Bottle feeding

Bottle feeding is the process of feeding a baby with a bottle that contains either infant formula or expressed breast milk. This method of feeding is often used by parents and caregivers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, or to supplement breastfeeding.

History

The use of a bottle to feed infants has been recorded as far back as ancient Roman civilization, where bottles made from animal skins were used. The modern baby bottle as we know it today, with a teat, or nipple, for the baby to suck on, was not developed until the 19th century.

Types of Bottle Feeding

There are two main types of bottle feeding: feeding with infant formula, and feeding with expressed breast milk.

Infant Formula

Infant formula is a manufactured food designed to feed babies under 12 months of age. It is usually based on cow's milk, but can also be based on soy milk or other proteins. It is fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure the baby receives all necessary nutrients.

Expressed Breast Milk

Expressed breast milk is milk that has been pumped from a mother's breasts and stored for later use. This allows mothers who are unable to breastfeed, or who choose not to, to still provide their baby with breast milk.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Bottle feeding has both benefits and drawbacks. Some of the benefits include the ability for others to feed the baby, allowing the mother to rest or return to work, and the ability to know exactly how much milk the baby is consuming. Some of the drawbacks include the potential for nipple confusion in the baby, the cost of formula, and the time and effort required to prepare bottles.

See Also

• Breastfeeding
• Infant nutrition
• Infant formula
• Baby bottle