Ear Infections And Bottle Feeding

Ear Infections And Bottle Feeding

Many new mothers hear that bottle feeding can cause ear infection in the baby, and it is in fact true, that it can. But, the tale about babies getting an ear infection through breastfeeding while the baby is lying down is a misconception. In comparison to bottle feeding, the breastfeeding reduces the risk of a baby getting an ear infection.

The baby gets an ear infection from bottle-feeding because the milk often flows into the baby’s ear, and the warmth of the ear and the sugar and wetness of the milk make it a good breeding ground for germs. This is the case irrespective of whether you are feeding the baby breast milk or formula milk through the bottle. The mother’s nipple is, however, designed in such a way that the milk will slow only when the baby sucks on it. Hence, there is no risk that milk will run down the baby’s ear after the child has stopped sucking. This is the reason ear infections are found more often in babies who are fed formula milk rather than breast fed. It is related to the mechanics of feeding the baby rather than anything to do with the milk itself.

If your baby feeds on formula milk, you should pay attention carefully to prevent him from getting an ear infection. The first thing you should remember that formula milk is a foreign substance unlike breast milk, and it also has a higher content of sugar. Keep in mind that dampness, warmth and sugar provides the perfect condition for the germs to thrive on. Even when you are feeding your baby in a sitting position, it is possible for the milk to roll into the baby’s ear, so look out for this. Do not keep the bottle in the baby’s mouth for long periods of time letting the baby feed itself. If you do not supervise how you baby feeds from the bottle, then milk could enter his ear. This could also lead to bottle-feed tooth decay. It is always better to feed your baby breast milk as it has the mother’s own antibodies which will allow the baby to fight off infections, which formula milk does not have.

Apart from bottle feeding, exposure to allergies, cigarette smoke, using a pacifier and being in a day care center where he spends time with other children who might have ear infections, may cause ear infection in your baby.