Feeding is one of the biggest questions on parents’ minds when their baby starts care. Whether your baby has breastmilk, formula or a mix of both, bottles at childcare can work smoothly with a bit of preparation and good communication. Here is how to set you and your baby up for calm, happy feeds.
Every family’s feeding journey is different
Some parents continue breastfeeding and send expressed milk. Others use formula, or combine the two. Some mums visit during the day to feed. There is no single right way, and your baby’s educators are there to support the choices that work for your family.
If you are still deciding how feeding will look once your baby starts care, your Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nurse is a great person to talk to. The Australian Breastfeeding Association also offers a Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 686 268, with information about expressing, storing milk and returning to work.
Getting your baby used to a bottle
If your baby has mostly fed at the breast, it can help to introduce a bottle a few weeks before they start care. Some babies take to it straight away, while others need time and patience.
It often helps if someone other than mum offers the first few bottles, as babies can be less interested when they can smell the breast nearby. Try when your baby is calm and only a little hungry, rather than very upset. If you have questions about bottles or teats, your MCH nurse can guide you.
Tips for bottles at childcare
- Label every bottle, lid and container clearly with your baby’s full name and the date.
- For breastmilk, follow the storage and transport guidance from your centre and the Australian Breastfeeding Association. An insulated bag with an ice brick is handy for the trip in.
- For formula, check with your centre about how they prefer it to be sent. Many families send pre-measured powder in a labelled container.
- Pack an extra bottle or two in case of spills or a hungrier day than usual.
- Let educators know if your baby likes a particular position, a burp halfway through, or a short break during a feed.
- Tell the team about any changes, such as a new formula, a growth spurt or a dropped feed.
Sharing your baby’s routine
Educators can follow your baby’s cues much more easily when they know your routine, so the more you share, the better. Share roughly when your baby usually feeds, how much they tend to drink and the signs they show when they are hungry, such as rooting, sucking on hands or turning towards you.
Remember that babies in care sometimes drink a little less or a little more than at home while they settle in. That is normal. Daily updates help you see the pattern, and you can adjust your plans together with your baby’s educators.
As your baby grows and begins solids, their milk feeds will gradually change. Keep chatting with the team so their day at care matches what is happening at home.
Feeding support in our Nursery
In our Nursery room, we work closely with families so feeds feel familiar and unhurried. Before your baby starts, our orientation sessions are a good time to talk through bottles, feeding times and anything else on your mind, and families receive updates through our parent app across the day. Our what to pack page also has handy reminders for those first few weeks.
If you are a Keysborough family planning for childcare and have questions about feeding, our team would be glad to chat. Book a tour or call us on 03 9969 7057.
