How to Bond with a Bottle-Fed Baby During Feedings

While breast-feeding is widely considered the best option for your infant's nutrition, there are many situations that don't allow for that. So, how do you bond with your bottle-fed baby without the physical connection? Just follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Create a feeding routine for baby so that you both know what to expect at what time.
2. Inform other members of the household when those feedings times are and explain that during that time you are not to be disturbed.
3. Set up a quiet area that you can use for every feeding, i.e. a rocker in the baby's room. Consistency is important.
4. Keep the room dim and comforting, as most newborns sleep after their feedings.
5. Look into baby's eyes while you are feeding him/her. If you have one hand free to move a little, stroke their hair and skin.
6. Use this method everyday at all feedings and it will become routine and much desired in no time. While it takes months before babies recognize their parents visually, they can sense familiarity.