
Paced bottle feeding is a method of feeding your baby that slows down the flow of milk to mimic the natural rhythm of breastfeeding. This technique allows the baby to be in control of their feeding, helping them to recognise when they are full and preventing overfeeding. It also gives the baby time to feel full, reducing the risk of stomach upset, gas and spit-up. To implement paced bottle feeding, wait for hunger cues from your baby, use a bottle with a slow-flow nipple, hold your baby upright and allow them to suckle for 20-30 seconds before giving them a break.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | To slow down the flow of milk or formula into the bottle nipple and the newborn's mouth |
Benefits | Helps the newborn to listen to their natural hunger and fullness cues, reduces the risk of overfeeding, fights fussiness and reflux, prevents "nipple confusion", reduces the risk of choking and ear infections |
Feeding position | Semi-upright |
Bottle position | Horizontal |
Feeding breaks | After 20-30 seconds of feeding, the bottle is tipped downward or removed from the newborn's mouth to stop the flow of milk |
What You'll Learn
Hold the baby semi-upright
Holding your baby in a semi-upright position is a key part of paced bottle-feeding, which is a method of bottle-feeding that slows down the flow of milk or formula into the bottle nipple and your baby's mouth. This technique gives your baby more control over the pace of their meal and how much they want to eat.
To hold your baby in a semi-upright position, prop them up at a 45-degree angle with their head and neck aligned, supporting their head in the crook of your arm. You can use a pillow under your arm for extra support. This position helps to prevent milk from flowing into your baby's eustachian tubes, which can lead to a middle ear infection. It also helps to prevent choking, as it stops milk from going down the wrong pipe.
When feeding your baby in this position, tilt the bottle so that the milk fills the neck of the bottle and covers the nipple. This will decrease the amount of air your baby takes in, reducing the chance of painful gas. You can also try using a feeding pillow to help keep your baby's head slightly elevated during feeding.
Holding your baby in a semi-upright position during bottle-feeding is a safe and comfortable way to feed your little one. It helps to mimic the natural rhythm of breastfeeding and allows your baby to regulate their milk intake, preventing overfeeding and safeguarding them from tummy troubles.
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Tickle their lips with the bottle
Tickling a newborn's lips with the bottle is a great way to stimulate their interest in feeding. It can also help to prevent accidental force-feeding, which can lead to oral aversion, fussiness, and refusal to eat. Here are some tips to effectively tickle your newborn's lips with the bottle during feeding:
Hold the bottle correctly
Hold the bottle horizontally, parallel to the floor. This will slow down the flow of milk and give your baby more control over the feeding. It also prevents the milk from dripping out, which can lead to flooding and increase the risk of ear infections.
Start with tickling
Gently tickle your baby's upper lip with the bottle before placing it in their mouth. This will encourage them to open their mouth and get ready to latch and feed.
Let your baby latch
Once your baby opens their mouth, let them draw the nipple into their mouth and close their lips around the base of the nipple. They will essentially “latch” onto the bottle nipple like they would a breast.
Maintain a comfortable position
Hold your baby in an upright or slightly reclined position during feeding. This helps your baby control the flow of milk better and prevents it from pouring down their throat. It also mimics the natural breastfeeding position, making it more comfortable for your little one.
Pay attention to your baby's cues
Look for signs that your baby is getting full, such as yawning, sneezing, pushing out their tongue, or arching their back away from the bottle. Slow down the feeding or stop if they show any of these signs. It's important to let your baby control the amount they consume and have a positive feeding experience.
Take breaks
Just like during breastfeeding, take breaks during bottle-feeding to burp your baby gently. This aids in comfortable digestion and signals the end of the meal. It also gives your baby a chance to rest and helps prevent overfeeding.
By incorporating these tips into your bottle-feeding routine, you will create a nurturing and enjoyable feeding experience for both you and your baby. Remember to always be patient and attentive to your baby's needs, as feeding is a skill that they are learning and perfecting.
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Hold the bottle horizontally
Holding the bottle horizontally is a key part of paced bottle feeding, a method of feeding that slows down the flow of milk to mimic breastfeeding. This technique gives the baby more control over the pace of their meal and how much they want to eat.
To hold the bottle horizontally, you should first support the baby's head and neck to feed them in a semi-upright position. The bottle should be held parallel to the ground, with the nipple pointed up. This will slow the flow of milk and prevent too much liquid from flowing out at once.
Holding the bottle horizontally allows the baby to control the flow of milk better. It also helps the bottle last the entire length of a normal feeding, usually 10-20 minutes, rather than the baby gulping it down in 5 minutes. This gives the baby time to recognise when they are full and prevents overfeeding.
It is important to note that paced bottle feeding is not necessary for every baby. However, it can be helpful for many, especially those who are breastfed or transitioning between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.
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Take breaks during the feed
Taking breaks during the feed is an important part of paced bottle feeding. This method of feeding gives the baby more control over their milk intake and flow, and more closely mimics the natural rhythm of breastfeeding.
To begin, hold the baby in a semi-upright position, with their head and neck supported, and the bottle horizontal to the floor. This position will help to slow the flow of milk. After 20-30 seconds of feeding, lower the bottle so it is parallel to the floor, giving the baby a short break. The nipple can stay in their mouth, but it should be positioned so that no milk comes out. When the baby starts sucking on the nipple again, tip the bottle forward and allow them to feed for another 20-30 seconds. Repeat this process, paying attention to the baby's fullness cues. They may start taking breaks on their own, and you can follow their lead.
Taking breaks during the feed will help the baby to avoid overfeeding and stomach upset. It also helps to prevent "nipple confusion", where a baby gets accustomed to one method of feeding and rejects the other. This method of feeding also reduces the risk of choking and ear infections, as the baby is being fed in a semi-upright position.
It is important to note that paced bottle feeding may not be necessary or suitable for all babies. For example, if you have a very fast letdown, holding the bottle horizontally may not be as important, as your baby is already used to a fast flow.
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Look for fullness cues
Paced bottle feeding is a method that gives your baby more control over their meal and how much they want to eat. It is important to look for fullness cues to avoid overfeeding your baby. Here are some tips to help you recognise when your baby is full:
- One of the most obvious signs that your baby is full is when they push the bottle away or turn their head away from the bottle.
- Another sign to look out for is open and relaxed hands. This is a good indicator that your baby is getting close to being full.
- If your baby falls asleep, they are finished feeding. However, newborns may need to be awakened in the first few days to feed.
- Observe your baby's temperament, feeding and sleeping routine. If your baby is calm and seems satisfied after feeding, and they have regained their birth weight and continue to gain weight, there is nothing to worry about.
- If your baby is drinking very slowly, be patient. Some babies will continue to drink slowly as they get older. You can stimulate your baby as they feed by rubbing their feet and tickling their back and sides.
- If your baby is taking in too much milk and you notice they are gulping, lean them forward to allow the milk to flow away from the nipple and give them a break.
- If your baby is getting tense or showing signs of discomfort, such as gas or colic, try switching to a breast-shaped nipple bottle, which is slow flow. Holding the bottle more horizontally can also help reduce the amount of air they swallow during feeding.
- If your baby is a very fast drinker, you may not need to worry about paced bottle feeding. However, if you notice that they are overeating or experiencing stomach pain and gas, you can try paced bottle feeding to slow down their feeding and give them more control.
Remember, paced bottle feeding gives your baby the time and space to eat at their own pace and recognise their fullness cues. It may take a few sessions for you and your baby to get the hang of it, but it's worth it to ensure your little one is getting the right amount of milk and staying healthy and happy!
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Frequently asked questions
Paced bottle feeding is a method of feeding that mimics breastfeeding. It involves pacing the feedings to allow the baby to be in control of their satiety or feeling of fullness. The baby will eat more slowly and work harder to get the milk, as they would with breastfeeding.
You can do paced bottle feeding by holding the baby in a semi-upright position while feeding, holding the bottle horizontally to slow the flow of milk, and stopping throughout the feeding session for breaks.
Paced bottle feeding can help to avoid overfeeding, fight fussiness and reflux, prevent "nipple confusion", and reduce the risk of choking and ear infections. It also allows the baby to take breaks in between sips, which more closely mimics the stop-start motion of breastfeeding.
Some signs that your baby is hungry include rooting (turning their head with their mouth wide open toward any object that touches their cheek), acting fussy or restless, and putting their hands in their mouth.
Your baby may be full if they push the bottle away, turn their head away from the bottle, or fall asleep.