Bottle feeding is a great way to feed your newborn, but choosing the ideal position to help their digestion is essential. The wrong position can cause your baby to swallow air, leading to gas and discomfort.
Best Bottle Feeding Positions for Newborns
The best position for your baby will depend on their individual needs and preferences, but some of the best bottle-feeding positions worth trying include:
The cradle hold.This position is comfortable for you and your baby. Sit or lie down with your baby in your arms. Support their head and neck with your hand, and cradle their body against your chest.
The football hold.This position is excellent for babies who have reflux or are gassy. Sit or lie down with your baby on your side. Support their head and neck with your hand, and tuck their body under your arm.
The upright hold.This position is effective for babies who are fussy or have trouble latching. Sit up straight, and hold your baby upright in your arms. Support their head and neck with your hand, and hold the bottle at their chin.
The side-lying hold.This position is suitable for babies who are sleepy or need to be fed in the middle of the night. Lie on your side with your baby next to you. Support their head and neck with your hand, and hold the bottle at their chin.
Technique matters – not just positioning!
Paced bottle feeding is a technique that can help to reduce gas and colic in newborns. This technique involves feeding your baby slowly and allowing them to take breaks to burp. Paced bottle feeding asks you to:
Hold the bottle at your baby's chin so they can latch on.
Let your baby suckle for a few minutes, then pause to burp them.
Continue following your baby’s cues until they express fullness.
Do not force them to finish the bottle.
Discovering the right bottle-feeding position and using paced bottle-feeding can help your newborn's digestion and reduce the risk of gas and colic.