Bottle-feeding & formula basics

It’s normal to have questions about feeding your baby. Whether you’re using breast milk or formula, bottle-feeding comes with questions.

Bottle-feeding a breastfed baby

It’s important to wait until you’re both comfortable with breastfeeding to introduce a bottle. Your baby might be confused at first, but there are things you can try:

Give a bottle in place of a breastfeeding session.
Let someone else feed them. They may relate you with the breast and be less likely to take a bottle from you at first.
If they won’t take a bottle while you’re nearby, they might smell you. Try going to another room during those first bottle feedings.
Choose a spot where you normally breastfeed. This helps them relate that place with feedings.
Try paced bottle-feeding to mimic breastfeeding. This means holding the bottle more horizontally than high above like they would be chugging it.
Be patient and consistent! Try giving them a bottle at the same time every day.

Bottle-feeding a formula-fed baby

During the first days of life, babies might have a hard time with a bottle. Be patient. They usually get the hang of it!

It’s vital to mix formula correctly. There are three types of formula; ready-to-feed, liquid concentrate, and powder. Read directions closely and don’t stretch formula with extra water or less formula. That can affect your baby’s growth and development.
The water that you use for liquid concentrate and powdered formula matters. You can use tap water that is boiled for one minute and then brought to room temperature. You can also use formula or infant water found in stores.
Do not make your own infant formula. These formulas are not safe and may not have the nutrients your baby needs.

Positions for bottle-feeding

Support your baby in a somewhat upright position. Cradle their head in the crook of your arm. Avoid feeding them laying down, as this can increase the risk of choking and other problems.

Let your baby take breaks

This makes sure they’re not getting too much. Trust that your baby knows what they need! Over time, you’ll get to know their hunger and fullness cues better. They may just need to burp, so try burping then offering the bottle again.

Paced bottle-feeding

Breastfed babies may have trouble pacing themselves with a bottle. Paced bottle-feeding keeps the bottle horizontal while your baby is held upright. This makes it easier for your baby to take breaks and control the flow. Call a Pacify Lactation Consultant if you need help with paced bottle-feeding.

No bottles in bed

Letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle can be dangerous and form bad habits. If your baby gets used to falling asleep with a bottle, they may start to need a bottle to sleep. This can make it hard for you and your family to get the rest you need. On top of this, sleeping with a bottle increases the risk of choking, tooth decay, and ear infections.

How much formula they need

Every baby is different. There’s no set rule, so talk to your doctor about how much they should be eating. Bottle-fed newborns often need 6-8 feedings every 24 hours.

Bonding with your bottle-fed baby

You can make bottle-feedings a special time for bonding. Hold your baby close, make eye contact, and talk or sing to them softly. Dim lighting and soft music can help you both enjoy the time together.

When your baby refuses the bottle

It can be upsetting when your baby refuses a bottle, but it’s important not to force your baby to feed. If they push the bottle out or turn their heads, stop feeding. Force-feeding can cause problems. Here is what to do if your baby is refusing a bottle:

Try a new place, a new position, or try again after they settle down.
Check your flow. If the flow of your bottle is too slow or too fast, they may be frustrated.
Let your baby open their mouth for the bottle rather than putting the nipple in their mouth.
Stop trying. Your baby may not be hungry. It’s a good idea to wait before trying again to let your baby get hungry.
If you think your baby is refusing the bottle because they are sick, call your doctor.

Why your baby isn’t finishing the bottle

If your baby isn’t finishing or is falling asleep, they may just be full. Babies are good at knowing when they’re hungry or full.
If your baby falls asleep during a feeding, try rubbing their back, stroking their head/legs/tummy, or changing their diaper. This can help wake them up. Wait until your baby is fully awake before offering the rest of the bottle.
If your baby doesn’t finish a bottle, it’s important to throw out any leftover formula or breast milk after one hour at room temp. You can put formula back in the fridge to try again later, but you must throw it out after 24 hours. Germs from your baby’s mouth get into the milk through the bottle. This can make your baby sick if you use it later.

How long to bottle-feed

It’s best to stop using a bottle when your baby is around 12 months old. You can start teaching them to use a cup.

Feeding frequency changes

Don’t worry if your baby seems to be more or less hungry over time. It’s normal for babies to grow at different paces, so they’ll need different amounts over time. As long as your baby is gaining weight and you see enough pee/poop in their diaper, they’re probably getting enough. Call a Pacify Lactation Consultant if you’re worried!