Bottle-feeding your baby

Why does the 'breast versus bottle' debate stir up such strong opinions?

'What is good in terms of mum's health is almost always going to be breastfeeding, but some women feel very strongly that it's not for them and as long as they don't live in a developing country, where bottle-feeding results in many babies dying unnecessarily from infectious diseases, it's their choice.'

Does sharing the bottle-feeding with friends and other relatives lessen or threaten that bond between mum and baby?

Su Laurent: 'Sharing bottle-feeding with dad can be great for enhancing dad's bond with the baby. Sharing with others is fine as long as the baby has enough one-to-one time with his parents to know who they are. Bottle-fed babies should be held in a similar position to breastfed babies and not prop fed or held at distance, in order to promote bonding.'

There are a whole range of bottles and teats out there, such as those for babies with colic which restrict the milk flow. They are expensive, but are they worth the money?

Su Laurent: 'There's no doubt that certain teats suit certain babies. If you have a very windy baby it's worth changing bottles and the best advice usually comes from friends and health visitors.'

Is it true that bottle-fed babies are more likely to be overweight?

Su Laurent: 'Over-fed babies can certainly become overweight so have your baby weighed from time to time and check she is growing along the centiles on her growth chart.'

Is there a link between child obesity and bottle-feeding?

Su Laurent: 'The evidence about whether bottle feeding causes obesity in later life is conflicting as many other factors are involved, such as the introduction of solids and how long the bottle feeding continues.'

Your Baby Month by Month by Su Laurent and Peter Reader, published by Dorling Kindersley, is available from www.dk.com from 2 August 2007