How to Bottle Feed Your Baby
We recently dove into how to identify what bottle is best for a baby and why (if you missed it, check it out here!). As we know from that previous blog, the most optimal bottle/nipple is one that has a long narrow slope. Now, let's talk about the do’s and don’ts of bottle feeding.
Finding what position works best for you and your baby during a feeding is so important! Some positions are more optimal compared to others; however, you want the position to be comfortable for both you and your baby.
No matter what bottle you have picked for your little one, there are some general guidelines to remember while bottle feeding so let’s discuss!
When to Introduce a Bottle
If you are using formula or exclusively pumping, obviously the answer to this question is “right away!” But, if you are exclusively nursing and want to introduce a bottle, there is a recommended timeline.
Usually, a bottle should be introduced to baby after nursing is well-established and before baby’s suckling reflex starts to integrate. Usually that is somewhere between 2-6 weeks, with the sweet spot being around 3-4 weeks.
It is important to offer CONSISTENTLY once a bottle is introduced, as baby may refuse a bottle if it’s not offered early and often enough! Aim for at least 4-5 times week when starting out and consistently offer to decrease the chances of baby refusing a bottle.
What is a Paced Bottle Feeding?
Some of you may have heard the term, but are wondering what EXACTLY is “paced feeding?”
Paced feedings allow you to really connect with your baby by watching their body language and helping guide the feed to their needs, similar to breastfeeding. This type of technique allows the feeding to be slowed down and for your baby take breaks and lead the feeding. Since the feeding is done at a slower rate, it allows your baby’s brain and stomach to stay in sync and help from overfeeding.
How to Offer a Paced Bottle Feeding:
Present the bottle/nipple to your baby and let them latch and begin feeding.
When you notice your baby starting to slow down/stop sucking, gently tilt the bottle down away from your baby’s mouth slowing down the flow of milk, but not removing the nipple from their mouth.
By not removing the nipple from their mouth, this allows their latch to stay in place! When your baby begins to suck again, tilt the bottle towards their mouth so they are able to get more milk. This also prevents milk from pooling in their mouth! Continue this until they are showing signs that they are done feeding.
Most important guideline, follow your baby’s lead! Our little humans know their bodies so trust them!
Examples of preferred bottle-feeding positions:
Cradle Hold
This position is the most well-known and a traditional feeding approach.
For a cradle hold, you are going to place your baby’s head in the bend of your arm and wrap that same arm/hand around their body. Then you elevate the baby's head near your shoulder and offer the bottle. This position is convenient if you are out and need to feed your baby!
Elevated Side Lying
As a feeding specialist this is my favorite position! It allows the feeding to be slowed down.
Unfortunately, it might not be the most convenient position if you are out and about with your little one, but it doesn’t mean you CAN’T do it. You will want to find a comfortable spot to sit, like on the couch or a bed and have your legs bent at the knee.
You can also extend your legs out in front of you and place a pillow on your legs to achieve similar elevation. Next you are going to place baby on their side with their body at a 45 degree angle and offer the bottle.
Upright Feeding
This position is just as it sounds- baby is sitting almost fully upright. This position may be a good option for babies who may have reflux symptoms.
You are going to place your baby in a seated position and offer the bottle. This can be done in many different ways, especially depending on your baby’s age.
If your baby is younger and does not have great head and neck control, you will want to provide head and body support with your hand cupped around the base of their head- or your arm behind their head like in this photo.
If your baby has stable head control, but you still want to provide some extra support, you can lean their back against your chest and hold the bottle out in front, facing you and baby.
Do not prop the bottle while baby sits in a bouncer or car seat.
Feeding your baby from a bottle is an activity that requires active participation from the caregiver and from baby. Propping the bottle can also cause your baby to sputter, cough, or potentially choke while drinking. A caregiver should be feeding baby their bottle until baby can or wishes to hold it on their own.
You DON’T need to go up in flow.
Did you know that you do not have to change the nipple flow as your baby grows? That’s right! Don’t let those marketing gimmicks getcha with levels of nipple flows for specific ages.
If your baby is content and eating without difficulty then there is no need to change the nipple flow.
If you notice your baby is taking longer to finish a bottle or becoming frustrated, try going up to the next flow option. Some babies, especially breastfed babies, don’t ever need to change the flow of the nipple. Yes, you can have a one-year-old on a slow flow nipple and if that’s working for you, great! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Do not force feed or increase the flow to make feeds go faster.
If your baby is telling you that they aren’t interested or need a break, let’s listen to them. That can look like:
Pushing the nipple out with their tongue
Turning their head
Only drinking a few ounces and wanting a break
Arching their back away or crying
If you see these behaviors, take a break from the feed and try again later. Baby could be teething, need to burp, or need to poop and just isn’t interested in eating right now.
Also remember that it’s ok if your baby isn’t drinking the same amount at each feed! We don’t eat the same at each meal- and that is OK!
What if my baby is having trouble drinking from a bottle?
Learning to eat is HARD! Yes, it is a natural thing our bodies do, but your baby still has to learn.
Babies are used to getting all their needs met without having to do anything while in the womb. So having to now work to fill their bellies can be tiring and difficult.
It’s important to know not every feeding is going to be perfect, BUT if you are feeling like something is off with your little one’s feeding despite trying all the tips and tricks we have outlined, there could be some oral dysfunction.
Signs it may be time to see a feeding specialist
If your baby is consistently exhibiting any of the following, it’s likely time to talk to a professional:
Open mouth breathing
Drooling
Snoring
Low and forward tongue position in mouth
Clicking during a feeding
Trouble latching
Falling asleep quickly during a feed
If you want more guidance on breast or bottle feeding, we offer virtual consultations and you can get all your questions answered!
If you’re a new parent or about to be, make sure you check out this FREE Guide! We list out all our favorites for baby, why we like them and more!
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