Not every baby takes to bottle feeding right away, and you might have to try a few different types of bottles. Beyond the type of bottle, you’ll want to consider how your baby ultimately experiences bottle feeding. This is where paced bottle feeding comes in.
Paced bottle feeding is a baby-led method where you must follow their cues and honor how much they ultimately decide to take – or not take. This is opposed to an adult-led approach, where you lead the exchange.
Why consider paced bottle feeding?
It closely resembles how babies breastfeed – initiating their own latch, drinking at their own speed, and pulling off when they are full. Paced feeding can be crucial for mothers continuing to nurse because it creates consistency between nursing and bottle feeding. It is still beneficial for exclusively pumping mothers and formula-fed babies, as it can prevent overfeeding, aid digestion, and minimize gassiness.
While it’s not something you need to teach your baby since it mirrors their natural feeding cues, it is a technique many adults need to learn. This means you’ll want to share it openly and clearly with all of your baby’s caregivers.
How to do paced bottle feeding:
Use a slow-flow nipple.
Instead of placing the nipple directly into your baby’s mouth, gently rub the bottle nipple over their lips. This invites them to initiate a latch.
Position your baby more upright with the bottle horizontal instead of lying them flat and tipping the bottle. This invites them to work for the milk in a similar fashion to nursing, as opposed to you (and gravity) doing the work for them.
Pause after 20-30 seconds to allow your baby to take a breath. Repeat until they no longer return for more. About halfway through, you can switch sides to simulate alternating breasts.
End the feeding session when they no longer return for more. Do not try to get them to finish the remaining milk, which overrides their “full” cues.
Are you a visual learner? Check out this expert video by Holistic Lactation that shows paced bottle feeding.
Before you try: Lactation consultants generally advise breastfeeding parents to delay the introduction to bottle feeding until at least month two. This allows your supply to be established, reducing the chance of an oversupply. An oversupply is not something to strive for because it can lead to engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis.