12.11.3: Positioning the Infant for Feeding and Feeding the Infant
- Wash your hands.
- Prepare the bottle and formula as directed in the Care Plan. Extra prepared bottles should be covered and kept in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. Always use clean bottles that have been sterilized. Bottles can be sterilized by placing the bottles, caps, and nipples in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Some clients may have bottle sterilizers. Use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Ensure the bottle is warmed. To warm, immerse the bottle in warm tap water for several minutes. Alternatively, you can hold the bottle under warm tap water, turning it clockwise to warm the formula evenly. Some clients may have a special baby bottle warmer. Learn how to use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never use a microwave to warm bottles as it can create hot spots in the liquid and could heat the plastic on the bottle , causing a possible burn to the baby .
- Shake the bottle well after warming to ensure contents are mixed. Shake a few drops onto the inside of your wrist to test for temperature. It should feel warm, not hot or cold. If it is too hot, allow the bottle to cool before feeding the baby. If it is too cold, continue to warm the bottle as described above.
- Sit in a comfortable chair. Maintain good posture, keeping your back straight and aligned. Position the baby in the cradle or football hold. Always ensure the baby’s neck and head are supported.
- Stroke the baby’s lips with the bottle nipple until her mouth opens. Place the bottle nipple inside the baby’s mouth gently. Never force the nipple into the baby’s mouth.
- Always keep the baby’s head higher than her body while feeding. This helps to prevent choking. Never put a baby in a lying down position with a bottle propped. This could cause choking. Be sure the nipple stays full of milk so that the baby does not swallow air while sucking.
- Talk or sing to the baby in a soft, quiet voice during feeding. Create a soothing, relaxing atmosphere for the baby while feeding.
Burping a Baby
When the baby has finished feeding, or if she stops sucking, burp her. You may need to burp the baby during the feeding, periodically stopping the feeding to burp the baby. To burp the baby, lift the baby to your shoulder, supporting her head. Use a burp cloth or towel over your shoulder to catch any spit up.
Alternatively, you can hold the baby on your lap, supporting the baby’s head by holding her chin with your thumb and forefinger. Ensure her head does not fall backward. You can also lay the baby down on a burp cloth positioned over your lap. The baby will be face down on their stomach. Your arm should be placed under the baby’s chest, supporting the neck and hand. Pat or massage up the back with the palm of your hand. Once the baby has burped, you can return her to a safe position or continue with the feeding. Clean the baby’s face with a warm, wet washcloth.