First Food

How to Feed a Baby: 0 to 6 months old Newborns signal hunger by restless squirming or crying. Infants who are picked up and fed as soon as they show these signs actually cry less than those allowed to fuss longer. Offer either breast milk or formula on demand. Allow an infant to breast-feed as long as he chooses,

usually about 20 minutes. Infants will suck continuously and then rest for a few seconds before starting again. Breastfeeding should be a calm, smooth, uninterrupted process. It shouldn't hurt. If it does, you may simply be holding the baby improperly. Check with your doctor or the hospital where you gave birth to find a nurse who is specially trained to help with breastfeeding. Try not to jiggle or otherwise distract an infant from the feeding process. Hold the infant while she's feeding—leaving an infant to feed alone from a propped-up bottle reduces opportunities for you to form a close bond. Whether breast- or bottle-feeding, hold the infant securely and comfortably, allowing her enough freedom to move her legs and arms. Make sure her neck is straight and she can look into your face.

Burp the infant to relieve swallowed air after each 1–2 ounces and when the infant stops nursing. Gently remove the infant from the breast or bottle. Place the infant on your shoulder and pat his back gently.