If you have a child in the first year of life, you’ll know that feeding a baby isn’t always as easy as just plopping down fresh baby formula on top of their bottle. Sometimes, there may be trouble getting your little one to take their milk due to some unexpected reasons—milk allergies, other food allergy in babies or upset tummies or gas. If you’re short on time and need an answer fast, here’s a quick guide to what might work for your situation.
Step 1: Is Your Baby Full?
One of the most common reasons for fussiness around feeding is that your baby is over-full and uncomfortable. As long as your baby seems to be breathing well, their tummy should not be swollen or hard. If they’re still gassy, try burping more frequently throughout the feeding. Also, try not to feed your baby every time they cry. Sometimes, babies are just fussy and by eating or drinking more only adds to the discomfort.
So what do you do? If your baby has burped but still appears gassy, try giving your baby some extra time before feeding again in hopes that things will pass on their own.
Step 2: Don’t Feed Before Bed
Breastfeeding and formula-feeding babies usually eat at differing times. Breastfed babies tend to be a bit more sleepy and will go to bed around the same time as their parents. However, formula-fed babies can seem to be in a different mindset from their parents—they may wake up hungry and cranky. Try putting your baby down for their last feed before you go to sleep. This will make sure that there are no problems with digestion as you sleep, keeping you from having to get up in the middle of the night for your little one’s needs.
Step 3: Get the Right Type of Formula
Check with your pediatrician about what type of formula your baby should be taking. It may be that you’re just not making the right one for your baby’s age. If you’re breastfeeding, you already know what formula to give your baby. If you’ve chosen to switch from breast milk to formula, make sure that you have an understanding of the products available and exactly how much formula you’ll need for each feeding.
Step 4: Consider Reflux or Gas
After a few days [or weeks] of use, some babies may begin experiencing reflux and gas due to excess stomach acid. This can be a serious problem if it’s not dealt with in a timely manner. If this occurs, reduce your baby’s intake of formula until their tummy feels back to normal.
Step 5: Watch for Signs of Formula Toxemia
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “about 1 percent of infants are fed [formula] unnecessarily,” meaning some babies may need formula supplements because they don’t get enough nutrients from breast milk. This is especially important to remember if your baby has been sick, had surgery or just isn’t adjusting well — he or she may be low on iron or other vitamins and minerals that aren’t receiving in the right doses with every feed.
Conclusion
As with anything in parenthood, creating a good routine is key. Your baby should have a schedule that allows for proper growth, development and rest. If you notice any unusual behavior, it’s important to contact your pediatrician immediately. This article was written by an experienced writer who specializes in the field of [baby formula information].