Introduction:

Feeding your baby using a bottle can sometimes result in them swallowing excess air, which can lead to discomfort and gas-related issues. To ensure your little one has a smooth feeding experience, it is important to keep air out of their bottle during feedings. In this article, we discuss three effective ways to keep air out of your baby’s bottle.

1. Proper Bottle Positioning

The way you hold the bottle during feeding plays a crucial role in preventing air from entering. While feeding your baby, make sure the bottle is positioned in such a way that the teat is constantly filled with milk or formula. This helps by allowing your baby to suck the liquid instead of air. You can achieve this by tilting the bottle at an angle that keeps the teat completely submerged and encourages air bubbles to rise to the back of the bottle.

2. Opt for an Anti-colic Bottle

To further avoid the possibility of trapped air in your baby’s bottle, opt for an anti-colic or vented bottle with a specialized design that allows liquid and air to flow independently within it. These bottles incorporate a built-in vent system that helps separate air from liquid, pushing it back into the bottle instead of being consumed by your baby. With multiple options available on the market, choose one that best suits your preferences and ensures fewer chances of your baby ingesting extra air.

3. Check for Proper Teat Size and Flow

The size and flow rate of the teat play an essential role in determining how much air enters your baby’s mouth during feedings. A slow-flow teat is suitable for newborns or infants who are just starting on liquids as it restricts flow allowing them to coordinate their sucking reflex effectively; however, as they grow older and gain more strength in their sucking reflex, it may become too slow causing them to introduce more air into their mouths.

Conversely, a fast-flow teat may not give your baby ample time to swallow, leading them to overfeed and swallow air. Ensure that you regularly check for teat suitability and upgrade as needed, based on your baby’s age and the milk type being fed, typically written on the packaging.

Conclusion:

Taking conscious steps to minimize air intake while bottle feeding is essential in reducing your baby’s discomfort and the chances of developing gas-related issues. By ensuring proper bottle positioning, opting for an anti-colic bottle, and regularly examining the teat size and flow rate, you can help create a more enjoyable feeding experience for both you and your little one.