We’ve heard the saying “breast is best”, and while there’s plenty of good reasons for that saying, there are times it’s not best for mom.
New mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their babies, but for many reasons, it doesn’t always work out.
Many new moms have problems with lactation and can’t produce enough milk.
Lack of maternity leave can be the reason new mothers in the United States turn to the ease and convenience of formula.
As the only first world country that doesn’t offer paid maternity leave, new mothers in the United States return to the workforce sooner than they would like.
They’re forced to cut their time breastfeeding their babies short and use formula to help when they’re away.
There’s no wrong way to be a mom, and there’s no problem with switching to formula.
When you do decide to make the switch to the best organic baby formula, you, like many other new mothers, need to know the ins and outs of bottle feeding.
It’s a whole different ball game compared to breastfeeding.
These tips and tricks from moms that have been there and done that are going to turn you into a bottle-feeding formula pro!
For Bottles, Watch Out For BPAs
A buzzword that’s been going around for a while is BPA, or Bisphenol A.
It’s a chemical typically used as a lacquer for plastics but has been found to leach into the bloodstream – and stay there for years.
Some studies have found links between BPA and effects in newborns, although more tests are being run every day.
It’s safe to say you don’t want BPAs anywhere near your bundle of joy.
Check your bottles to make sure they’re free of this additive.
Although plastics are convenient on the go and durable, you may consider switching to glass.
Size Matters
While each baby has different preferences, changing bottle size can be a good idea for both mommy and baby.
Narrow mouth bottles are hard to clean but might be easier for you to hold on to during feedings.
Wide mouth bottles are easier to fill with the best organic baby formula of your choice and make it easier for baby to drink.
While you’re at it, don’t waste your money buying four or five-ounce bottles when an eight-ounce bottle will do the trick.
Sure, it ‘might seem a little awkward to bottle feed a newborn from a larger bottle, but they’ll grow into it quickly.
If you’re a new mom, you might not know that nipple size matters too.
Newborns suckle from nipples with smaller holes, and the holes get bigger as your baby grows.
If your baby seems like they’re struggling to get formula out or are pulling hard on the nipple, it might be time to switch to a larger hole.
Work The Angles
Bottle feeding is a wonderful opportunity for bonding between baby and mommy.
Is there anything sweeter than holding your tiny angel and gazing into their eyes?
When you’re breastfeeding, there’s little concern on the angle of your breast, but you have to be a bit more careful with bottle feeding.
Make sure baby is propped up, not flat on their back.
If the bottle is too high, too much fluid will go to baby’s mouth, but if it’s too low, baby might suck down more air than formula and get gas.
Make sure the nipple is always full of formula to prevent air bubbles from becoming a problem.
Baby needs every drop of the best organic baby formula you’re feeding them.
Getting Gassy
Every new parent learns quickly that gas can cause tummy troubles for our little ones.
You can minimize that in a few ways.
When you mix the best organic baby formula with water, stir, never shake. Shaking produces the bubbles that cause so many troubles.
Loosening the ring on the bottle cap will also help minimize gas.
Make sure you take burp breaks or maybe do some bicycle legs during feeding.
Becoming Baby’s Bartender
Just like a pro bartender can craft the perfect cocktail, you need to learn how to whip up the perfect bottle.
There are a few tips and tricks that make the experience easy.
Always add water before you add formula since it’ll be hard to measure the correct amount you need if the formula is sitting in there.
Also, keep a close eye on measurements since the formula will displace the water.
For example, if your baby routinely drinks five ounces of formula, add four ounces of water and then the formula.
It should even out to the amount you need; plus you can always add more water.
You’ve chosen the best organic baby formula and don’t want to spill even a little of it.
That can be an issue if you’re just using the scoops that come in the tins.
Purchasing a formula dispenser can make life so much easier.
Formula dispensers measure out perfect portions and get every bit into the bottles with ease.
And as we mentioned before, always stir the formula and don’t shake it which creates bubbles.
If You Can’t Breastfeed, Mimic The Experience
While your baby is suckling on a bottle or your breast, there are a lot of neurons firing inside their adorable noggin.
Believe it or not, while they’re peacefully feeding, they’re learning and growing.
Gazing into their eyes is a great way to stimulate brain growth, but here’s a trick you might not have considered.
When breastfeeding, moms will naturally switch sides.
Try this trick when bottle feeding to nurture brain development and their eye contact skills.
You’ve chosen the best organic baby formula to give them the very best in life and help them grow the right way.
This technique takes it a step farther.
Never Microwave A Bottle
Microwaves are convenient – for adults. Baby’s bottle should never, ever be microwaved.
If you do that, you run the risk of burning their delicate mouth.
After microwaving, the bottle itself might feel cool but there are “hot spots” in the formula itself.
The best way to heat a bottle is to place it in a bowl of warm water and wait for it to heat up.
Test the formula on your most delicate skin, the inside of your wrist, to be certain the formula is the right temperature.
Most babies prefer lukewarm or room temperature formula.
Water Matters
Tap water is fine for the most part, but if you have any concerns about what you add to the best organic baby formula you’re using, you’ve got options.
There’s specific nursery water you can purchase, or purified water from your local grocery store.
If having a bunch of gallons of water around sounds inconvenient, get a filter.
You can have a filter pitcher ready to go in your fridge or get a filter for your faucet.
Deal With Detractors
There’s a strong pro-breastfeeding community, and that’s great.
But it becomes a problem when they start to judge you for bottle feeding.
Every mother’s experience is different, and you have every right to choose to feed your baby the best organic baby formula.
It’s sad that this has to be a tip on the list but expect a bit of judgment from those who are a bit overzealous about breastfeeding.
Start a conversation about your choices; talk about each other’s experiences and you might both learn something new.
As long as your baby is happy and healthy, you’re on the right track.
Go With The Best Organic Baby Formula
This one is the major key to the whole bottle feeding thing.
New moms in the US might be shocked to find out just what exactly is in American-made formulas.
Refined sweeteners, synthetic preservatives, filler chemicals – yuck!
By contrast, organic European formulas, like Hipp formula or Holle, are held to much higher standards.
If you’re expecting organic European formulas to be hard to get and prohibitively expensive in the states, it’s time to visit Formuland.
Shipping out of California, they’ve got all the major brands and will help you pick out the one that’s best for your baby.
When you’ve decided to go with formula, also go with Formuland, your one-stop shop for the best organic baby formula.
