Paced Bottle Feeding: Following Your Baby's Cues

Paced bottle feeding lets your baby control how fast they eat. This helps prevent overfeeding, reduces spit-up and tummy trouble, and helps your baby catch their breath while eating.

How to Do Paced Bottle Feeding

Step 1

Position your baby. Hold your baby sitting upright. Support their head and neck. Never prop the bottle, as it can cause choking.

Step 2

Hold the bottle in a flat, sideways position. This keeps the bottle nipple only half full of milk or formula. Adjust the angle to control the flow.

Step 3

Touch the nipple to your baby's cheek or top lip. Wait for their mouth to open wide. Let them latch onto the nipple. Don't tilt the bottle up or lean your baby back.

Step 4

Allow your baby to control the feeding. This should take 15-30 minutes. Your baby should stay relaxed and in control.

Step 5

Your baby will pause while sucking and swallowing. Watch them and follow their lead. Long pauses are a good time to burp.

Step 6

Recognize cues for when your baby is done feeding. Some may include slowing down or not sucking, turning away from the bottle, and falling asleep. At this point, burp your baby.

Signs of Feeding Too Fast

During a feeding, watch your baby for signs of a poor-paced bottle feeding:

Gulping
Turning away from the nipple/bottle
Showing wide eyes
Choking
Spreading their fingers
Milk dripping from the corners of their mouth

If you see these signs, pause the feeding and give your baby a break.

Helpful Tips

Trust your baby to know when they're full. Don't make them finish the bottle.
Worried about wasting milk? Provide smaller 1-2 ounces at a time. You can always offer more.
Have questions? Contact WIC staff, a lactation consultant, or your health care provider.