Video:How to Feed a Baby With a Bottle

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Transcript:How to Feed a Baby With a Bottle

Hi! I'm Ben Kurtzman for About.com. Today I'm going to show you how to bottle-feed a baby.

Why Bottle-Feed a Baby?

Even if you breastfeed your baby, you will probably want to give her a bottle from time to time. Bottle-feeding can give mom a break, and it also gives dad a special chance to bond with baby.

Heat Up the Bottle

If it has been in the fridge, you will need to heat up the milk or formula in the bottle before feeding baby. Some babies do not mind cold liquid, but most babies seem to prefer it at room temperature or a little warmer.

The easiest way to get it warm is by immersing the bottle in a pan of hot water. The temperature of the bottle will rise quickly. Never microwave a bottle. It can heat up unevenly and create super-hot spots that will burn your baby's mouth.

Test the Bottle Temperature

Test the temperature of the liquid on your forearm before giving it to your baby.

Positing the Baby for Feeding

When the bottle is ready, position the baby in your lap, so that she is sitting up slightly. Make sure to support her head To stay comfortable, you may wish to use a pillow or two to help you hold your arm up. This will help prevent you from having a stiff neck or sore upper back while feeding your baby.

Feed the Baby With the Bottle

The nipple should be filled with fluid. A half filled nipple will cause baby to swallow too much air which can cause gas later. To end a feeding or remove the bottle, simply pull the bottle from baby's mouth.

Burp your baby midway through the bottle and again when she is done feeding.

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