How to Feed a Newborn Child

Parents learn early how to feed their newborns.

When newborn babies are welcomed home, many people think it's one of the greatest day of their lives. They'll get to see the baby seemingly grow up before their eyes and learn many of the values that they taught along the way. But with a baby come numerous responsibilities, not the least of which is how to feed the infant. Paramount is the decision of whether to breast- or bottle-feed the newborn, making sure that the choice fits the lifestyle and desires of the mother.

Instructions

1. Choose between bottle- and breast-feeding because there are advantages to both. On balance, a breast-fed baby will get more nutrients, particularly if the child gets its milk from his mother for at least six months. Once the child receives his first solid food, it's best to continue breast-feeding for the balance of the year or more. However, a mother's lifestyle may preclude her ability to breast-feed, or she may not find the process appealing. Those mothers should take heart that commercially produced formula is almost as nutritious as breast milk, and they know for certain the amount the child is getting. Besides, bottle-feeding affords the flexibility and freedom not present in breast-feeding, although it is quite a bit more expensive.

2. Follow certain procedures if you choose to bottle-feed your newborn. Be sure that you heed the manufacturer's instructions when making the formula. For instance, some formulas are ready for serving to your infant, so you're good to go after you simply heat it up. Others come in powder or concentrated form, so you'll need to add a certain amount of water to them. If your child doesn't finish all of the bottle, discard the remainder if it stays unrefrigerated for an hour or more. If you choose to heat the bottle in the microwave oven, test the heat of the formula by putting as few drops on your wrist because your newborn will blister if it is too hot.

3. Buy a breast pump if you decide to breast-feed your infant, particularly if you intend to be apart from your child for a part of the day. Switching from breast milk to formula is never a good idea because it will cause anxiety for your child. You should avoid the build-up of milk in your breasts resulting from not being able to breast-feed your infant. If you have a caregiver looking after your child in your absence, all the more reason you should keep plenty of your milk on hand.

References

• KidsHealth: Feeding Your Newborn