Advantages and disadvantages of Baby Bottle Feeding
Baby bottle feeding is
an alternative to bottle feeding. Just like everything has its advantages and
disadvantages, baby bottle feeding also has its pros and cons. Formula milk is
another alternative to baby bottle feeding as it provides the baby with all the
essential nutrients the baby needs to grow and thrive. However, feeding the
baby with breast milk is much healthier and more advantageous as compared to
formula milk. Let’s have a look at both the advantages and disadvantages of
baby bottle feeding.
Advantages of Baby Bottle Feeding
Measured Intake – When feeding the baby using a baby bottle,
you can measure the exact amount of milk the baby is given during each feeding.
This is useful as the parent will know exactly how much milk the baby is
drinking. The parent will not have to second guess the amount or quantity of
intake.
Shared Care – The second advantage of feeding the baby
using a baby bottle is that both the mother and father can feed the child. In
fact, with a baby bottle, anyone can feed the baby. When the baby is breastfed,
only the mother can feed the baby but when she puts the milk in a baby bottle,
anyone taking care of the baby will be able to feed it.
Mother can eat
anything – If the mother is
unwell and is on medication or has a habit of drinking tea or coffee, with
formula feed, she will not have to worry about consuming a restricted diet. She
will also be able to take her medicines on time, which may harm the baby if the
baby is breastfed. Mothers who use formula can go back to their pre-pregnancy
habits quickly. They can eat and drink anything they like.
Ideal for children
who are lactose intolerant –
If your baby is lactose intolerant, he or she will not be able to process
breast milk or animal milk. In such a case, the baby can be bottle-fed with
formula milk or soy milk.
Advantages of Breast Feeding
Benefits for mother’s
health – It is a known fact
that mothers who breastfeed have a less likely chance of having breast cancer.
Similarly, the woman is less likely to develop ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
She will also be less likely to deal with Type 2 diabetes as well as
post-partum depression.
Convenience – A major advantage of breastfeeding is that
the mother doesn’t have to get up to prepare the bottled formula milk or heat
up any pre-stored breast milk at night. Night-time feedings are a lot easier
for mothers who breastfeed.
Healthy and
Nutritious – When it comes to
promoting the baby’s brain growth, breast milk is known to be the most healthy
and nutritious. Breast milk has the right amount of iron and nutrients needed
for the baby to grow. The baby can also easily digest breast milk so mothers
can safely give it to them.