How to Bottle-Feed Your Baby

If you choose to, or if it is medically necessary, here are some tips on how to feed your baby with a bottle.

Choose the right bottle and nipple

Choose bottles and nipples that are most appropriate for the age of your baby. Bottles typically come in      4-ounce or 8-ounce sizes. Choose the size closest to the amount of milk that your baby is taking.  

A soft nipple that gradually tapers to a point is a good choice because it helps your baby grasp onto the nipple the way they would latch onto your breast. A slow-flow nipple can help your baby pace their feeding, which means they can take in the right amount to avoid spitting up and overfeeding. 

Hold your baby close

Hold your baby in a semi-upright position and cradle them close to you. This helps them feel secure and comfortable during feeding.

Offer the bottle slowly

Gently touch your baby from nose to chin with the bottle nipple. This will encourage them to open their mouth. Let them latch onto the nipple with their lips at their own pace.

Watch for feeding cues

Look for signs that your baby is hungry, such as sucking on their fists, making smacking sounds, or rooting, which is their instinctive response to turn their head to find a milk supply. It is best to feed your baby before they are crying because crying is a late hunger cue.

Feed on demand

Offer the bottle whenever your baby shows signs of hunger, rather than having a schedule. Babies have different feeding patterns, so follow your baby's cues. Babies should eat 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period.

Burp your baby

When the bottle is about half empty, stop and burp your baby, especially if they seem gassy or uncomfortable. You can do this by holding them over your shoulder or on your lap, and rub or tap their back for a few minutes. If they seem comfortable and haven’t burped, you can stop. Burping can help prevent spitting up.

Keep feeding time calm and quiet

Find a quiet, comfortable spot to feed your baby. This helps them focus on eating and relaxing.

Follow safe bottle-feeding practices

Always wash your hands before preparing a bottle to make sure the bottle and nipple are clean. If you are warming the bottle before feeding, use a bottle warmer or place the bottle in a cup of warm water until it is warm to the touch on your wrist. Never microwave formula or breast milk. Using a microwave can create hot spots that can burn your baby and reduce important qualities of the milk.

Throw away unused milk

Once your baby’s mouth has touched the nipple, the unused milk in that bottle should be thrown away within 2 hours and not reused.

Please contact your health care provider, pediatrician, or doctor if you have any concerns or questions about bottle-feeding.