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Breastfeed is best for your baby. The doctors also advise keeping your baby exclusively on breastmilk for up to 6 months. We all want to give our best to our baby. But in some situations, we need to introduce bottle feed to our baby. When babies are on bottle feed, there are no worries about catching any kind of infections. When using the formula we need to be extra cautious As external materials are included like bottles, nipples, etc. We want to avoid any bottle feeding mistakes while keeping our baby on formula.

So we need to make sure that they are safe to use before feeding to baby. The time when a mother shifts her baby from breastmilk to formula milk, there are many questions that linger in her mind. Like which bottle to choose, which formula will be good for the baby.If you are trying to introduce a bottle to your baby. You must make yourself aware of all the techniques of feeding.

Possible Bottle feeding mistakes.

• Cleaning of feeding bottle
• Feeding Position
• Mixing breastmilk with formula milk
• Not burping your baby after feed
• Misunderstood cry as a sign of hunger
• Not following the proper measurement
• Heating formula in microwave
• Use of tap water

Cleaning of feeding bottle

There is no need to say that mothers are extremely cautious about hygiene and cleanliness. But sometimes it is difficult to say whether the cleaning measures we are following are enough or not.

When it comes to cleaning of feeding bottle, only sterilization of the bottle is not enough. Cleaning of nipples from both outside and inside is equally important. Always wash your bottle with warm and soapy water and after that sterilize them. Also, clean your bottle cleaning brush with hot water. Do not use harsh detergents or chemicals for washing bottles. You can also consider buying bottle cleaning liquids. You can also invest in good sterilizers specially designed for bottles. They are gentle and specially designed for baby bottle wash.

Feeding Position

This is very important to take into consideration when bottle feeding your baby. Never feed your baby in a sleeping position. There is a high probability that your baby will spill out most of the milk. The milk may flow into the mid-ear canal that may lead to an ear infection. Keep your baby’s head in an elevated position while bottle feeding your baby.

Mixing breastmilk and formula milk

Mixing breastmilk and formula milk is strictly not advisable. It may lead to digestive problems in your baby. If you want to give both to your baby, you can do it by giving them an alternate during different feeds of the day. It also depends on how your baby reacts to both the milk. If you see any sign that your baby is not comfortable always consult your pediatrician for advice.

Not burping after every feed

The common bottle feeding mistake is not to make your baby burp after feeding. During the feed, your baby takes air bubbles which can trap in babies’ small tummies and cause them discomfort. Helping your baby in doing burp can make them comfortable and also leads to a night of good sleep.

It may possible that they won’t burp immediately after eating. But you can carry them around for some time and paying them can help in doing burp.

Misunderstood cry as a sign of hunger

It is very common, especially for new moms. Whenever baby cries don’t just run with a feeding bottle. If you feed him just 30 minutes ago then there are very minimal chances that hunger can be the reason behind his cry. Feeding more than what he needs can cause him discomfort. You can try to find the other possible sign like checking his diaper or your room lights that may also be the reason behind his cry.

Not following the proper measurement

Making formula too thick or adding more water than required. Both of these are not good. You should never guess the formula. Too much water can dilute the formula and your baby will not get proper nutrition, and also making it too thick can make them constipated.

Always follow the recommended ratio that is mentioned on the pack.

Heating formula in microwave

Heating formula milk is not advisable in the microwave. As microwave heat formula milk unevenly. It results in a hot spot. That can burn the baby’s mouth and throat. You can either mix the formula in lukewarm water or warm the liquid in a pan on a gas top.

Use of tap water

Never use tap water for making babies formula milk. Because tap water is not sterile. Always boil water and let it cool down. Then prepare formula milk. Using boil water for baby feeding is a safe option.