While breastfeeding is best for your baby is doesn't suit everyone. Formula milk has been specially designed to mimic breastmilk and is available in either ready-to-use cartons or powder form that you mix with water.
To help make bottlefeeding a time for you and your baby to enjoy and bond over we've put together some top tips on dos and don'ts:
DO make yourself as comfortable as possible, then cradle your baby in a semi-upright position on your lap, holding her with your arm. If you want to, hold her close, next to your skin.
DON'T hold the bottle too flat or your baby will gulp in air rather than milk, causing her to get windy and uncomfortable. Make sure the bottle is tilted at enough of an angle so the teat is full of milk.
DO remember to hold your baby in a more upright position than if she was being breastfed. It might help to put a pillow on your lap to raise your baby up when she is small.
DON'T leave your baby unattended when bottlefeeding, even when she can hold the bottle herself. She could choke on the milk.
DO hold your baby so her face is about 20-25cm from yours, in a position where you can make eye contact. This will help the bonding precess. Try talking to her as well.
DON'T hold the bottle at the end, as you won't have as much control. Hold it around the neck and remember that most babies have a very strong sucking motion, so you'll need to hold on tightly!
DO check the temperature of the milk in your baby's bottle before feeding. Squirt a few drops on the top of your hand - it should be body temperature
DON'T keep leftover milk once you've fed your baby. Throw away any remaining within the bottle within an hour. Never reheat milk, as it is no longer sterile and can become a breeding ground for germs
