Cup feeding

• Let the baby sit upright and hold the baby steady.
• You can use a pillow to support your arm.
• Support the baby's neck and head with your arm or hand.
• The baby's arms should be naturally bent.
• If the baby's arms are extended at its sides, it will impede the eating reflexes.
• If the baby's hands are waving eagerly so that they bump into the cup as you feed the baby, you can wrap a blanket around the baby so that its hands sit naturally against its body.
• After warming the cup in a bain-marie, make sure the milk is at body-temperature.
• Hold the cup of milk gently against the baby's lower lip and tilt the cup so that the milk reaches the rim. The baby is able to smell the milk and can then extend its tongue and sip the milk.
• Sometimes the baby may take a break, but hold the cup to its lower lip so that the baby can continue to sip the milk when it feels ready.
• As the baby sips and swallows, the milk will go out and back into the cup. If the cup is removed from its lower lip, the milk will flow out of its mouth.
• It is important to remember not to just pour the milk into the baby's mouth. The baby needs to actively sip the milk with its tongue at its own pace.
• Also, do not push down the baby's lower jaw as this makes it harder for the baby to sip and swallow.
• If the baby does not show any interest in wanting to sip the milk, you can encourage the baby by holding the cup gently against the baby's upper lip and dripping the milk onto its tongue, letting the baby taste the milk. The baby can then extend its tongue and start sipping.
• If the baby is crying, try to calm the baby before trying again.
• After feeding, the baby may need to be held close in your arms for a little while, preferably in an upright position.
• Some babies may want to suckle after cup feeding Then take the opportunity to breastfeed the baby, but if it is not able to suckle you can help the baby suck its hand or knuckle.
• Any left over milk should be discarded.