Kassing Method for Bottle Feeding: How to Do It Properly

Parents face many challenges when raising their babies. One of the most common is feeding, especially if the baby has colic, wind or digestive problems. The Kassing method is apopulartechniquetohelpimprove digestion in young children. If you are not familiar withthis term, do not worry. In this article we explain what the Kassing method is, how to do it properly and how it can help your baby's digestive health.

What is the Kassing method?

The Kassing method for babies and newborns is a technique developed by the American paediatrician Susan Kassing, with the aim of relieving colic, wind and digestive discomfort in little ones. The technique is based on adjusting the baby's posture during feeding so that it helps them pass wind and therefore reduces colic.The main idea behind bottle feeding using the Kassing method is to prevent the baby from swallowing air. Babies who take in air during feeding tend to experience greater discomfort, which may appear as colic, irritability and disturbed sleep.

How do you bottle feed using the Kassing method?

The Kassing method involves a series of simple but effective steps. Below we explain how to do it:

• Correct baby position: During feeds, make sure the baby is in an upright or semi-upright position, especially when bottle feeding. This makes digestion easier and prevents air from being swallowed. The baby's head should be slightly raised and aligned with the body. This position also helps to prevent gastro-oesophageal reflux.
• Keep the bottle at the right angle: If you are feeding your baby with a bottle, make sure you hold it at a 45-degree angle to prevent air from entering the bottle. This ensures that only milk enters and not air bubbles.
• Pauses during feeding: Take short pauses during the feed so the baby can burp and release any air they may have swallowed. This also helps to prevent excess wind in the stomach.
• Burp after every feed: At the end of the feed, it is essential to help the baby burp. This releases trapped air from the stomach and prevents discomfort. You can do this by holding the baby upright and gently patting their back.

It is also important to mention that the Kassing method can also be used for breastfeeding.

Which milks can support the Kassing method?

In addition to the feeding technique, choosing the right milk plays a key role in reducing colic and other digestive problems in babies. Enfamil Complete 2 and Enfamil Complete 3 contain specific formulas that help to relieve common gastrointestinal discomfort in the early years of life.

Enfamil Confort 2 (from 6 to 12 months)

Enfamil Confort 2 is a follow-on milk formulated for babies from 6 months onwards. It is enriched with a combination of nutrients that support easier digestion, helping to reduce stomach discomfort and colic. This formula contains:

• Partially hydrolysed proteins: These make digestion easier, which can be helpful for babies who have difficulty digesting whole proteins.

• Prebiotic and probiotic fibres: These fibres help to regulate the baby's digestive system and prevent constipation or wind.
• Essential fatty acids: These are important for the baby's brain and visual development.

This formula is ideal for babies who are starting to include solid foods in their diet, helping to reduce colic and abdominal discomfort.

Enfamil Confort 3 (from 12 months)

Enfamil Confort 3 is designed for babies from their first year of life. Like Enfamil Confort 2, this milk has a formula specially designed to support digestion and relieve wind and colic problems. In addition, it contains:

• Essential nutrients: Such as DHA and ARA, which contribute to cognitive and eye development.
• Low lactose content: Ideal for babies with lactose sensitivity or who have difficulty digesting it.
• Adapted formula: Helps to maintain intestinal balance and regulate the baby's digestive transit.
• Both milks, Enfamil Confort 2 and Enfamil Confort 3, are an excellent option for babies who experience digestive discomfort. When combined with the Kassing Method, feeding becomes more comfortable and effective, helping to reduce colic and irritability.

Additional tips to relieve colic and digestive discomfort

• Tummy massages: Gentle massages on the baby's abdomen can help to release trapped wind. Do this in circles with your fingertips, always using gentle movements in a clockwise direction.
• Warm bath: A warm bath can be relaxing and help to soothe discomfort.
• Using anti-colic dummies: Some dummies are designed to reduce air intake during sucking, which can be helpful for babies prone to colic.

If you would like more information about the Kassing method or the benefits of Enfamil milks, do not hesitate to speak to your paediatrician or contact our team of expert pharmacists. We are here to help you care for your little one!