All things bottle feeding

cdmkruger

Ive switched to firmula feeding because of extremely low supply and know nothing about bottle feeding.

What kind of bottles work best for you and dont let baby suck so much air?

Do you sterilize bottles with boiling water or in a microwave sterilizer?

Do you sterilize every bottle after every feed?

Ever experienced baby stopping during feeds and crying or being fussy?

If somrone else mentioned this stuff in another board and i missed it, sorry for the repeat. Its hard to have the time to read through everything on here with a newborn

AmberLiz99

I've used different bottles all with pretty good success, but I like the Playtex Ventair bottles. 

I boil them to sterilize when I first get them, and once every few weeks, but I just wash them with really hot water on a daily basis. Some people use the dishwasher to wash them, I prefer to hand wash (just personal preference).

Baby might need to be burped half way through if they are fussing. Make sure the nipple isn't clogged too, they might fuss if the formula isn't coming out. i had some bottles that would get blocked really easily. 

laurendiaz02

I've been using dr Browns natural flow bottles and I love them. It has two pieces that go inside the bottle that help prevent the baby from sucking a bunch of air or bubbles. 

I I have the dr Browns bottle sterilizer which we use multiple times a day. We wash them first by hand and then put them in the sterilizer.  The sterilizer hold I think 6 or 8 bottles so with baby eating every 2-3 hours we go through a lot of bottles. I am a little OCD so I wash, sanitizer, and then prep the bottles (pre fill with water and then I measure out his formula so and put it in one of those 4 compartment plastic formula holders. 

We we have the Breeza which we are going to try out this weekend. It's like a keurig coffee machine but for bottles!  Pretty neat concept (it dispenses formula and water at the perfect temp). And ditto to what Amber said about having to stop and burp half way through -- my son eats about 4 ounces at a time and I stop him halfway. 

AmberLiz99

Agree that pre filling the bottles with water and measuring formula are big helps, especially at night 

nightwitch

Let me second the Doc Brown bottles. We were lucky in that a friend of ours gave us those plus all his Tommy Tippees. I didn't like the TTs because my son kept caving in the breast-like nipple on them and cutting off the milk flow. I also just wash my Doc Browns every time with warm soapy water.  Every few days I'll run them through the dishwasher.

 One tip I read on a way to reduce gas is to pre-mix your formula and water and then let it settle in the fridge so that when you feed your baby they're not taking in all that extra air from the tiny bubbles of just mixed formula. I also like doing it that way because it makes me stay on top of washing and the food is always ready. Downside, have to use them within 24 hours, so don't make up too many, and you have to wait to get the bottle warm. I'm lucky in that my kiddo isn't too picky and will drink his milk nearly fridge cold

nightwitch

Also make sure you've got a nipple with the right flow for your LO. Too little or too much,  either one can piss them off and make them fussy or stop feeding

adiaz132003

When warming a bottle of breastmilk out if the fridge, what's the best way to warm it quickly to temp?  I know not to microwave it.  What I have done is sit it warm water till it's warm but it takes a long time and DS gets very upset if he doesn't eat right away.  

laurendiaz02

adiaz132003 said:

When warming a bottle of breastmilk out if the fridge, what's the best way to warm it quickly to temp?  I know not to microwave it.  What I have done is sit it warm water till it's warm but it takes a long time and DS gets very upset if he doesn't eat right away.  

I use the dr Browns bottle warmer. A 4oz bottle at room temperature takes 2 minutes 30 seconds. Not sure how long it takes the way you are doing it. But 2.5 minutes might seem like forever if baby is screaming! 

AmberLiz99

adiaz132003 said:

When warming a bottle of breastmilk out if the fridge, what's the best way to warm it quickly to temp?  I know not to microwave it.  What I have done is sit it warm water till it's warm but it takes a long time and DS gets very upset if he doesn't eat right away.  

I'm not very helpful, because I just put cold bottles in a bowl of very hot water.  I have an electric teapot, so heating the water is very fast. 

When I had my second I remember being told that Its also ok for breast milk to be at room temperature  for over an hour, so if you have an idea of when he'll need the bottle you could pull it out of the fridge a little early 

rlbrooks84

My DD likes the avent natural bottles I've used tommy tippees and had the same issues with DS colapsing the nippes. I liked born free more then the dr Browns but wanted to try something new with this baby because I hated cleaning all the parts in the other bottles! I swear formula would get stuck in parts and I had to spend so much time cleaning bottles. I was prepared for DD to not like my first choice in bottles and have some of the other for her try but she likes the avent and isn't having a lot of issues. I only sanitize before first use and then use hot water and soap to wash my bottles. My pediatrician told me with my first that I didn't need to sanitize them anymore then that, so I just boil a pot of water. I also burp half way thru a bottle. Have you found a formula that works for you? Similac and enfamil will send you coupons and samples if you sign up online if you want to go with one of them. 

m8881

This is my third bottle fed baby. We use Avent naturals. I sterilize every day. My newborn got thrush so sterilizing was essential to get rid of it. I'm super anal about the bottles. We have 16 bottles and that equals 2 cycles through the wash/sterilizer daily. Baby does 10-12 feeds but I have extra clean in case they are needed. It gets much easier as they get older and do fewer feeds. I also am way less strict about sterilizing once baby turns 6 months old. 
After the bottles are sterilized I put the water in and portion the formula into the dispenser like pp said. Once you get into a routine with it it's not so bad. 

nightwitch

Oh and depending on which formula you prefer, and if you have a Costco near you,  they carry a generic version of the non-GMO Similac that I prefer for about half the price

mrsp2213

I am transitioning to exclusively pumping so we are upping the bottle usage and pace feeding.  Dr. Browns with a preemie nipple is my bottle preference but we also use the medela bottles that came with my pump.  I sterilize all bottles via boiling before first use and rinse them and let them soak in hot soapy water after each use.  They are scrubbed with a bottle brush and left to air dry.

to warm breast milk I just stick it in hot water for a few minute, swirling it after each minute of so.  The milk is never really warm though, it's just not cold.

laurendiaz02

It also helps having a bunch of bottles!  Then you wash less. I have about 12 of the 2oz, 4oz and 8oz dr brown bottles with corresponding nipples. 

HeartLikeMine3

I also just stick the breastmilk in hot water if it's in the milk bags it's warms up so much faster than in a bottle. Now that I'm saying that I hope it's safe to warm up in those plastic bags?!

huskypuppy14

I just give my baby cold breastmilk from the fridge, or room temperature if I take it out in time. My baby isn't picky!

adiaz132003

How do I know it's time to increase nipple flow? We use haven't bottles and currently he is using the size one.  He never used size 0 cause we just introduced the bottle last week and he wasn't able to pull milk out fast enough so he kept spitting the nipple out.  DS is almost 4 weeks.

AmberLiz99

adiaz132003 said:

How do I know it's time to increase nipple flow? We use haven't bottles and currently he is using the size one.  He never used size 0 cause we just introduced the bottle last week and he wasn't able to pull milk out fast enough so he kept spitting the nipple out.  DS is almost 4 weeks.

I just follow thier signal. I switch when baby starts fussing at the bottle or getting too board and not finishing it. My son went up in size pretty early on. My second was on the slowest for about five months, and right now I'm using slow flow with my  two week old. 

purplefan1

adiaz132003 said:

How do I know it's time to increase nipple flow? We use haven't bottles and currently he is using the size one.  He never used size 0 cause we just introduced the bottle last week and he wasn't able to pull milk out fast enough so he kept spitting the nipple out.  DS is almost 4 weeks.


Edited* I typed out a long response but bump decided it wasn't important to post. 

If he is feeding effectively from size one nipple I wouldn't change it up. Since you are continuing to breastfeed, try to keep nipple flow similar to your breast flow. And pace his feeding so it takes just about the same amount of time for him to eat from a bottle than it does from your breast. You have a quick letdown and he is used to a fast flow, but if he seems happy with size one, stick with it!

adiaz132003

Ok so I increased the nipple flow cause it took like 15 min for him to just take an ounce and he kept spitting the bottle out.  That helped a little but he still tries to spit the bottle out but then begs for more food.  He doesn't seem to need to burp cause he's calm and he barely ate anyway but it just took us almost 45 min to get him to eat and normally he BFs in like 15-20 min he's nice and droopy eyed after.  I'm not sure what to do cause I want to be able to let someone babysit and be able to put him down for a nap after but I know he won't sleep if he's not full. 

HeartLikeMine3

It takes my DH a long time to feed LO with a bottle as well I think they just need continued practice just keep trying. Our babies are just used to the boob but don't give your freedom up lol just keep on keeping on... Trust me I waited way to long to try a bottle with DS and he never took one I felt like a trapped prisoner. 

jerseygirl9090

Anyone have trouble with Avent bottles with flow being too fast? I have tried natural and classic nipples with both my daughter gets the formula all over her face and clothes. I think the flow is too fast. She also drinks 5 ounces and she is only 1 month old and is still hungry after I'm wondering if it's because she isn't getting all of the formula. She's also super gassy. 

egirl1025

I use Avent bottles with the preemie nipples (0).  The work really well and he hasn't seemed to want to switch to a faster flow yet.  Oh and I use the naturals.

yoshi1230

I mostly breastfeed but have been occasionally feeding expressed milk in a bottle in preparation for returning to work. Several times after bottle feeding she has projectile vomited what seems like the entire serving within 10-20 minutes. She never does this when breastfed. We have tried the paced feeding techniques but she never slows down even that way and chugs the whole bottle. Anyone have any advice?

rlbrooks84

I have the avent naturals, all my babies have been messy eaters and I've tried 4 different kinds of bottles. You might try going down to a size 0 nipple like egirl1025 suggested.

rlbrooks84

yoshi1230 said:

I mostly breastfeed but have been occasionally feeding expressed milk in a bottle in preparation for returning to work. Several times after bottle feeding she has projectile vomited what seems like the entire serving within 10-20 minutes. She never does this when breastfed. We have tried the paced feeding techniques but she never slows down even that way and chugs the whole bottle. Anyone have any advice?

Have you tried offering a pacifier? I don't know if she likes them, my boys only used them for a week, but my LO occasionally uses one. She has a habit of guzzling her bottle and so ill give her the pacifier and it usually helps calm her down and gets her to eat a little slower. It doesn't always work but sometimes is better then never.

vintagevix2016

As some of you may recall, Damien began refusing my breasts 3 or 4 weeks ago so being a nervous FTM, we introduced the bottle to see if he would take the breastmilk that way. I was just so worried he wasn't getting what he needed and didn't want him to starve. It worked....a little too well. For awhile he would take my breast or the bottle, it didn't matter. Slowly he started refusing the breast more and more during the day until I basically could only bottle feed him. Now he is refusing at night as well. The problem is that I never had a huge stockpile of breastmilk and at this point it's all gone. I'm pumping like crazy to try and keep up with his feedings but it's getting stressful for me. My husband and I have always said that though we want to breastfeed, we understand that it may not always work out that way and we would be okay with formula too. I am trying out some tricks to lure him back to the breast but in the meantime....

Since I'm struggling a bit, we have discussed introducing (slowly) formula. I think we would like to mix it with the breastmilk that I'm able to pump so that he is still getting some BM at least. 

My question to the formula mommas is: What formula do you prefer and why? I'm doing research so we can keep some on hand just in case but I would love to hear from you all since you know what's up.

egirl1025

vintagevix2016 said:

As some of you may recall, Damien began refusing my breasts 3 or 4 weeks ago so being a nervous FTM, we introduced the bottle to see if he would take the breastmilk that way. I was just so worried he wasn't getting what he needed and didn't want him to starve. It worked....a little too well. For awhile he would take my breast or the bottle, it didn't matter. Slowly he started refusing the breast more and more during the day until I basically could only bottle feed him. Now he is refusing at night as well. The problem is that I never had a huge stockpile of breastmilk and at this point it's all gone. I'm pumping like crazy to try and keep up with his feedings but it's getting stressful for me. My husband and I have always said that though we want to breastfeed, we understand that it may not always work out that way and we would be okay with formula too. I am trying out some tricks to lure him back to the breast but in the meantime....

Since I'm struggling a bit, we have discussed introducing (slowly) formula. I think we would like to mix it with the breastmilk that I'm able to pump so that he is still getting some BM at least. 

My question to the formula mommas is: What formula do you prefer and why? I'm doing research so we can keep some on hand just in case but I would love to hear from you all since you know what's up.

Sorry to hear about the breastfeeding issues.  I have been experiencing some similar things with my little one, but not as bad as you.  Hang in there.  I still try at least once a day at the breast with my LO no matter what.  Anyways, we had to supplement very early on due to his jaundice and I used both similac and enfamil samples that were provided to me by my doctor and the hospital.  Overall my LO preferred the Similac over the enfamil.

laurendiaz02

I did so much research and asking friends with children. There are a ton of choices out there. My son is exclusively formula fed and we use Babys Only Formula. I love that it's organic. It is advertised as a "toddler formula" because the company promotes breastfeeding for the first year, but it is perfectly suitable for a baby.  My son loves it and we have had no issues. He rarely spits up with this formula. They make a few different varieties. Below is a
picture of the one we use. The only downside: it's not readily available in stores (I buy from an organic market by my house but you can find it at whole foods and sprouts I believe) and it's pricey for the size can you get (it only comes in one size). 

AmberLiz99

There are so many options, and honestly they are all closely monitored and fine for baby. We use similac organic. I wanted an organic option, and liked theirs the best. All three of my kids have done better on similac than any other brand. If money is an issue, Aldi grocery stores now makes great formula options for half the price of most. 

adiaz132003

Is it eating at the breast that is the issue or does he suddenly prefer the bottle nipple?  You could try a nipple sheild since it resembles a bottle nipple and see if you can trick him onto the breast that way.

rlbrooks84

I'm sorry you're having problems, my LOs have all done better with similac but they are spit up babies so already a little difficult, but oh so cute! Anyways if you do have to start using formula once you find one you like make sure to see if they have a rewards program. Both similac and enfimal will send you coupon checks and that's helpful!

vintagevix2016

When he does latch, he doesn't have any issue. It's business as usual, so to speak. I think he prefers the bottle because the flow is instant and he doesn't have to work as hard to get the milk. That said, I do have a fast letdown, which he's never been a fan of but does okay with it. I have no qualms with trying a nipple shield and am looking into that as well. Basically I'm willing to give anything a try.

meggyme

vintagevix2016 said:

When he does latch, he doesn't have any issue. It's business as usual, so to speak. I think he prefers the bottle because the flow is instant and he doesn't have to work as hard to get the milk. That said, I do have a fast letdown, which he's never been a fan of but does okay with it. I have no qualms with trying a nipple shield and am looking into that as well. Basically I'm willing to give anything a try.

Maybe hand pumping a bit to start would help. That way your letdown won't be so strong and the milk will be ready to go when LO latches on.

vintagevix2016

meggyme said:

vintagevix2016 said:

When he does latch, he doesn't have any issue. It's business as usual, so to speak. I think he prefers the bottle because the flow is instant and he doesn't have to work as hard to get the milk. That said, I do have a fast letdown, which he's never been a fan of but does okay with it. I have no qualms with trying a nipple shield and am looking into that as well. Basically I'm willing to give anything a try.

Maybe hand pumping a bit to start would help. That way your letdown won't be so strong and the milk will be ready to go when LO latches on.

I do manually express a little bit beforehand but I think investing in an actual hand pump would be more efficient!

For the past few mornings (at his 6/7am feeding), he has no problem latching and nursing on either one of my breasts. He fusses a little bit at first but after sucking on his pacifier for a minute, then trying to pop him on, it works out just fine. I try to do that at other feedings and it doesn't work.  I always offer my breast first and try to work on (without force) him latching and nursing before actually offering a bottle. When he finishes with the bottle, I like to cradle him in an upright position for his reflux next to an exposed breast to try to get him to associate it with feeling full and comforted.

Update: He nursed from the breast again just now, woohoo!

Update 2: His 3rd feeding was on the breast too, kiddo is on a roll. Hope I don't jinx myself!

AmberLiz99

Any formula babies having trouble gaining weight? I'm starting to worry about dd. 

She he is super strong, sleeps and eats well, but lately she has not been finishing her bottles, and at her 2 month appointment she hadn't gained any weight. (She had just had a cold, and stated sleeping through the night, so they thought that was why). I can take her for a weigh check next week, but I'm super worried because she still doesn't always finish her bottles, even though I try to feed her often and plenty. 

I never had any issue with the other kids. Any insight or experience is appreciated! Help me stop worrying

Tawny87

AmberLiz99 said:

Any formula babies having trouble gaining weight? I'm starting to worry about dd. 

She he is super strong, sleeps and eats well, but lately she has not been finishing her bottles, and at her 2 month appointment she hadn't gained any weight. (She had just had a cold, and stated sleeping through the night, so they thought that was why). I can take her for a weigh check next week, but I'm super worried because she still doesn't always finish her bottles, even though I try to feed her often and plenty. 

I never had any issue with the other kids. Any insight or experience is appreciated! Help me stop worrying

I wouldn't panic yet. My son is only formula fed now and has gained 3lbs as of his weigh in August 10th at exactly 2 months. Birth weight 7.3 lbs 2 month weight 10.3 lbs and I honestly don't think he has gained much since that last appt.  If you are concerned you should go in for a weigh in and see what they say.

arteduc8

Any breastfed babies having issues with taking a bottle? I have been pumping and having bottles for my DH or my mom to give my LO every now and then since 3 weeks. She did fine with taking a bottle until about week 9. My MIL struggled to get her to take a bottle. But she was fine for my DH. Then 2 weeks ago she refused the bottle from my mom. And just last week she refused the bottle from my husband. We're talking screaming and crying body murder refusal. I'm at a loss and feeling helpless. She has to take a bottle for when I go back to with in November and more immediately in a couple of weekends when we go to a wedding and my mom babysits. 

We use the Dr Brown's bottles with the slowest flow nipples. We usually warm the bottle in warm water first. Any suggestions?

laurendiaz02

arteduc8 said:

Any breastfed babies having issues with taking a bottle? I have been pumping and having bottles for my DH or my mom to give my LO every now and then since 3 weeks. She did fine with taking a bottle until about week 9. My MIL struggled to get her to take a bottle. But she was fine for my DH. Then 2 weeks ago she refused the bottle from my mom. And just last week she refused the bottle from my husband. We're talking screaming and crying body murder refusal. I'm at a loss and feeling helpless. She has to take a bottle for when I go back to with in November and more immediately in a couple of weekends when we go to a wedding and my mom babysits. 

We use the Dr Brown's bottles with the slowest flow nipples. We usually warm the bottle in warm water first. Any suggestions?

Not sure if it will help, but have you tried changing the nipple to a faster flow?  My son uses Dr Browns bottles as well, and he's on size 2 nipples and drinking 6 ounces at a time (he's 3 months). 

adiaz132003

I don't think it's a nipple issue.  In fact of you make the bottle nipple flow faster it can make them lazy nursers.  Are you nearby when they try to bottle feed? Some babies refuse the bottle if they know mom is close.  Also, if you are away, some babies will sleep more and eat less when away from mom and wait till she comes home.  That's why many working moms struggle with night wakings cause baby will save their energy for when mom is home simply because they miss her.

HeartLikeMine3

I don't have any advice but we introduced the bottle at 2 weeks and have her one twice a week just so she would know how to drink from one. At 9 weeks just like your LO she got smart and decided she wouldn't take it anymore. We try all the time and she won't take it from anyone or anywhere. It's very frustrating because I can't leave the house without her for more than a quick target run. She's 14 weeks today so it's been 5 weeks of trying with no success.