This post has been sponsored by Mirum Shopper. All opinions are 100% my own.
When you have a baby, there are few times more special than feeding time. Whether you breast feed, supplement with formula or bottle feed exclusively, the act of holding and being close to your child is precious. When breastfeeding didn’t work for me, I was concerned about bonding with my baby while bottle feeding. Our pediatrician gave me some great tips that allowed both my husband and I to make the most of feeding time.
Making the Most of Feeding Time
- Hold your baby while feeding them. This can be more time consuming that simply propping them up with a bottle that they can hold themselves, but the act of being physically close can help with bonding.
- Hold eye contact with baby while feeding. It can be tempting to do something else while feeding your child, but maintaining eye contact helps to build a bond.
- Sing to baby while feeding. You don’t have to do this at every feeding, but baby enjoys hearing your voice whether you are singing a lullaby, humming or even speaking.
- Keep the feeding area peaceful. That means no loud noises, ringing phones, or arguing siblings.
- Skin to skin contact with baby is important and not just for moms. Babies enjoy skin contact with Dad as well. Fathers can hold and feed baby against their chest while not wearing a shirt.
Whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or supplementing with formula, you are making the best choice for your baby. You may have lots of well-intentioned friends and relatives offering up advice and opinions, but when it comes to feeding time, “mother knows best.” As a new mom you have lots of responsibilities and potential stressors in your life. One thing that should not cause you stress is deciding what to feed your baby.
Parent’s Choice® Infant Formula has been a leading choice for feeding babies with millions of parents across the United States. It has been exclusive to Walmart since 1998. Why has it been so popular with parents? Parent’s Choice® Infant Formula is:
- Nutritionally comparable to more expensive national brand infant formulas, including Enfamil®, Similac®, and Gerber®.
- Compliant with FDA nutritional standards and the recommendations of the AAP – the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Clinically proven to support growth and development.
- Easy to digest and has been well tolerated by millions of babies.
- Clinically proven to be as well tolerated by infants as national brand formulas.
Plus, Parent’s Choice® Infant Formula meets the highest-quality FDA nutritional standards and you can save up to $600 a year compared to other alternative formulas. It’s a win all the way around if you are bottle feeding or supplementing with formula.
Parent’s Choice® Infant Formula comes in many varieties such as:
Parent’s Choice® Premium Powder Infant Formula
- Value Size 35oz
- Makes 65, 4 oz. bottles
- Clinically proven to support growth and development
Parent’s Choice® Advantage Tub Powder Stage 2 Formula
- Value Size 35oz
- Suitable for babies 6-12 months
Parent’s Choice®Sensitivity Canned Powder Infant Formula
- Available in Value Size 33.2oz
- Makes 59, 4oz bottles
- For fussiness & gas
Parent’s Choice®Gentle Infant Formula with Iron
- Available in Value Size 33.2oz
- Makes 60, 4 oz. bottles
- For fussiness, gas and crying
The Parent’s Choice® label extends beyond infant products. You can also find the following at Walmart:
- Baby and Toddler Foods – Yogurt Bites, Cereals, Cereal Bars, Little Puffs®, Little Fruits®, Little MunchersTM, and Little WheelsTM
- Toddler Formula for Older Infants
- Ready-to-Drink Pediatric Nutritional Beverages
- Pediatric Electrolyte Rehydration Solution and Powder Sticks
As you can see, whatever feeding option you chose, there are many ways to make the most of feeding time and bond with your baby. No matter what well meaning friends and family tell you, remember that your choice matters.
Elizabeth O. says
This is lovely. I think it’s important to savor moments like this with your baby, even if it happens often. It also doubles as a chance to be with them.
Vicky says
Yes, Elizabeth, those times are so precious!
Liz Mays says
That is such a special bonding time for parent and child. I treasured it, and your tips on making the most of it are excellent.
Vicky says
Thank you Liz. It goes by so fast doesn’t it?
Divya @ Eat. Teach. Blog. says
This is a really helpful post. Passing this along to my cousins who are currently going through this process!
Vicky says
Oh great, I hope it helps them!
Carol Cassara says
I think it’s important to make a routine out of meal time so you can do as much as you can to maximize your time while feeding your baby. These are very good suggestions.
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Great post! We currently use Enfamil for the twins; but I wouldn’t be opposed to trying this out!
Fatima Torres says
Skin to skin contact, as well as eye contact, are great ways for build your bond with your little one. I love feeding time with our little ones. It’s been such a blessing to breastfeed both.
Julie Kalungi says
I love babies, they bring that warm mushy feeling, that love and I loved every moment of bonding with m babies, I still love giving them a long hug….cant believe how fast they grow.
Naomi at Parenting Pod says
Great post! I agree that keeping eye contact with baby is key. It’s tempting to pinterest away on your phone but don’t do it! Thanks for sharing.