responsive formula feeding

Question 1

what are the benefits of responsive bottle feeding

Answer 1

encourages a close and loving relationship between mum and baby
stimulates hand-eye coordination
facilitates social interaction
reduces likelihood of over-feeding

Question 2

info to give formula feeding mums

Answer 2

clean and sterilise equipment
how to make up feeds
type of milk used

Question 3

explain responsive bottle feeding

Answer 3

wait for cues (bobbing, rooting, suckling, wide open mouth)
hold baby close and look into their eyes
limit number of feeders (2-3) and encourage mum to be primary feeder
pace feed so baby can control the milk flow and volume so sit up baby and hold bottle pencil straight, follow baby’s cues of when to stop (milk leaking out of mouth, stop sucking, head turned away)
avoid forcing to complete feed

Question 4

signs baby is getting enough

Answer 4

number of feeds no less than 8 in 24 hours, baby comes off on own, 1-2 wet nappies and 1 dirty nappy in first 24 hours increasing each day until day 5 where it steadies to 2 dirty and 5-6 wet

Question 5

why is the recommend age to ween 6 months

Answer 5

baby can sit up and hold their head steady as well as pick food up
gut development is mature enough to take on and tolerate other foods
breastmilk and formula milk alone will not meet the nutritional demands