5 Important Baby Feeding Tips

Feeding your baby is a beautiful experience that can be challenging at times. Should you be concerned if your baby is crying or spitting up? How do you know if your little one is latching properly? How do you choose the right infant formula? There’s a lot to consider. And since every baby is different, even seasoned parents can face hurdles when feeding their little ones. Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding, these tips can help give you some peace of mind.

Tip 1: Ensure baby’s formula is the right formula for them

If you’re using infant formula, choose the one that best aligns with your baby’s unique needs. While your pediatrician can provide personalized guidance on the optimal formula for your baby, here are some key nutrients to consider when making your selection:

DHA and MFGM, two nutrients found in breast milk that help nourish brain and eye development, as well as their immune health
Choline to support brain development
Calcium to support bone development

It’s also important to consider any specific feeding concerns, such as excessive gas or spit-up, constipation, or potential food allergies or sensitivities. There are baby formulas tailored to ease or manage these issues.

Tip 2: Check baby’s latch

While babies are born with the reflexes necessary for nursing, it can take some time for them to get the hang of it. A proper latch is crucial for ensuring your baby can nurse effectively and consume an adequate amount of milk. An incorrect latch may lead to insufficient milk intake and poor weight gain. It can also reduce milk supply, as production is closely linked to demand.

Helping your baby latch properly is key to successful breastfeeding. Here are some tips to make it a bit easier:

Bring your baby close to your breast, ensuring their chin hits your breast. Use cushions or a nursing pillow for extra support if necessary.
Encourage your baby to open their mouth wide by stroking their cheek or lips.
Position the lower lip well below your nipple to allow your baby to take a mouthful of breast.
If you experience pain, readjust the positioning.

A lactation specialist is an excellent resource for additional breastfeeding support.

Tip 3: Look out for baby gas and spit-up

Some gassiness and spit-up are expected in babies. Gas—those tiny air bubbles that develop in the stomach or intestines—are released through burps and flatulence. Spit-up is the gentle regurgitation of milk from a baby’s stomach. Both gas and spit-up are usually harmless, but there are times when you’ll want to call your pediatrician for guidance.

What to look for in a gassy baby

Gas is commonly a result of swallowing too much air while feeding, crying, or sucking on a pacifier. When gas builds up in the belly, it can be uncomfortable. Indicators of trapped gas may include:

Fussiness
Crying and arching back
Colic
Bloated belly
Pulling legs up to the chest

Burp your baby, do tummy time, and minimize air swallowing while feeding to help your baby avoid gas and release those air bubbles. While some gas is typical, contact your doctor if your baby exhibits any of the following indicators, which could indicate a potential cow’s milk protein allergy or other underlying medical condition:

Unexplained weight loss or lack of weight gain
Severe and persistent gas or fussiness
Reflux, diarrhea, green stool, or a rash

What is normal baby spit-up?

Spitting up, also called reflux, is when babies spit up one or two mouthfuls of milk or infant formula during or after feeding or burping. It’s common in healthy babies under 12 months old. Indicators of normal spitting up include:

Smaller amounts with burping
Larger amounts after overfeeding
Happens during or shortly after feedings
Does not cause crying

Typical spit-up is usually nothing to worry about, but talk to your doctor if your little one is spitting up profusely. If you’re using infant formula, they may suggest switching to one designed to help ease spit-up issues.

Babies are often unbothered by reflux, so if your baby is crying or colicky while spitting up, it could be an indicator that something else is going on. You’ll also want to ensure that your baby is not vomiting, which is a more forceful expulsion of stomach contents. If your baby is experiencing any of these issues, call your pediatrician. Vomiting can quickly cause dehydration in babies, and any of these issues could indicate a potential cow’s milk protein allergy, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or other health issue.

Tip 4: Find a comfortable feeding position

A comfortable feeding position is essential for both you and your baby. If you’re breastfeeding, two common nursing positions are the cross-cradle and football hold techniques.

Cross-cradle technique

Position the baby near your right breast with a pillow for support.
Use your left hand to guide the baby’s head and body, ensuring your bellies touch.
Hold your breast, lift the baby, and guide the latch as they open their mouth.

Football hold technique

Sit comfortably with your back supported, placing your baby on your lap facing your side.
Use one arm to support your baby’s back and legs, holding the base of their head.
Support your breast with the other hand, bringing it to your baby’s mouth for a wide latch.
Massage your breast after latching to express milk and secure the latch.

If you’re bottle feeding, here are tips for creating a comfortable and enjoyable feeding experience:

Choose a quiet, undistracted spot for bonding during feeding time.
Cradle your baby semi-upright, supporting their head and neck.
Use a pillow on your lap for added comfort.
Angle the bottle to allow your baby to control the flow while reducing the risk of choking.
Follow your baby’s cues, allowing breaks when needed.
Switch sides during feeding to give your arms a break and change your baby’s view.

Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, finding the right position that works best for you and your little one can take time. Experiment with different positions as you nurture your baby and enjoy special bonding time together.

Tip 5: Feed baby on demand

Feeding on demand means being responsive to your baby’s hunger cues rather than having a set feeding routine. Watch for cues such as:

Moving head from side to side
Opening their mouths
Puckering lips as if to suck
Bringing fingers to mouth
Nuzzling against your breast
Sticking out their tongue
Becoming extra wiggly
Crying and fussiness are later cues, so watch for earlier indicators your baby is ready for a meal to feed them while they are relatively relaxed.

The majority of infants typically require eight to 12 feedings a day. In time, your baby will likely set their own schedule, but always talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your baby’s feeding or nutrition.

Embrace those special moments nourishing your baby

Navigating the feeding journey with your baby is a rewarding experience that may sometimes feel daunting. But remember, there’s no perfect way to feed your baby. As you get to know your little one’s needs and preferences, you’ll both get more comfortable with the feeding process. Embrace these precious moments as you learn together.

Image Source: Freepik