How often should I feed my baby?

Most experts agree that you shouldn't follow a rigid feeding schedule in the early weeks, though you may be able to work out an approximate pattern within a month or two.

Offer your breast or the bottle every two to three hours at first or as your baby seems hungry. Until your baby reaches about 10 pounds, she'll probably take one to three ounces per feeding.

Don't force more than she seems ready to eat. Your baby's doctor should advise you about suitable amounts for your child as she grows.

Do I need to sterilize the bottles?

Before you first use new bottles, nipples, and rings, you should sterilize them by submerging them in a pot of boiling water for at least five minutes. Then allow them to dry on a clean towel. After that, a good cleaning in hot, soapy water, or a cycle through the dishwasher is sufficient. One caveat: If you have well water, repeated sterilization of the bottles may be best.

You can find some handy bottle gear, such as dishwasher baskets for nipples, rings, and bottle caps, and special bottle drying racks, at most baby supply stores.

Can I mix breast milk and formula?

While there's nothing wrong with mixing breast milk and formula in the same container, it's not recommended simply because if you're pumping and supplementing with formula, you don't want to waste a single drop of your precious breast milk. To avoid this, a good plan is to feed your baby whatever breast milk you've expressed, and then follow that up with couple of ounces of formula if you need it.

What's the best way to warm a bottle?

There's no health reason to feed a baby warmed milk, but your baby may prefer it. When you're ready to feed your baby, you can warm a bottle in a pan of hot — not boiling — water, or by running it under the tap. You can also buy a bottle warmer designed for this purpose.

If your baby is accustomed to drinking bottles at room temperature or slightly cold, you save yourself the time and hassle of preheating bottles, especially when she's crying to be fed.

Never use a microwave to heat a bottle of breast milk or formula. Since a microwave oven heats unevenly, it can create hot pockets, leading to burns. It can also cause nutrients to break down.

How can I make sure my baby is drinking comfortably?

Like so much with babies, you'll need to listen and observe. If you hear a lot of noisy sucking sounds while she drinks, she may be taking in too much air. To help your baby swallow less air, hold her at a 45-degree angle. Also take care to tilt the bottle so that the nipple and neck are always filled with breast milk or formula.

Never prop a bottle — it can cause your baby to choke. Besides, bottle-feeding, like breastfeeding, can be a wonderful time for nurturing your baby by holding her close. So take feeding time as an opportunity to snuggle and bond.