This post was sponsored by Philips Avent as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
It’s the final countdown! Only a month left in this pregnancy and my sweet little boy will be here! I’m beyond excited and oohhh so ready! Since it’s been four years since my last baby, the whole baby gear world is completely different and I feel like I’m a first-time mom. Learning the ropes again of what’s the latest and greatest baby gear must haves.
One of those must have items for all moms to be are quality bottles! There’s so many brands out there to choose from…how do you know which one will work for you and your baby. Even if you’re nursing your baby, you still need some bottles right! Since this is my 3rd baby, I do remember the important stuff (like feeding tips) that I’m here to share with you all!
BOTTLE FEEDING TIPS FOR NEWBORNS
Not all babies come out ready to feed, and not all mamas produce milk! I learned that the hard way with my 1st. I can vividly remember those first few weeks when I was completely at a loss and exhausted….and it was ALL because of feeding problems. Even though I wanted to nurse, it took 7 days for my milk to come in. That meant bottle feeding the baby with donated breast milk and formula for the first week or so of her life.
TIP #1 – Not all bottles are created equal
In those weeks, I learned quickly that not all bottles are created equal!!
Gas, colic and reflux are all symptoms that we experienced thanks to using the wrong bottles. Thankfully now, Philips Avent has the perfect bottle for all babies and mommies out there. It’s the Philips Avent Anti-colic bottle with AirFree vent! This means baby has less air coming in with each gulp. Thanks to the AirFree vent, the nipple stays full of milk, not air!
The AirFree vent is one piece and easy to clean, and the bottle can be used with or without the vent! Philips Avent is the #1 brand recommended by moms worldwide for a reason!
Tip #2 – Have bottles ready, even if you’re planning on breastfeeding…you will want a break!
To go along with this tip, you’ll also want dad or family to feed your baby. It’s the best time to bond with baby and give mamas a much needed break! (If you’re worried about nipple confusion, talk with your Doctor or a lactation consultant. They will help ease your fears)
Tip #3 – Don’t beat yourself up!
If you’re not successful at nursing, or you choose to not even try….don’t beat yourself up! The best thing for your baby is what YOU decide.
Tip #4 – Try burping before feeding AND after feeding
I know this may sound silly to some, but trust me it helps! Before you start feeding your baby, try to burp your baby to ensure all air bubbles are out! No need to add a stomach full of milk to a stomach full of air…we all know how that ends up. So my biggest advice for feeding time is to burp, feed, then burp again! (You’ll be oh so glad you invested in a million burp rags!)
Tip #5 – You’ll need different bottle nipples as your baby grows
I felt like a complete idiot with my first child when I finally figured this out. She must have been 5 months and was completely frustrated during feeding time. I had no clue WHY. Then I realized while at the store that there are different nipple flow rates! (First time mom lessons are hard! Thank god for mommy bloggers to share all this information with you right! 🙂 Different flow rates help to keep up with the baby’s demand and growth. The Philips Avent Anti-colic bottle nipples should only be used with the Philips Avent Anti-colic bottles.
With these five tips, hopefully your bottle feeding time goes smooth and flawless! Be sure to visit the Philips Avent Facebook or Twitter page to follow along for tips, coupons and more!
Good Luck Mamas and congratulations on your new addition.