How to Formula Feed a Preemie Baby
Have you chosen to formula feed your premature baby? If so, this is the article for you. Baby formula today comes in many varieties, so there's a lot of information you should have about how to properly feed your preemie. Read this article to learn about different formulas available, about proper nutrition for your baby, and how to make sure your baby is getting enough to eat.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- bottles, beginner bottle nipples, baby formula of your choosing, bottle brush, drying rack
Instructions
-
Choice is everything
-
1
Choose the type of formula to feed your baby, and make sure that you know what's most important to you. There are a lot of formulas on the market now that cater to specific needs. However, preemie babies need special care and feeding that will ensure that they grown in a way that is comparable to full term babies. There is a way to increase the calories of term formulas, but added calories aren't the only thing that preemie babies need. Most preemies can and should tolerate formula that is made especially for them. It will say "especially for prematurity" or something like this on the label.
-
2
Choose the type of bottle you'd like to use to feed your baby with. Many people have chosen bottles that are not made with Bisphenol-A because of the recent controversy surrounding the hormone altering chemical. If this is a concern for you, there are many alternatives. Research the bottles brand that you feel most comfortable with to make sure you are providing the best for your baby. The hospital will give you preemie bottles manufactured by the formula company, so you can continue to use these until your baby reaches about two months of age (after due date). They only hold about 2 ounces of formula, so once your baby exceeds this amount, you'll need to switch to a bigger bottle.
-
-
3
Choose the type of bottle nipple you will use for your baby. Most preemie babies need to begin with a slow bottle nipple, because their suck, swallow, breathe reflex is still developing. It's important to match the nipple speed with your knowledge of your baby's development. If you feel your baby can handle a faster speed, adjust your bottle feeding technique until you're sure your baby can feed comfortably.
-
4
Fortify your formula as instructed by the hospital. Formula is already 22 calories per ounce, but you can enrich this by making a more concentrated mixture. Whether you need to make 22, 24 or 26 calorie formula, ensure that the correct caloric content is reaching your infant by measuring the water to formula content according to directions given by your doctor or nurse. Sometimes it is advisable to make up 24 hours worth of formula so that you don't have to repeatedly mix and heat new formula.
-
5
Warm your bottle and feed your baby as instructed. It usually helps to hold the baby upright and control the speed and amount of formula your baby gets by tipping the bottle towards or away from baby's mouth. Hold a burp cloth or bib underneath the baby's chin to give chin support. Make sure to take breaks and give the baby time to swallow and breathe if you sense he or she is overexerting themselves.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Scrub your bottle well with a bottle brush and dry it on a drying rack so that bacteria won't grow in the bottle.
Resources
- Photo Credit www.sxc.hu
