Paced Bottle Feeding is for Everyone

Paced Bottle Feeding has become a wide known practice to help babies transition from breast to bottle, then back to breast again. It "paces" the feed, so baby doesn't chug down the three ounces you worked so hard to pump.

With less chugging, decreases air intake, belly troubles, spitting up and reflux-like symptoms. It has now become a routine for bottle feeding babies in general, no matter if breastmilk or formula is in the bottle.

The bottle and nipple used for Paced Bottle Feeding is fairly important. You want a narrow shape nipple with the slowest flow your bottle offers. A preemie nipple is often suggested unless your baby shows signs of frustration. The narrow shape allows baby to maintain a good seal on the nipple, allowing less air to be taken in.

The baby is in an upright position. Your baby can be cradled in your arms or sitting on your lap with your other hand supporting their upper back, neck and head. You can stop mid-way through a feed, burp and hold baby in the opposite arm and finish the feed. This helps to not always hold baby in the same position, they can have better range of motion and muscle tone if switching sides- also like the breast! It should take about 10-15 minutes for your baby to eat a 2-4ounce bottle.

It is best to consult with an IBCLC if your baby needs to supplement before 4 weeks old. An IBCLC can also give you one on one education on Paced Bottle Feeding as well as other ways to supplement rather than bottles.

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