Let your baby set the pace for bottle feeding

Feeding is a great time to nurture your baby.  When you feed your baby at a comfortable pace, baby can let you know, “I need a break” or “I’m full”.  Letting your baby set the pace means less chance of overfeeding, gas, stomach discomfort, and spitting up.

  1. Is baby hungry?  Feed baby when you see hunger cues . . .
    • Keeps hands near mouth
    • Bends arms and legs toward body
    • Makes sucking noises
    • Puckers lips
    • Searches for nipple (roots)
  2. Feed baby.  Here are 5 easy tips to feeding baby . . .
    • Always hold your baby and the bottle when feeding.
    • Hold your baby almost upright.
    • Brush the bottle nipple across baby’s upper lip. Wait for baby’s mouth to open.
    • Hold the bottle in an almost flat position. The nipple will be only partly full. This keeps the milk from pouring into baby’s mouth.
    • Let your baby pause and take breaks every few sucks. Your baby will feed for about 15–20 minutes.
  3. Is baby full?  Don’t try to get your baby to finish the bottle. Watch for fullness cues . . .
    • Sucks slower or stops sucking
    • Relaxes hands and arms
    • Turns away from nipple
    • Pushes away
    • Falls asleep