Paced Bottle Feeding: Pointers for New Parents & Caregivers
Feeding a new baby with an immature digestive tract is definitely trickier than feeding the older infant. Babies take in a great deal of air when feeding, and it’s not always easy for them to both stop their suckling reflex and the ingestion from a fast flow bottle to take a needed break. This often can result in crying spells from too much gas.
Paced bottle feeding is different from the ‘breastfeeding’ position we are used to seeing many settle into with their bottle fed infant in the media. It allows for a more gradual intake of milk, including breaks in the flow of milk to the baby, and gives more time for a feeding that is appropriate for the age and stage of the tiny tummy.
Here’s some pointers for pacing feeds:
1. Sit baby in an upright position
This allows better control of the flow of the bottle, and allows the infant to control the amount of milk they are ingesting.
2. Hold the bottle horizontally
With the bottle held this way, the flow, even with a fast flow nipple, is much slower and replicates a breastfeeding flow for the baby. Baby has to work a bit harder to ingest the milk, thus controlling it from overfilling his/her tummy.
3. After 30 seconds, remove or tip the bottle to stop the flow of milk
This is the same pattern as is given during a natural nursing feed with let downs from the milk ducts, controlled by the stimulation of the areola with baby’s tongue. By replicating the type of ingestion normal to baby during nursing, the digestion becomes easier.
4. Prevent Overfeeding
Looking for cues in baby’s feeding behavior can help prevent baby from ingesting too much milk. Slower sucking, eyes wandering instead of focusing or a baby that is beginning to fall asleep and loosen its grip are all great signs that the feed is enough.
5. Remove Bottle Gently
Twist the bottle to remove and give the bottle back to baby after approximately 20-30 seconds. If the baby wants more, let them suck a few times and then repeat the removal process. This will help the baby to understand when he/she is full and to reduce the chances of overfeeding before the ‘full’ feeling reaches the baby’s brain.
By pacing feeding for a newborn, you can ensure that they will learn the proper cues to avoid overeating and also ingesting too much air during a feed and causing an uncomfortable tummy during digestion!
And remember, never prop a bottle up and leave a baby to feed themselves. Feeds should always be accompanied and led by a caregiver to avoid both overfeeding and impacted airways.
Need help with feeding or feeling overwhelmed? Our newborn care specialists can answer your questions and help you feed your baby with ease!
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