FEEDING FOR YOU BABY: BOTTLE-FEEDING CHECKLIST

• Are the bottles and nipples clean and sterilized?
• Is the milk fresh? Human milk can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to eight days and in the freezer (with a separate door) for up to four months. If you're using formula, note the day and time that the can was opened and the formula mixed. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for mixing and storage.
• Is baby getting the proper amount of milk through the nipple?
• Have you positioned the baby so he or she isn't lying flat? A baby sucks in more liquid per gulp from a bottle than from the breast, so positioning your baby's head above the rest of the body will help prevent ear infections and aid indigestion.
• Did you change sides while feeding the baby? Doing so helps baby's eyes and neck develop properly.
• Do you have a burp cloth handy? Most babies do at least a little spitting-up, and it's nice to keep everyone as clean and dry as possible. Also, if you're using formula, it'll stain clothing.
• Is baby showing any signs of constipation that you should report to the caregiver? Signs include cramping; straining and discomfort with bowel movement; small, hard, and pebbly or wide and large stools; diarrhea-like liquid stool passing out around a retained solid stool; or an abdomen swollen with gas. (Note: Constipation is usually not a problem with babies who are fed human milk.)

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