In 2012, UNICEF, the flagship United Nations agency for children, published a (landmark study) on baby feeding in the UK which conclusively stated that the practice of breast feeding babies was not only beneficial to the baby but also beneficial to the nation's exchequer. That said, there are several circumstances, including serious medical conditions, when mothers are left with the sole option of bottle feeding their little ones. It is to those devoted mothers that we dedicate this report and present an in-depth primer on how to avoid a few not too insignificant challenges while bottle feeding your baby safely, wisely and lovingly.

Before you Start Bottle feeding your Baby

Before you embark on the bottle feeding journey with your precious little one, there are a number of factors you should be knowledgeable about so that the entire experience remains uneventful across the board.

Research Bottle Feeding Paraphernalia

The shopping list for your baby should include a number of feeding products and accessories, preferably two of each

• Feeding bottle set
• Extra nipples
• Bottle cleaning brush‎
• Bottle sterilizer‎
• Straw brush
• Nipple brush‎
• Bottle warmer
• Bottle tongs

If you are a first time mommy, consider performing some research on the various products and accessories available in your region and country. It goes without saying that there is really no room for compromise when it is time to select the best products you are able to afford for your baby. You should also read any product literature which may accompany these products including manufacturers? inserts and web pages referred to in the product packaging through URLs and QR codes.

Watch for Thrush

Thrush, or oral pseudomembranous candidiasis, is a mouth infection which many babies develop while they are being bottle fed. Its symptoms include white patches inside of the cheeks, lips and other parts of the baby's mouth, reluctance to suck the bottle, and general irritability. Found among 5% of babies who are bottle fed, this yeast infection is not serious and often goes away by itself. However, it is a good idea to alert your pediatrician and watch your baby vigilantly during the infection period. Prevent thrush by keeping bottles, nipples and pacifiers sterilized and clean at all times, and by not allowing your baby to suck the bottle while asleep.

Avoid Ear Infections

Bottle fed babies develop ear infections only because baby formula has a tendency to overflow out of the bottle and enter the baby's ear canal. A combination of sugar, carbs and fat, combined with warmth and dampness, provides bacteria an excellent breeding ground for ear infections. There are several precautions you can take. First, always feed your baby in a supervised environment and wipe any excess formula overflow instantly. Secondly, make sure that the right size and type of nipple is attached firmly to the bottle when you are feeding your baby.

Prevent Colic Attacks

Although the jury is still out on this subject, many mothers and their pediatricians firmly believe that babies who are bottle fed are more susceptible to colic attacks and digestive problems. This is because babies develop a tendency to suck in air while sucking milk either externally or directly from the bottle itself. Try changing your baby's feeding position during feed time. Burp your baby as soon as the feeding session is over so that any excessive air is given a chance to let go. Finally, fill your baby's feeding bottle to the top so that there is no space for air to remain trapped and create problems down the road.

Since baby formula is not fortified with natural antibodies like mommy's breast milk which are always ready to bat for the baby's immune system, precautions are indeed in order. Follow the tips and recommendations we have proposed and you will notice that your baby will be on and off the bottle safely even before you know it.