Making feeding easier for caregivers: What I wish I knew earlier
I still remember the first time I had to leave my baby with someone else. Even though it was just for a few hours, my mind was racing the entire time.
Did I leave enough milk?
Would my mom remember how much to feed?
Did I explain properly how to prepare the bottle?
Would my baby even take it?
I had planned the stash, the bottles, the schedule, but no one told me just how much mental load I’d still be carrying even when I wasn’t physically there.
The truth is, preparing for a feeding handover takes more than just milk. It’s about making it simple, foolproof, and worry-free for everyone involved, including yourself.
What I learned (the hard way)
The first few times I handed over feeds, I found myself still glued to my phone, checking in, feeling anxious. My instructions were verbal, rushed, and I assumed my mom or caregiver would “know what to do.” But feeding, as we know, is so much more personal than just filling a bottle.
So, here’s what I’ve learned, the little things that made all the difference.
1. Write it down, keep it simple
Even the most experienced caregivers appreciate clear, step-by-step guidance.
✅ How much to feed.
✅ When to feed.
✅ Baby’s hunger and fullness cues.
✅ How baby prefers the bottle (slow flow? warmed? small breaks?).
Don’t feel awkward about being specific. It’s not about micromanaging, it’s about setting everyone up for success.
2. Preparation should feel easy (not like a chemistry experiment)
At first, I relied on frozen milk and thought I had it all covered. But thawing, warming, and making sure the right amount was prepped became another source of stress.
Freeze dried breastmilk completely changed this part for me.
No thawing, no guessing. Just open a sachet, mix with warm water, and it’s ready, even my mom said, “Wah, so easy!”
The less complicated it is, the more confident your caregiver feels. And honestly, the less you need to worry.
3. Expect the unexpected (because babies love surprises)
Sometimes baby drinks more, sometimes less. Sometimes feeds happen earlier than planned.
Leaving a little extra milk prepared as backup became my non-negotiable. A small buffer that took away so much of the anxiety.
4. Feeding isn’t just about the bottle
I realized feeding is also about the little rituals that comfort your baby. The gentle sways, the soft words, the patience between sips.
Sharing these small but important details with my caregiver helped make the handover feel smoother, not just for my baby, but for me too.
5. The peace of mind I didn’t know I needed
At the heart of it, what I really needed was to feel that my baby was cared for, even if I wasn’t the one holding the bottle. Knowing the feeds were prepared, clear, and simple gave me the space to truly focus on where I needed to be, whether it was work, errands, or just taking a breath for myself.
I hope these little learnings will help you feel a bit more at ease. It’s not always easy to let go, but it can feel a whole lot lighter when we set ourselves (and our caregivers) up with the right tools.
💛 Curious how freeze dried breastmilk can help ease this process for you too? Let’s chat.