Breastfeeding is the most convinient method of feeding for both mother and baby. However, due to some shortcomings of breastfeeding lot of mothers prefer bottle feeding. It is not that bottle feeding has an upper hand over breastfeeding. In fact, mothers can experience lot of problems while bottle feeding baby. Read on to know more about the common bottle feeding problems.Most often mothers find problems when bottle feeding their infants. Some of these problems are minor and can be rectified easily and with not much fuss and hassle. However, for major and health problems, your doctor should be the first one to be contacted. It is good to get educated before you start bottle feeding your child and this should be from a reliable and good source.
Do not forget that although breastfeeding is said to be natural and good since many years, it lack some important ingredients for the right growth of mind and body of the infant. These are added to the formula feed as they are prepared scientifically and contain measured ingredients.
Some Common Bottle Feeding Problems
Have a quick look at the common problems which you may face while bottle feeding your baby.
Problem Caused Due to Air Entering in Bottle
Most often it is observed that air enters into the bottle which ultimately enters into the child’s body. The constant flow of air will make the flow of milk proper in the mouth. But if by any reason this gets blocked, your child will not get the milk. This can happen when infant seals the holes of the nipple with her tongue or the nipple ring are screwed too tight. Check this if you see your child having difficulty getting milk.
Difficulty Due to Nipple
Also check the nipple so that it is of the right size and of good quality. If it is not of the right size and flow, your child will find difficulty in bottle feeding. Check the nipple and see that you buy the perfect fitting and comfortable one for your child.
Need of Feeding Frequently
Sometimes children develop typical feeding patterns and this sometimes hampers the right flow of milk into the baby’s mouth or some babies drink small amounts of formula milk but need to be fed frequently. Try to encourage your child to have a specific feeding pattern and follow a routine as well.
Misunderstandings Baby’s Indications
It is not that when an infant cries it means that he is hungry. There might be some other reason also. So, offering the feeding bottle as soon as the new born cries are not the right solution. Follow a routine regarding feeding your newborn. Also, if your newborn is not hungry, he will only drink a little amount of milk. Babies give similar indications when they are hungry and when they are tired. So, you need to understand that because it is not going to be ideal to have your baby fed and made to sleep.
Problem while Night Feeding
Bottle feeding problems also include lengthened night feeding. Most often mothers feel sleepy at night and so they feed the child for longer time. This might make the infant full and he will refuse drinking any more.
Milk Allergy
Some children have cow’s milk or formula milk allergy and this you have to judge before giving him the feed.
Gastro-Esophageal Problem
If this is the case, you need to see the doctor and get it rectified as soon as possible.
Teething
It has been observed that many infants lessen their intake of milk at the time of teething. You can consult the pediatrician if the problem lingers and if the child is losing weight constantly.
These are some of the common formula feeding problems that can be understood and solved too by little effort and knowledge. There are some complex problems too that are associated with health problems also and so, you need to see the doctor as soon as possible.
