Are you a crafty parent looking for ways to help your baby build the important skills they need? Are you looking to provide your little one with a comfortable and safe way to hold them upright after feeding? You’ve come to the right place! Holding baby upright helps keep their airways open for easy breathing, as well as helps reduce any potential reflux symptoms.
So, what are some of the best ways in which you can make sure your newborn is supported and secure during this important time? In this blog post, we’ll share tips on how to hold baby upright after feeding using common crafts such as cloth diapers, nursing pillows, and even blankets to provide secure support for holding your baby straight up.
Read on if you want peace of mind that your little one is safe while eating or digesting his/her meals. Read on for tips on how to properly hold your bundle of joy incline-style!
Why Do You Need to Hold Baby Upright After Feeding?
1. Helps Digestion
It’s important to hold your baby upright after feeds for a number of reasons. Not only does it help keep their airways open and prevent any potential reflux, but it also aids in digestion. By holding your newborn at an angle, you can help avoid the issues that come with “spitting up” or regurgitation.
2. Helps with Acid Reflux
Gastro-oesophageal reflux (or GERD for short) is a common problem in newborns that can cause pain and distress when not managed properly. By holding your baby upright after feeding, you can help reduce the risk of developing this condition or minimize its symptoms.
3. Helps with Sucking Reflexes
Holding your baby upright after a feed helps to stimulate and promote the natural sucking reflex that babies have. This can be especially helpful for babies who are having difficulty latching on or nursing properly.
4. Promotes Proper Swallowing
Holding your baby up at an angle during meals helps to ensure that they are swallowing the milk properly. This also reduces the risk of them inhaling any food or liquid, which can lead to choking and other health concerns.
Required Items to Hold Baby Upright After Feeding
1. Nursing Pillow
A nursing pillow is a great way to keep your baby upright and secure during meals. It can be used for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, and the adjustable straps allow you to customize the angle of inclination to suit your baby’s needs.
2. Cloth Diapers
Using a cloth diaper can be an easy and cost-effective way to provide your baby with support while they are eating. It’s important to make sure the diaper is wrapped securely and tightly around your little one before you begin feeding them.
3. Blankets
You can also use blankets as makeshift support for your baby’s back while they are eating. Make sure the blanket is clean and soft, and wrap it securely around your child to ensure their safety.
10 Instructions on How to Hold Baby Upright After Feeding
1. Place the Nursing Pillow
Place the nursing pillow behind your baby’s back and adjust the straps to provide a comfortable angle of inclination. A nursing pillow is a great way to keep your baby upright and secure during meals. Also, adjustable straps allow you to customize the angle of inclination that best suits your baby’s needs.
2. Secure the Pillow
Once the nursing pillow is placed behind your baby’s back and adjusted properly, wrap a cloth diaper securely around their torso. This will help keep them in place while they eat. While wrapping, make sure that the diaper is not too tight around your baby’s body.
3. Place a Blanket
You can also place a blanket over the nursing pillow if you want to provide an extra layer of support and comfort for your little one. Make sure that the blanket is clean and soft before wrapping it around your baby securely.
4. Loosen the Blanket
Once your baby has finished feeding, you can loosen the blanket to provide them with more comfort and space. This will also reduce any potential discomfort or irritation from wrapping their torso securely during meals.
5. Support Their Head with One Hand
Support your baby’s head with one hand while they feed. This will help keep them in an upright position and provide a more comfortable feeding experience. Keep in mind that your baby’s neck is fragile, so be gentle when supporting their head.
6. Support Their Torso
Place your other hand on your baby’s torso to provide extra support while they feed and help keep them in an upright position. Make sure to keep pressure light and steady, as you do not want to cause any discomfort for your little one.
7. Wait until Swallowing is Complete
Make sure that your baby has completely swallowed the milk or food before you move them from their upright position. This will help ensure that they are able to digest it properly and reduce the risk of them choking on it.
8. Check for Choking Signs
After your baby has finished feeding, check them for any signs of choking. If you see any sign of distress, such as coughing or gagging, make sure to move them to a flat position and seek medical attention if needed.
9. Burp Your Baby Upright
After every feeding, it is important to make sure that your baby is burped in an upright position. This will help reduce the risk of them inhaling any food or liquid, which can lead to choking and other health concerns.
10. Put Baby Down for Nap Time
Once your baby has finished their meal and been burped correctly in an upright position, you can slowly lay them down for nap time. Make sure that their head is elevated slightly higher than their stomach to keep their airway open and reduce the risk of choking or reflux.
Following these 10 tips on how to hold your baby upright after feeding will help ensure their safety and comfort during mealtime. Make sure to never leave your baby unattended while they are in an upright position, and always seek medical attention if you notice any signs of distress.
With proper care, feeding can be a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your little one!
8 Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not holding the baby upright is a common mistake. After a feeding, it is important to hold your baby in an upright position for 10-15 minutes. This will help digestion and reduce spit-up and reflux episodes. Also, the upright position is better for the baby’s airway and can help ease congestion.
2. Not burping your baby enough is a common mistake. After each feeding, it is important to burp your baby every 5-10 minutes in order to help reduce gas and other digestive issues such as colic. Burping will also help bring up any air bubbles that may have been swallowed while feeding.
3. Using the wrong size bottle nipple is a common mistake. Baby bottles with too small of a nipple can cause the baby to work too hard to get the milk out, leading to fatigue and frustration which can lead to poor feedings or even fussiness when feeding. It is important to make sure the nipple size is suitable for your baby’s age.
4. Not being aware of how much your baby eats is a common mistake. It is important to pay attention to how much your baby eats during each feeding as this will help you determine if they are getting enough nourishment and also help you recognize any potential food allergies or intolerances.
5. Not checking the temperature of your baby’s bottle is a common mistake. It is important to make sure the milk in your baby’s bottle is not too hot or cold, as this can cause discomfort and poor feedings, or even burns due to extreme temperatures.
6. Not using a proper bottle cleaning technique is a common mistake. Even when you think your baby’s bottle is clean, it is important to wash the bottles thoroughly with hot water and soap after each use to ensure they are free from harmful bacteria.
7. Not getting enough rest between feedings is a common mistake. It is important for both you and your baby to get enough rest between feedings in order for them to be able to eat comfortably. It is also important to stay rested in order to have the energy needed for the feeding session itself.
8. Not following your doctor’s advice is a common mistake. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes or decisions regarding your baby’s feeding routine. Make sure to get the right advice for your particular situation and follow it closely for the best outcome!
Conclusion
Feeding time can be a special bonding experience for parents and baby. By following the adjustment tips on how to hold baby upright after feeding discussed in this blog, you can provide stability and support while your little one is upright and learning to eat. As infants start to relax with eating, they will also explore their senses and look at their environment with enthusiasm!
Keep your baby upright after meals yet comfortable and content by providing a secure space. Finally, don’t forget to use resources such as homemade burp cloths or bibs to capture any spilled milk. These kinds of items can be easily crafted with the right materials so look around for different sources so that you can continue creating moments of joyous connection even during feeding times!
