Sterilising
It's best to leave the feeding bottles in the steriliser until needed. If you are following the boiling method, then remove the bottles and close them up with the teats and lid until needed. Make sure you wash your hands before touching the bottles.
Best Way to Warm a Feeding Bottle
Babies tend to get a bit fussy if their favourite food isn't served up the way they prefer it. Here are few tips on what is the best way to warm a feeding bottle:
1. Using a Bottle Warmer
All you need to do is fill water into the bottle warmer, fit the bottle in place, switch it on and 4-5 mins later you will have a perfectly warmed bottled ready for the baby.
2. Using a Bowl of Warm Water
Fill warm water in a deep bottle and place the feeding bottle with the teat open. Make sure you don't leave it for more than 10-15 mins to avoid bacteria growth.
3. What to Avoid
Avoid using a microwave to warm a feeding bottle. This will heat milk unevenly and create a hot pocket of milk which is dangerous for the baby.
Avoid warming the same feeding bottle twice, because when milk is boiled and left to cool, bacteria starts to breed. Hence its best to discard the milk and make a fresh batch for the next feed.
Signs That Indicate That Your Baby is Hungry
Keep an eye on the baby’s hunger cues. Just like breastfed babies, bottle-fed babies show cues like rooting response, suckling, searching for the breast and also smacking lips.
If your baby is bottle-fed then you have an exact idea of how much milk your baby is drinking. Here are few signs which indicate that your baby is hungry:
The baby should be fed at least 6-8 times a day on an average. Your baby will also regularly ask for feeds.
You will be able to hear baby swallowing milk once she has latched on properly and the milk has let down. Your baby stops drinking and immediately detaches when she is full.
How to Know That Your Baby is Drinking Comfortably?
Sucking milk from the breast and from a bottle requires different mouth and tongue movements. Hence, the baby will need some time to get adjusted and be able to swap between the two easily. Here are few tips on how to bottle feed a breastfed baby:
Pick the bottle best suited for baby.
Get someone else to the feed baby because she needs to get used to being fed by someone other than you to get them adjusted to your unavailability.
If you are supplementing with formula, start with small amounts and always after a breastfeed. This way the baby will have time to adjust to the change.
Give your baby time to adjust. There may be instances baby may not drink much milk during the day and wake up for a breastfeed at night.
How to Bottle Feed a Baby?
Feeding time is the best time to bond with your baby. Here are few tips for bottle feeding a newborn baby:
Always feed the baby in an almost upright position, that is, while cradling the baby in the crook of your arm. This not only makes it easy for the baby to drink without gagging, but also ensures eye contact while feeding.
You can also feed baby in a sitting position, where the baby is sitting in your lap and you are holding the bottle in front.
While feeding, always tilt the bottle so that the nipple is filled with milk and has no place for air; this will reduce chances of gas.
There isn't any perfect way or bottle feeding. Any of the above methods is fine as far as the baby isn't sleeping or lying on her back while feeding from a bottle.
Bottle Feeding Problems
Like breastfeeding, bottle-feeding too has its own problems. Here're are few you may come across while bottle-feeding your baby:
If the bottles are not sterilised well your baby can catch infections that may lead to diarrhoea or vomiting.
Wrong feeding position may make your baby gag while feeding, especially if you feed the baby in a sleeping position.
Feeding bottles tend to have trapped air, which, in turn, makes the baby gassy. Regular burping in between feeds can minimise this. Dress your baby in clothes which are loose around the tummy.
Always hold the baby upright after a feed to avoid spit ups.
Advantages of Bottle Feeding
The next best alternative to breastfeeding is bottle-feeding. Bottle feeding has both advantages as well as disadvantages. Let's take a look at the advantages:
When a baby is bottle-fed, you can measure exactly how much milk the baby is consuming.
Bottle feeding enables other members in the family to feed the baby. This not only encourages a bond with the other family members, but also gives the mother a much-needed break.
Mothers who exclusively bottle-feed need not worry about their diet.
Mothers who bottle-feed can get back to their pre-pregnancy habits earlier.
Disadvantages of Bottle Feeding
The disadvantages of bottle feeding are:
Though formula does have nutrients that help the baby grow healthy and strong it lacks some nutrients that help boost brain growth. Breastmilk provides immunity and is fortified with iron.
Breastmilk is also easier on baby's digestive system and the body can break it down easily.
Mothers who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
Bottle feeding can be inconvenient during night feeds, as waking up and preparing a bottle can be strenuous when compared to the simple method of breast feeding.
Weaning From Breastmilk to Bottle Feeding
Transitioning from breast to bottle may take time but it will eventually happen. Here are a few tips which are sure to make weaning less traumatic and stressful for both mother and baby:
It's best to start weaning a month or two before your target date. This will give you both enough time to settle into the change. Start the process gradually so that you don't end up with painful engorged breasts.
Start with the feed that baby least enjoys, like mid-morning or mid-afternoon, and substitute a bottle for the breast once in a day, to help baby get used to it.
Save their favourite breastfeeds like early mornings and late nights for some snugly time together. It also helps if the person who is bottle-feeding isn't mommy because when mother’s milk is readily available, the baby might refuse the bottle.
Pain and engorgement are unavoidable when you start weaning the baby. Your breasts produce milk on a demand-supply basis, ant it will take time for your body to get into sync. Express some milk to reduce the engorgement, but don't empty your breasts, as this will send a signal to the body to make more milk.
Is It Ok to Store Feed in Fridge for Later Use?
Formula milk which has been kept outside for more than 2 hours should be discarded due to bacterial growth. Unused formula milk can be stored in a bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
While some women choose to bottle-feed because of personal preferences or because they plan to return to work, others need to do so owing to medical constraints. Whatever the reason may be, following these simple tips is sure to ensure a smooth transition for both the mother and the baby.
Also Read: Bottle Feeding Problems and Solutions Read more
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Hole in Baby's Heart - Types, Causes and Treatment
The human heart is the organ responsible for regulating the flow of blood in our bodies. Sometimes babies are born with a defective heart or more appropriately a defect in the structure of their heart. This defect has an adverse effect on the function of the heart and in turn, adversely affects the proper flow of blood.
The human heart comprises of two sides divided by a wall also known as the septum. There are two simultaneous processes that the heart performs with every beat. Every heartbeat results in oxygen-poor blood flowing into the right side of the heart that is in turn pumped by the heart into the lungs. Blood rich in oxygen is pumped by the left side of the heart into the body. The inner wall or the septum keeps the oxygen-rich blood separate from the oxygen-poor blood by forming a physical barrier between the different sides of the heart.
In this article, we take a close look at congenital heart defects types, their causes and available treatments.
What are Holes in the Heart?
Sometimes babies are born with a hole in the inner wall or the septum, these holes connect the separate chambers of the heart and interfere with the manner in which blood carries oxygen to and from the heart.
In simpler terms, holes in the heart are referred to as congenital heart defects. With advancements in medical knowledge and technology in terms of diagnosis and treatment, children diagnosed with congenital heart defects can survive and grow to live a normal life since these defects can heal on their own in due time. The baby hole in heart survival rate is exceptionally high given the expertise available now.
Types of Holes in the Heart
An atrial septal defect or ASD is when the hole is in the upper part of the septum and between the two upper chambers in the heart. If the hole is in the lower septum between the two lower chambers it is known as a ventricular septal defect or VSD. In case of an ASD or a VSD the blood from two different chambers in the heart intermix resulting in some oxygen-poor blood being pumped into the body instead of the lungs and some oxygen-rich blood being pumped back into the lungs instead of the body.
1. Ventricular Septal Defect
The two lower chambers of the heart are called ventricles. Ventricular septal defect in babies can be described as a hole or an opening in the septum that separates the left ventricle from the right ventricle. This hole or opening results in the flow of oxygen-rich blood from the left to the right ventricle. Under ideal circumstances, the oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle should flow into the body via the aorta when this does not happen it is a case of ventricular septal defect or VSD.
Possible Causes
Medical science has no definitive answer with regards to the causes of a baby born with a hole in the heart or congenital heart defects and for the most part, doctors don’t know why these complications develop. There are, however, certain probable causes for the same. The first of these probable causes is that congenital heart defect may be hereditary. It has been observed that parents with congenital heart defects are more likely to pass on this complication to their child. Genetic disorders have been known to cause congenital heart defects, Down syndrome, for example, is a genetic disorder, it has been observed that more than half the children born with Down syndrome suffer from congenital heart defects. Tobacco abuse is also known to cause VSD in babies particularly if women indulge in smoking cigarettes while pregnant.
Signs of VSD in Babies
A routine check-up during the first few weeks of life could identify VSD. When blood flows between the left and right ventricles it produces a unique sound or vibration known as the heart murmur. The murmur associated with a VSD is unique and the doctor would identify it as opposed to a murmur caused by other factors.
In case of moderate to large VSD’s babies may breathe faster than usual and show signs of exhaustion while feeding.
Babies with VSD’s tend to break into a sweat or start crying while being fed.
Babies with VSD’s May display slower weight gain.
Diagnosis
If a heart murmur is noticed then the doctor may direct you to visit a paediatric cardiologist.
A paediatric cardiologist will study the child’s medical history and conduct a medical examination.
The cardiologist may ask for a chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram which tests the electrical activity of the heart.
The cardiologist may also ask for an echocardiogram which creates an image of the heart using sound waves, this test will also reveal vital information such as the structure of the heart, blood flow through the chambers of the heart, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels.
If additional information is required a cardiac catheterization may be performed to measure the level of blood oxygen in the heart and the blood pressure.
Complications
Large VSD’s can cause heart failure in children since the left side of the heart is pumping blood both into the right ventricle and the body, the additional effort by the heart increases the heart rate and the body’s need for energy.
Retarded growth may be observed in babies with VSD as they are not able to feed enough to meet the additional energy requirements of their body.
Irregular heartbeats and scaring of the blood vessels in the lungs.
VSD Treatment in Infants
Doctors will recommend high-calorie formulas and breast milk supplements to meet the extra energy needs of a baby’s body who is suffering from VSD.
In the event that a VSD does not heal naturally by the age of one year hole in heart surgery for babies may be recommended.
Surgery is also advised if the child needs to be kept on medication to prevent heart failure or is failing to gain weight.
Caring for VSD Baby
In case of a baby diagnosed with a small VSD and displaying no symptoms, the occasional visit and check-up by a cardiologist would suffice. Oral hygiene should be maintained for children with VSD’s as bacteria from the mouth may enter the bloodstream and cause an infection in the inner linings of the heart. Antibiotics may be administered by doctors to children with VSD before any medical or dental procedure to avoid infections in the heart. A regular visit to the paediatrician is recommended for children with VSD’s in order to check for normal growth and development. Play and other activities should be initiated only as per the instruction of the doctor.
2. Atrial Septal Defect
The two upper chambers of the heart are called atriums. An atrial septal defect in infants can be described as a hole or an opening in the part of the septum which keeps the left and the right atrium separate. This hole or opening results in the flow of oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium into the right atrium. Under ideal circumstances, the oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium should flow into the body and not back into the lungs, if it doesn’t it is an atrial septal defect or ASD.
Causes
The probable causes of ASD are similar to the probable causes of VSD as mentioned above.
Atrial Septal Defect Symptoms in Babies
The symptoms of ASD include:
Breathing difficulties and shortness of breath.
Babies with ASD tend to be tired and lethargic and tire easily when physically active.
Accumulation of blood and fluids in the lungs.
Accumulation of fluids in feet, legs and ankles.
Diagnosis
If a heart murmur is noticed then the doctor may direct you to visit a paediatric cardiologist.
A paediatric cardiologist will study the child’s medical history and conduct a medical examination.
The cardiologist may ask for a chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram which tests the electrical activity of the heart.
The cardiologist may also ask for an echocardiogram which creates an image of the heart using sound waves. This is a primary test for an ASD and will also reveal vital information such as the structure of the heart, blood flow through the chambers of the heart, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels
Complications
In case of an ASD, the right side of the heart is forced to work harder and may eventually result in right heart failure.
Irregular heartbeats on account of an enlarged right atrium.
Blood clots may not be filtered out by the lungs and may travel into the body and block blood flow in arteries resulting in a stroke.
ASD Treatment for Babies
Babies with ASD should be taken for periodic check-ups to check if the ASD has healed naturally.
With children between two to five years of age still suffering from ASD, doctors may recommend a surgical procedure to eliminate the condition.
Caring for ASD Baby
While in most cases ASD’s will heal normally, small ASD’s that do not cause symptoms don’t need any extra care and attention. A regular visit to the paediatrician is recommended for children with ASD’s in order to check for normal growth and development. Play and other activities should be initiated only as per the instruction of the doctor.
Congenital heart defects including both ASD’s and VSD’s tend to heal on their own. Advances in medical science and technology have greatly improved the diagnosis and treatments of congenital heart defects. Read more
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Best Gift ideas for 1-3 year old baby (any gender)
Gifting is not an easy task specially in this era when parents buy everything for their child before even it's meeded. So what to gift "to your relative's son or daughter" or "to friend's kids" Or "birthday gifts" is the big question when we go to visit them or go to the birthday parties. Here are some ideas which are simple but useful -
Bathing kit : a gift hamper with all bathing necessities like cartoon print towel, bathrobe, baby shampoo- lotions, toothbrush set etc. You can even customised the towel and bathrobe. These items can be added or removed as per the budget.
A good night hamper - a gift set with a nice baby print bedsheet set with a comfy night dress and story books. Here also add or remove as per the budget.
Educational gifts - A standing black board, or a small white board with abacus and alphabets, Picture books, board books etc.
Kids furniture - A study table or a cute little stool or table chair set can be good options.
Collage frames - Lite up the room with cute little baby pics and there are various photo frame options to decorate the house. So this can be a good gift idea.
Wall clocks - There are amazing cute wall clocks for the kids room which can be a nice gift.
Art and craft - there are various colours kits are available. You can choose based on your budget. Art and craft tables are also nice. Many companies have their ready kits for the craft with unique ideas like Fevicol Or pedilite DIY kits.
Travelling companions - A small travel trolley bag, a pram or a baby carrier or stroller etc can be a good companions for easy travelling with babies.
Hope all these ideas will help you to buy a perfect gifts. Enjoy. Read more
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. Is it okay if my baby does not pass stool for one day?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. no need to worry about the frequency and colour of the stool if the consistency of the stool is semi solid to solid.
also there is no need to worry about the smell of the stool if the consistency is normal.
you have to meet the doctor if it is watery inconsistency or hard consistency otherwise semi solid to solid stool is normal.
also passing stool after taking food is normal. r
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
3 hours ago
Q. Q.Asktheexperta# I m an expecting mother of 29 yrs. LMP 10 Feb 2024 . my husband's HPLC report shows thalassemia minor trait while mine is hb d Punjab trait . can we continue with this pregnancy ??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Well you should check with your gynaecologist for that she has to go through all the reports and the issues that you are facing you and your husband and accordingly she can tell you what is the situation how your child is going because lot of things depend upon how the child is growing
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
1 hour ago
Q. Hi doctor, I had scan on 33 weeks 2 day, it stated that AC and HC Is <2.3% which is corresponding to 31 weeks. So overall growth of baby avg is 31 week and 2 days.
will there be any issue with the baby.I have attached my report
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
47 mins ago
A. For the query asked needdhs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. I am having pain on my right breast while breastfeeding. Latching position is correct. it is a mix of burning sensation and pain. Pain lasts for few minutes after breastfeeding also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. nipcare ointments ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
1 hour ago
Q. When baby movement starts??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
48 mins ago
A. 5-6 months ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
51 mins ago
Q. hello dr..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
48 mins ago
A. the levels are on the lower side. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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