Technical Writing: Instructions

Introduction

Knowing how to bottle feed an infant is an important skill for most parents and caretakers of the child. On the surface it may seem like a simple thing to do, but there are still important steps to follow. By following these steps in feeding a typical, healthy infant, a good feeding will be achieved.

Preparation

Only feed the infant the type of food that has been recommended by the infant’s pediatrician. There are many varieties and types of infant formula so consult with a doctor to choose the best kind based upon the child’s needs.

When preparing for a feeding, follow strict preparation guidelines as recognized by the World Health Organization. These recommendations include:

           1)    Clean and sterilize all equipment necessary for preparing a bottle   

           2)  Always wash your hands before handling the equipment or making the formula

           3)    Use safe (sterilized water: boiled or distilled, for example) water

           4)    Prepare the bottle following the instructions printed on the container that the formula  

                 was purchased in

The Feeding

When it comes time to feed the baby, find a place where you can sit comfortably for the duration of the feeding. Make sure that this location has the room and support you need so that you can properly support the infant.

Begin by placing the nipple of the bottle to the baby’s mouth when it is ready.

Tilt the bottle so that the liquid completely fills the cap so that there is no room for air to be inhaled through the bottle.

Monitor the baby continuously, making certain that the baby is not gulping, sputtering, or dribbling out the liquid. This may be a sign that the liquid if flowing too fast for the baby to handle.

Feed the baby until it has consumed the allotted amount of food or until the baby has no further interest in eating.

The Burping

Burping a baby is an essential task that takes place during and after the feeding. The purpose of burping a baby is to remove air from the baby’s stomach that was ingested alongside with its meal.

When burping a baby, use the position that is the most comfortable for you. Common positions include: on your shoulder, on your lap, or sitting up. Regardless of the position always make sure that the baby’s head and neck are properly supported and that the baby is at no risk of falling from you.

For most babies a gentle pat or even rubbing will suffice. Be mindful to not use too much force: just use persistent motions until the burp is produced, changing positions if you are having difficulty.

Post Feeding

After the baby has been fed, make sure to either store safely or discard the remaining food. If the food is being stored, make certain that it is refrigerated and that it is not stored for any longer than recommended on the product’s packaging (usually this time does not exceed 48 hours.) When in doubt, discard the leftover formula and start a fresh new batch for the next feeding. This minimizes the likelihood of it spoiling.