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Baby

      Bottle-feeding in hospital

      Baby Bottles With Milk

      Bottle-feeding in hospital

      Be prepared

      What you'll need to pack if bottle-feeding

      Whether you are planning to formula feed, express your breast milk from birth, combine breast and bottle feeding, or just want to be prepared for every possible situation, it is good to explore the various bottles and teats available, as well as potential milks. Taking your chosen equipment with you can help with continuity when you get home.

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      Not all maternity units have baby milk and feeding equipment available1, unless there is a medical need. So if you’re planning to formula feed or express your breast milk for bottle-feeding, it’s important to check whether you need to bring your own supplies.

      If you’re planning to formula feed, most probably you will need to bring ready-to-feed liquid formula of your brand of preference to the hospital as not all hospitals have the facilities for the safe preparation or storage of powdered formula2. Talk to your midwife or healthcare professional if you have any questions or need support.

      Baby Feet

      Your baby’s needs change constantly as they develop.

      Formula feeding: Preparing the first feed

      Some – but not all – hospitals will teach you how to make up your baby’s first bottle-feed. It’s your chance to ask any questions you might have so that you can feel confident when it comes to sterilising bottles and preparing feeds at home.

      Using the right teat

      When it comes to bottle-feeding, it’s not a case of one teat fits all. Every baby is different and you may need to use different bottles and teats until you find one your baby is happy with. Your midwife or the baby feeding advisors at the hospital can advise you on the most suitable teat for your baby.

      Your baby’s needs change constantly as they develop, so bear in mind that you might need to change bottles and teats during your baby’s feeding journey to keep them feeding comfortably.

      Next steps

      Add these items to your shopping list:

      • Silicone or orthodontic teats
      • Small bottles (120ml/4oz), possibly wide-neck (these are less messy to fill)
      • If formula feeding, your choice of ready to feed infant milk

      Watch our short video on preparing a bottle-feed

      Oriana Hernandez Carrion

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      Oriana has a BSc (Hons) in Nutrition and Food Science (1st class) from University Iberoamericana in Mexico, the country where she completed an internship in a Children’s Public Hospital (HIMFG) and later on worked in a private nutrition clinic. 


      Read more

      1. NHS. Bottle Feeding [Online]. 2021. Available at https://www.boltonft.nhs.uk/services/maternity/information/feeding-and-caring-for-your-baby/bottle-feeding/ [Accessed July 2021]
      2. NHS. Getting Started (Bottle Feeding) [Online]. 2021. Available at https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/maternity/getting-started-bottle-feeding/ [Accessed July 2021]

      Last reviewed: 28th July 2021
      Reviewed by Oriana Hernandez Carrion

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      Your baby's future health begins here

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      Our midwives, nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. Need instant assistance? Our WhatsApp Customer Support team is here to help on-the-go!

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