Laying down with bottles

g8trkim

What's the deal with baby's laying down to drink bottles. I always heard this was a no no because it can cause ear infections. But I was wondering if this is just when they are very small or what. Now that DS can hold his own bottle I would prefer to just give it to him so he can do the work, but he can only drink it laying down. Any insight?

PiRSquared330

I've never heard that. When DD nursed she was basically flat.

 

DD lays down on the boppy with her bottle. So her head is elevated, but she lays down.

Cakemom10

I have never heard that and DS lays down with his bottles always had... even when I gave them to him he was basically laying down in my arms. 

angelproberts

I think that's part of the learning process. Before DD could sit up and drink from the bottle/sippy she laid back on the boppy. Eventually she was sitting up and tipping it. I've never heard the ear infection thing.

memali26

The tubes in the ears (can't remember the technical name) in adults are vertical, but in infants/small children they are horizontal, making it more difficult for fluid to drain, which is why they are more susceptible to ear infections. Laying flat while drinking bottles can cause fluid to pool in the back of the mouth which can sometimes "seep" into the tubes of the ears, causing an ear infection. DD has had 5 ear infections, and this is the easiest preventive measure the dr. told us about. As kids grow (I think as they head into late toddlerhood, but I'm not sure) the tubes begin to move into the vertical position.

purplegoldfish

Seriously?

Hold your baby and feed him.  It won't be much longer that he'll want to cuddle with you, don't make them grow up faster then necessary.

g8trkim

purplegoldfish:

Seriously?

Hold your baby and feed him.  It won't be much longer that he'll want to cuddle with you, don't make them grow up faster then necessary.

You're a real gem.