What is paced bottle feeding?
Paced bottle feeding is a gentle and mindful approach to feeding your baby, helping them learn to eat at their own pace and regulate their intake. It is all about slowing down the rate at which your baby eats from the bottle and learning to recognise their hunger and fullness cues.
Why is it important to do paced bottle feeding?
There are many benefits to paced bottle feeding, including:
- Reduces the risk of overfeeding. When babies are fed too quickly, they can consume more milk than they need, which can lead to weight gain problems and other health issues.
- Help babies learn to suck at their own pace. This can help them develop a healthy relationship with food and prevent the development of unhealthy eating habits later in life.
How to do paced bottle feeding?
Here are some tips for paced bottle feeding:
- Hold your baby in a semi-upright position. This will help prevent them from inhaling air as they feed.
- Brush the teat against your baby’s lips and wait for them to open their mouth wide. This will help them to suckle naturally.
- Keep the bottle in a horizontal position. This will help to prevent the milk from flowing too quickly.
- Pause the feed if your baby takes a break. This will allow them to catch their breath and digest the milk they have taken.
- Burp your baby regularly. This will help to release any gas that may be causing them discomfort.
Basic Bottle Basics of Bottle Feeding
- Look out for plastic leaching off (Recommended to change it if there’s leaching)
- Rinse the bottle under running water to remove residues
- Sterlise after each use. Invest in a good steriliser unit. Sterlise as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Try using nipples that facilitate proper latch. Use a slow flow nipple and wide breast like latch nipple – Suggested options: Pigeon SS nipple, Feeding Bottle, Lansinoh Momma Nipples (Some of the nipples can be used in other bottles as well)
- Important note: Discard unused milk
What to do after the feed?
- Hold your baby upright and gently rub or pat their back to bring up any wind.
- Sterilise the bottle and teat. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Here are some additional tips for paced bottle feeding:
- Recognise your baby’s feeding cues. Babies will give you signs that they are hungry or full. Pay attention to these cues and feed your baby accordingly.
- Hold your baby close during feeds. This will help them to feel secure and comfortable.
- Take your time. There is no need to rush through bottle feeds. Take your time and enjoy the bonding experience.
Paced bottle feeding is a great way to feed your baby and help them develop a healthy relationship with food.
If you are bottle feeding your baby, I encourage you to try paced bottle feeding and see the benefits for yourself.
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Other resources
- Supplementing at the breast – Jack Newman technique using the SNS feeding tube method
- Paced Bottle Feeding for the Breastfed Baby
- Another reference, Paced bottle feeding from Milkmob org and this
- Finger feeding and cup feeding technique