CHOOSING NIPPLES

These rubber and silicone subs come in a variety of contours all claiming to imitate the natural action and shape of mother's breast. None do! Orthodontic- type nipples insert farther back into baby's mouth, allowing a more natural milking action of the tongue, but inconveniently require a "which way to turn the nipple" decision. Be sure baby sucks on the widened base of this nipple, not just the tip. The expandable nubbin-type nipples are designed to elongate during sucking but only if baby opens his mouth wide enough and sucks hard enough to draw the nipple farther in. Most, however, only suck on the protruded part. This nipple should be avoided for the breastfeeding baby, who may learn lazy latch-on habits from it. The easiest is the standard bulb-type with a wide base that best allows baby to form a tighter seal.

For the full-time bottlefeeding baby, simply experiment with various types of nipples to see which one works best for your baby. If baby is both breastfeeding and bottlefeeding, use a nipple with a wide base.

To lessen the rubbery taste of an artificial nipple and to sterilize them, boil for five minutes before first use. To avoid baby's choking on a nipple, carefully follow the manufacturer's caution advice on the package. If the nipple becomes cracked or torn, discard it. Some nipples come with a variety of hole sizes to fit the type of liquid and the age of the baby. The nipple hole should be large enough for the formula to drip at one drop per second when you hold a full, unshaken bottle upside down. Larger nipples and nipple holes are available for older babies.

Source : askdrsears.com

How to Introduce a Bottle to a Baby

By eHow Parenting Editor

Whether you plan to breast-feed and pump or offer formula, introducing a bottle to a baby is a great way to include others in child care. Fathers, grandparents and siblings will enjoy feeding the baby and mom will enjoy the much needed break!

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby Bottle Nipples

• Baby Bottles

• Baby Formulas

Step1

Warm bottle of breast milk or formula appropriately.

Step2

Check speed of fluid coming out of nipple by turning bottle upside down. If more than a few drops come out slowly, change the nipple.

Step3

Offer the first bottle a little earlier than normal feeding time, so hunger does not cause frustration as baby tries to master sucking a bottle nipple.

Step4

Touch baby's cheek with the nipple of the bottle, stimulating the rooting reflex and helping baby to bring her mouth to the nipple.

Step5

Tilt bottle with bottom up so that the nipple is completely filled with milk or formula and air swallowing is minimized.

Step6

Rest baby's head against your arm, so that neck is supported and head is held straight to facilitate swallowing.

Step7

Watch for fussiness or obvious discomfort while drinking - baby may need burping.

Step8

Respect baby's appetite and her cues that she has had enough. She will drink as much as her body requires.

Step9

Include other important caregivers, such as father, grandmother and childcare provider, in the bottle feeding experience.

Step10

Cuddle baby while feeding, just as when breast-feeding.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of your positioning and your comfort. Switch arms if needed.

• If offering a bottle to a newborn and also breast-feeding, be aware of "nipple confusion." Consult with your child's health care provider or a lactation specialist if you have any concerns about baby's confusion between the bottle nipple and the real thing.

• Avoid propping the bottle or giving baby a bottle while lying in a crib. This poses a choking hazard and may also trigger ear infections.

Another Tips :

If you want your breast-fed baby to take a bottle, make sure:
1. To introduce it at 3-4 weeks, no later.
2. To keep offering the bottle at least once every other day. A baby who takes the bottle at 4 weeks may not at 10 weeks if she has not had it regularly in between.
3. If your older (>4 weeks) baby refuses the bottle, offer it as something for the baby to explore. Distractions are helpful: try it in the car, outside, or even in front of the tv. NEVER force it on the baby.

Source : ehow.com

How to Heat a Baby's Bottle

By eHow Parenting Editor

Whether they take breast milk or formula, some babies prefer having their bottles warmed up. It takes off the chill and generally helps infants accept the bottle.

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby Bottle Nipples

• Baby Bottle/food Warmers

• Baby Bottles

Step1

Dispose of any clear plastic bottles and replace them with opaque ones, since some studies have indicated that chemicals may leach from plastic bottles made out of polycarbonate.

Step2

Defrost breast milk if necessary, either by thawing it in the refrigerator overnight or putting it in a bowl of warm water for half an hour.

Step3

Warm a bottle of either formula or defrosted breast milk by submerging it in a bowl or pan of warm (not boiling) water, by running the bottle under warm tap water, or by using a commercial bottle warmer, available at baby stores.

Step4

Test the temperature of the milk or formula in the bottle by shaking a few drops onto your inner wrist. It should feel tepid, not hot.

Step5

Continue warming the milk or formula until it's the desired temperature.

Step6

Some babies also like to have the nipple of the bottle warmed; run it under warm tap water or submerge it in a pan of warm water for just a few seconds. Test it on your inner arm to make sure it's just warm, not hot.

Tips & Warnings

• To make life more convenient when you are out and about, you may want to start introducing a bottle closer to room temperature - so your baby does not grow accustomed to always having a nice, toasty bottle.

• Avoid microwaving formula or breast milk; it distributes heat unevenly in the bottle.

• For your baby's safety, never reuse formula or breast milk once you've heated it. Bacteria may have formed in the liquid.

• Check the expiration date before using any formula. Throw away outdated formula, and don't reuse leftover formula, which can harbor harmful bacteria.

Source : ehow.com

How to Choose the Right Baby Bottle

By eHow Parenting Editor

Choosing the right baby bottle is not as simple as you might think, but with a little research and experience, you'll find the right match to keep everyone happy.

Step1

Consider plastic versus glass.

Step2

Use bottles with disposable liners for convenience, if the idea of routinely sterilizing bottles does not appeal to you or if you know you will be traveling with baby.

Step3

Avoid gas problems by using a few different options: collapsible, disposable liners that keep the nipple filled with liquid; reusable bottles with an anti-vacuum nipple design; bottles with a vent on the bottom; disposable bottle systems with built-in burpers; or angled bottles that keep nipple filled with liquid.

Step4

Consider reusable bottles with removable bottoms or wider shapes, if your scrubbing skills leave something to be desired.

Step5

Opt for an angled bottle that helps baby feed in a semi-upright position if you're concerned about potential ear infections.

Step6

Familiarize yourself with latex versus silicone nipples. Latex nipples are softer, which may appeal to a newborn, but not as durable. Silicone nipples tend to be more firm and last longer.

Step7

Note the different nipple shapes and features available: preemie, round top, orthodontic, flat-topped, traditional, nipples that elongate, and one-piece nipple and collar sets.

Step8

Start out with slow-flow nipples rather than variable flow.

Step9

Familiarize yourself with bottle accessories that fit onto breast pumps, if pumping.

Step10

Be aware of bottle shape and how easy it will be for your baby to hold. Some have handle accessory pieces, flat sides for easier gripping and compact shapes.

Tips & Warnings

• If you like a plastic polycarbonate bottle (and many parents do) take the FDA's advice and don't overheat with formula or breast milk. A chemical called bisphenol-A may leach from polycarbonate plastic bottles when they're heated for more than 20 minutes at 212 degrees F.

• Select a bottle and buy a few different types of nipples, as your baby may have a distinct preference for one type.

• If you are certain which bottle system you want to use, consider registering for a bottle system kit or set, which includes all you will need to start out bottle-feeding your baby.

• Check nipples frequently. When there is any sign of wear or if they feel extra soft, they are a choking hazard.

• eHow Inc. cannot guarantee manufacturers' claims concerning the benefits of bottle design or production materials.

Source : ehow.com

How to Avoid Sore Nipples While Breast-Feeding

By eHow Parenting Editor

One major complaint of many new mothers is the nipple soreness that can sometimes occur during the early weeks of breast-feeding. There are many ways to minimize this problem and to make the nursing relationship easier and more comfortable for mother and baby.

Things You’ll Need:

• Nursing Bras

• Nursing Pads

• Lanolin

Step1

Work on the latch! If your baby latches on incorrectly, unlatch him carefully by gently breaking the seal with a fingertip, then get him latched on again. This can be frustrating at first, but even one nursing with a bad latch can cause soreness.

Step2

Tickle the baby's chin or lower lip to make sure his mouth opens wide, then pull him tightly to your body. This should help him get latched on correctly.

Step3

Rub a few drops of your own milk into the nipple after each feeding, and allow to air-dry if possible. This will help to keep your skin from becoming chapped.

Step4

Use pure lanolin to soothe your nipples if you do begin to get sore.

Step5

Insert a soft cotton nursing pad if your nursing bra chafes your skin; this will catch leaks as well as protect your nipple.

Step6

Spend as much time as possible completely uncovered. It's important to let air circulate around your nipples, since infections thrive in a moist environment.

Tips & Warnings

• If your baby nurses roughly, especially at the beginning of each feeding, keep your little finger near his mouth to unlatch him quickly if he begins to hurt you, then relatch him again. He will learn quickly that he needs to nurse "nicely" to keep the milk flowing!

• If you need to work on your baby's latch, try to get him latched on when he's just waking up, before he becomes frantic with hunger. This can mean less frustration and discomfort for everyone.

• Sleep on a towel or wear a light, loose T-shirt if you want to let the air get to your body at night. This should absorb any milk that may leak while you sleep.

• Avoid using any creams or ointments other than lanolin (or a few drops of your own milk) on your nipples, unless you clean them very carefully before each feeding.

• If you experience severe pain or cracked or bleeding nipples, or if you find white spots on your nipples or in your baby's mouth, see your doctor immediately and contact a lactation professional or La Leche League leader.

Another tips :

I got some good advice about sore nipples, which I want to pass on. Even if you're OK with breastfeeding in general, now and then nipples might start to hurt, with a sharp pain, sometimes like a cutting pain, that gets worse over a day or two. Here are the things I did to help get rid of it:

Rub a little milk on the nipple and take a minute to let them dry in the the air, and after a few seconds pat dry too, several times a day. Do this for 2-3 days and they'll soon feel better. You get to recognize the feeling and catch it earlier, so it disappears faster.

Also, make sure you change your bra. Sometimes us moms are so busy we don't realize we're in the same clothes or bra after a couple of days. Moisture seems to get trapped in there and the moisture causes the nipple pain to worsen.

If one breast has got particularly bad, feed off it less to give it a rest, perhaps just use the one boob several times in a row, and keep doing the dry out technique. Then swap over to give the other one a rest if it's also sore.

The nipple gets soft rather than pointed, so squeeze it to get firm before putting into baby's mouth, this might reduce the pain of baby sucking it into their mouth and grazing over the tender skin.

After baby finishes drinking, wipe excess moisture/ milk off the nipple with your fingers, T-shirt or a soft cloth. This really helps minimize moisture lingering to cause future tenderness.

This process has fixed the painful nipple problem for me many times over. It happens especially in cold weather when you tuck those boobies into your shirt so quick to avoid the cold, but you forget to wipe them dry.

Hope these tips help you as much as they have me.

Source : ehow.com

Choosing Nipples and Bottles

Mothers who have decided to go for bottle feeding will have to take care of several things apart from feeding. Choosing right bottles and nipples are among them. Choosing a right bottle and nipple are very important when it comes to bottle feeding.

If the baby is not comfortable with the bottle or the nipple they must be changed immediately. It is very important to choose the right one among the different options available in the market.

Choosing nipples:

Nipples are made up of different types of materials like latex, silicone or rubber. Among all, silicone nipples are known for their durability. But most of the mothers go for the latex nipples as they are softer and baby friendly.

A wide variety of shapes are available in the market. Traditional, orthodontic, or flat-topped nipples are the most commonly available nipples in the market. Nipples also vary according to the flow rate. Selecting a nipple based on the flow rate depends on the child’s age.

After choosing the right type of nipples, mothers can stick to that type for some time. But these nipples should be replaced once they start wearing off.

Choosing bottles:

Similar to nipples there are many varieties of bottles in the market. Few of the types of bottles that are available in the market are described below:

Right-angled bottles: These bottles are specially designed in such a way that air does not block the passage of the milk through the nipples.

Streamlined bottles: These bottles are designed such that the baby finds them easy to hold while bottle feeding.

Disposable bottles: These are the use and throw bottles that can be used while traveling.

Plastic bottles: These are the most preferred bottles by the mothers. They are durable. But they should be replaced after a period of time as they wear off.

Glass bottles: These bottles need not be replaced regularly.

Source : ayushveda.com