When bottlefeeding or breastfeeding, burp
babies midway through and after feedings.
Use one spoon and one bowl
when babies are ready for solid food, unless one baby is sick.
Feed
baby food directly from the jar at room temperature, discarding any
leftover food to avoid bacterial growth.
Consult your health care
provider for advice about sleeping positions for babies after feeding.
Breastfeeding Multiples
Consult your health
care provider or the local LaLeche League if you are considering
breastfeeding. Members of a local Mothers of Twins or Parents of Multiples
Club are also resources.
Follow doctor's advice given on proper diet,
rest, nipple care, and breast pumping.
Remember, your fluid intake
should be one to one and one half quarts more than usual.
Alternate
your babies for each feeding. One may require a larger amount of milk than
the other/s, and sucking stimulates the breast to produce more.
With
twins, nurse your babies at the same time, if possible. A U-shaped nursing
pillow may be helpful. Two bed pillows work well, too.
Don't be
alarmed with the color and consistency of the babies' stools as they are
usually looser and lighter in color than those of bottle-fed babies.
Bottlefeeding Multiples
Purchase different
styles/colors of bottles/nipples if the babies are put on different
formulas. This simplifies identification.
Use a chart to document
feedings.
Formulas come in many forms (powdered, concentrate, and
ready-to-feed). Unless specified by your doctor, choose whichever is most
convenient and follow preparation instructions carefully.
Your doctor
may recommend sterilizing bottles and nipples during the first few months.
If using a dishwasher for bottles, additional sterilization may not be
required.
Encourage dad and siblings to assist.
Take time to
cuddle each baby after feeding and during burping.
If you are alone
and your multiples need to be fed, you may bottle feed them by putting
each in an infant seat and positioning yourself accordingly.