This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sam’s Club. All opinions are 100% mine.
Formula Feeding Tips from a Mom of 3!
I’ve shared before that I wasn’t very successful when it came to breastfeeding. After struggling with milk supply and latch for each of my 3, I had to decided to stop breastfeeding and switch to formula feeding (at different times for each one). It was hard to let go of my “breastfeeding dreams,” but I was relieved and appreciative to have infant formula to fall back on. When SIMPLY RIGHT™ invited me to share some of my baby moments, I thought it might be helpful to share some tips and tricks for formula feeding that I learned along my journey…
Baby Formula Feeding Tips & Tricks
- It Doesn’t Have to Be All or Nothing – I was fortunate to be able to breastfeed my Priscilla (my second child) for 8 months while supplementing with formula. She had a good enough latch that she was able to nurse and get an ounce or two before each formula feeding. Don’t feel like you have to quit breastfeeding altogether to switch to formula. It’s possible to have a nice balance of both. Talk with a lactation consultant or your pediatrician for advice on this.
[Tweet “It’s not all or nothing. You CAN have a balance when it comes to breastfeeding and formula.”]
- Still Bond While Using a Bottle – Just because you aren’t breastfeeding doesn’t mean you can’t bond with your baby. You can still gaze into that little ones eyes, sing lullabies, and fall deeper in love with a bottle or breast. You can even strip down for that beneficial skin-to-skin contact while bottle feeding, too. (I learned the importance of this with my two NICU babies.)
- Find the Right Formula & Stick With It – Don’t get too caught up in switching formulas. Find the right one for your little one (with the help of your pediatrician), and stick to it if it’s working. Most brands have different formulas for different needs; Simple Right offers Baby Care Gentle®, Baby Care Complete®, or Baby Care Sensitivity®.
- Forget the Big Brands – Formula can be expensive enough, so don’t stress about it being a big name brand. Store brands – like SIMPLY RIGHT™ at Sam’s Club – are formulated to have the same nutrients for your growing baby. In fact, SIMPLY RIGHT™ Infant Formula is Clinically proven to support growth and development, now with Lutein for brain and eye health, AND saves the average Sam’s Club member up to $617 per year.
- Establish a Nighttime Routine – Nighttime was always when I loathed formula feeding the most; I longed to just roll over and “whip it out” like my breastfeeding friends. But once I discovered my little routine (keeping bottles of water by the bed with a divided formula container with formula pre-measured and ready to mix), formula feeding through the night was a breeze.
- Get Baby Used to Room Temp Formula – My ex-mother-in-law was appalled when I didn’t warm up the formula for my first baby. But I’m so glad I skipped that step right from the beginning – which isn’t medically necessary – as it was one less step to worry about during that nighttime routine mentioned above.
- Let Family Bottle Feed – Sure breastfeeding is great for mama and baby bonding, but it is honestly kind of nice to NOT be the only one to feed baby EVERY time, right? Take advantage once in awhile and let Dad or Grandma do the bottle feeding while you take a much-needed break.
[Tweet “Formula Feeding Tip: Take a much-needed break while dad does the feeding once in awhile!”]
- Burp, Burp, Burp – Get to know your baby’s burping style and use it – often! I found a technique that worked for all three of my babies – I sat them up on my lap supporting their chest and neck with one hand and rubbing their back with the other. All it took was that pressure from bending at the belly and their little burps slid right out.
More About SIMPLY RIGHT™ Infant Formula
Have you been a formula feeding mama? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!
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roamingmommy1 says
I know this was posted a bit ago, but I wanted to say thank you for saying that it doesn’t need to be all or nothing either way. So many moms feel discouraged when they cannot exclusively breastfeed, while at the same time other moms shy away from breastfeeding because they don’t feel that they can make the commitment to breastfeed full time. The important thing here is that both baby and mom are healthy, and you should get there by whatever means you need to for you and your growing family. Excellent post. I have a few articles on my site https://www.roamingmommy.com/ that address both bottle and breastfeeding needs and products if you are interested in stopping by and taking a look.
marina@roamingmommy.com
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
I love this that you said: “The important thing here is that both baby and mom are healthy, and you should get there by whatever means you need to for you and your growing family.” Yes! Thanks so much for your positive feedback and encouragement!
Jasmine Winslow says
Hi Buddy,
Great tips here! I’ve heard of many babies who refused bottles but us working mamas don’t have much of a choice sometimes. Especially if we have to go back to work after 3 months. My kid refused the breast at first so was always preferring the bottle, so I had a different issue. The breastfeeding journey is definitely something else! HA
JB says
It helps when all the other (older) members of the family can feed the baby. Mommies can spend ‘me’ time or do other things while somebody else is making sure the baby’s tummy is satisfied and happy!
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
Yes, that’s always a nice thing, too. And it allows a different kind of bonding between baby and others that feed her, too. Thanks for weighing in!
Tony says
Many thanks for the article. My wife need this article so much.
Georgina Wheeler says
I think this post is fanstatic and helpful for mommy like me. It’s useful to feed baby for all of women whose first time being mommy. Thank you
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
Oh I hope so! Thanks for the encouragement, Georgina!
Erin says
Many thanks for the helpful tips. I know many young mothers will take your advice to heart when making important decisions on how to feed their baby.
Liz says
This is an excellent posts.mso many women think they can only breastfeeding or only formula feed. I made this mistake ith my first daughter when I struggled with milkmsupply. I completed gave up breastfeeding. Now with my second child, we happily do a little bit of everything, nurse, express milk, and feed formula. Baby is happily fed, and I feel like I’m giving her the best of both worlds.
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
Yes – it took me one pregnancy where I didn’t have the resources or support and gave up, too, before realizing this with my second as well!