While it isn't critical for development, some parents hold their babies in one arm for one feeding, the other for the next, to help infants develop good eye muscle coordination.

• Warm a bottle by standing it in a couple of inches of water in an electric coffee maker for a few minutes, by setting it in any handy bowl, pan or mug of hot water or by running hot tap water over it. Shake the bottle occasionally to warm formula evenly.
• Stand an uncapped eight-ounce bottle in your microwave at high power for 15 to 30 seconds if it's at room temperature and for 30 to 60 seconds if it's cold from the refrigerator.**
• Keep extra formula in the refrigerator to add to a too-warm bottle.
• Make middle of the night feedings easier by taking a COLD (from the refrigerator) bottle to your room or the baby's when you go to bed. It will probably warm to room temperature by the time you need it.
• Regulate the flow of formula by loosening the bottle collar if the flow is too slow, tightening it if the flow is too fast.
• Hold the bottle at feeding angle to check the nipple hole size. If formula comes out in steady, even drops, the nipple is ready for use.
• Let your baby use bottle straws; formula will flow evenly no matter what the position the bottle is in. ***

The business of bottles

• Store bottle sin the refrigerator in an empty six pack bottle holder to keep them together and safe from tipping. Or make and store formula in a sterilized glass coffee pot.
• Boil nipples in water in a glass jar in the microwave oven to clean them. A teaspoonful of vinegar in the water will prevent hard water deposits in the jar.
• Enlarge nipple holes, if necessary, by putting toothpicks i them and boiling the nipples for three minutes, or by sticking a very hot needle in to the rubber a few times. If the hole is too big, TOSS the nipple and start using the extras you bought!
• Rinse out empty bottles as soon as possible or you'll find "cottage cheese" in them later. Shake a bottle filled with warm water with dry rice in it to scrub out mile rings. To get rid of a sour milk smell, fill bottles with warm water, add a teaspoon of baking soda, shake well and let stand overnight.
• Remove juice stains by putting baking soda in warm water in the bottle and scrubbing with a bottle brush. If juice pulp clogs the nipple, cover the top of the bottle with a piece of cheesecloth to strain it out.
• Wash bottles in the dishwasher, if you have one. They won't need sterilizing.

Burping
Don't worry if your baby doesn't always burp after a feeding, especially if you're breastfeeding. If he or she seems comfortable after you've given it a good try, forget it. Do be careful not to "pat" too hard; you may cause the baby to vomit.***  Some parents find it better to use a gentle upward stroke instead of patting.

• Put your baby on your shoulder with a diaper underneath and gently pat his or her back between the shoulder blades.
• Tie a bib around YOUR neck if you get tired of a diaper, and switch the bib from shoulder to shoulder as you switch the baby.
• Lay the baby on your lap, tummy down, with his or her head tur4ned a little to the side. Pat or gently rub, form the bottom up.
• Make a "horseshoe" with your thumb and index finger and put the baby's chin into it as he or she "sits" on your lap, leaning against your arm. Pat or stroke upward.
• Put your hand under the baby's sternum and lean the baby toward your palm (draped with cloth or diaper), while firmly but gently rubbing his or her back.
• Squeeze the baby's back gently, while the baby is on your shoulder or in our lap, beginning at the kidney area and working slowing up to the shoulders.

This information was provided from the book " Vicki Lansky's Practical Parenting Tips - the first 5 years" Copy Right 1982 by Vicki Lansky

Comments from TLC
** An electric crock pot works well with warm water in it. You can pick these up for around $10-$20.00 in most stores like K-Mart or Wal-Mart.   Micro waving the bottle is never recommended because it may get too hot, or have "hot spots". In a pinch - it can be done, but always shake well afterwards and test the temperature!

***It is never recommended that you leave your baby with a bottle propped up in its mouth!