OK, I get it. You feel like you need to always be the one feeding your baby — especially if you are trying to exclusively breastfeed. Yes, you can do it on your own, but you do not always have to. Receive the help that you need from your partner.
Dads need time to bond with their littles because, let’s face it, they did not have those nine months of intense bonding time that we had. Feeding is one of those intimate moments that dads can have with their babies. And while he enjoys the added time, you can enjoy the much-needed rest. Here are some tips for you to give your partner on feeding a newborn.
Get a schedule: When to feed baby
Get the techniques down: How to bottle feed a newborn
Help your partner get comfortable. Here is how he can make bottle feeding a success.
8. Have him find the right bottle
Buy several types of bottles with different nipple shapes so that your spouse can find the right fit for your baby. Choose slow flow nipples to replicate your baby’s nursing experience.
9. Remind him to warm the milk
Have him use the bottle warmer before he gives a bottle to your baby, and tell him to test the milk’s temperature on his wrist.
10. The position is everything. Let him know about the right one
While bottle feeding, he’ll need to hold his swaddled baby in the cradle position with the baby’s body at a 45-degree angle. Let him know that the swaddle comforts your baby and prevents sporadic arm and leg movement that disrupts the feeding time.
11. Tell him about burping
Once your little one has had their fill, then let your spouse know about the burping technique that works for your baby. Bottle feeding allows for more air intake than your little one will be used to. It is important to make sure that your baby does not become gassy as a result of the bottle. So, tell your partner to burp him one or two times during a feed.
12. Breakdown how to store the milk
Have him follow the safety guidelines, so that he can have prepared bottles for his next feed.
- Untouched milk can last for a short period
Fresh breast milk can be left out for four hours or refrigerated for up to four days, according to the CDC. Newly prepared formula bottles can be left out for two hours or refrigerated for up to 24 hours. - Milk that is left over may need to be discarded
If it’s breast milk in the bottle, know that whatever your baby doesn’t consume can only last for two more hours, as advised by the CDC. For leftover prepared formula in the bottle, the CDC encourages parents to discard the milk, as bacteria can grow from the baby’s saliva. - Freezing breast milk is the best way to ensure the quality
To store breast milk, freeze freshly expressed milk in breast milk–specific freezer-safe bags. Properly stored breast milk can remain in the freezer for six months or 12 months at the most.
