What is Paced Bottle-Feeding?

Have you ever felt like your little one treats feeding sessions like a race, gulping down milk faster than you can say "slow down"? Welcome to paced bottle-feeding, which will help you change that. Think of it like you are having a calming chat over chai rather than a rushed breakfast on the run. The paced bottle-feeding method is recommended for any baby who drinks from bottles. Whether your baby is fully bottle fed or fed from the breast and a bottle, you can try this method for them. 

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, paced bottle feeding is a method of bottle feeding that allows the infant to be more in control of the feeding pace. What this feeding method does is that it slows down the flow of milk into the nipple and the mouth, thereby allowing the baby to eat more slowly and take breaks. Why is it recommended? Paced feeding reduces the risk of overfeeding, which may result in discomfort to the baby. Keep your baby feeding bibs from Nintara Baby handy and get ready to teach your little one the paced bottle-feeding method.

What Does Paced Bottle-Feeding Do?

Paced bottle-feeding mimics natural breastfeeding by allowing your baby to set their own feeding rhythm, reducing common issues like gas, reflux, and discomfort. By adopting this method, you will ensure that your little one has good digestion and create a peaceful, bonding feeding experience for both you and your baby.

What Do I Need to Do to Pace Bottle-Feed?

Before you start paced bottle-feeding, there are a few things you should prepare:

Suitable Bottles: Choose bottles designed with slow-flow nipples. These nipples help manage milk flow, making it easier for your baby to control feeding. Many brands specifically label their nipples as slow flow or newborn-friendly.

Comfortable Seating: Ensure you are comfortably seated in a relaxed position. Having a cushion or pillow for support can help maintain a comfortable posture throughout the feeding session.

Clean and Sterilised Bottles: Always keep your bottles and nipples properly sterilised and clean to prevent infections.

Burp Cloth: Keep a clean cloth handy to catch any spills or spit-up during and after feeding. You may check out some soft baby burp cloths from Nintara Baby. Our burp cloths are 100% cotton muslin and available in bright, attractive colours.

Having these items within easy reach will help make the feeding experience smooth and enjoyable for both you and your baby. 

Remember, your little one will not adjust instantly to paced bottle feeding. After several days of practice, babies will start to learn to pace themselves. You will notice them taking their own sucking breaks, and then returning to feeding. Positioning the baby upright and holding the bottle in a flat position helps babies gain this control.

How Do You Manage Paced Bottle-Feeding?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you practice paced bottle-feeding effectively

Step 1: Sit comfortably and hold your baby in an upright or semi-upright position. Ensure your baby’s head and neck are well-supported to prevent choking.

Step 2: Position the Bottle Correctly. Hold the bottle horizontally rather than vertically. This ensures the nipple is only partially filled with milk, giving your baby more control over sucking and swallowing.

Step 3: Let Your Baby Latch Naturally. Gently touch the nipple to your baby’s lips, encouraging them to latch naturally. Avoid forcing the nipple into their mouth. Let them take it at their own pace.

Step 4: Let the baby begin sucking on the nipple without milk, then tip the bottle just enough to fill the nipple about halfway with milk. Let the baby suck for about 3-5 continuous swallows, say around 20-30 seconds.

Step 5: After 3-5 continuous swallows, give your baby a little break and tip the bottle down. After a few seconds, when the baby begins to suck again, tip the bottle up to allow milk to flow into the nipple. 

Step 6: Allow Your Baby to Set the Pace. Let your baby start sucking, and watch for their cues. Allow pauses and breaks as your baby naturally controls their intake. When your baby stops sucking or takes short breaks, lower the bottle slightly to pause the milk flow without completely removing the nipple from their mouth.

Step 7: Your burp cloth will come in very handy here. After the feeding session, or anytime your baby shows discomfort, gently burp your baby to release any trapped air and prevent gas build-up.

What Precautions Should I Take When Paced Bottle-Feeding?

While paced bottle-feeding is generally very safe and beneficial, there are some precautions you should keep in mind:

1. Pay attention to your baby’s cues of fullness. For example if your baby turns away from the bottle, or becomes distracted, or slows their sucking, then it is your cue to stop. Do not force them to finish the bottle.

2. Always use a slow-flow nipple, especially for newborns and younger infants. Fast-flow nipples can lead to choking, gulping, or discomfort.

3. Ensure your baby remains in an upright or semi-upright position throughout feeding. This position helps reduce the risk of choking and improve digestion.

4. Be alert for signs of distress such as coughing, choking, excessive gagging, or discomfort. If these occur, immediately pause feeding and pat your baby’s back or move your hands on their back. 

5. It is a no-brainer that you always have to sterilise bottles and nipples properly and maintain good hand hygiene to prevent infections.

By taking these precautions, you will ensure that paced bottle-feeding remains a safe, enjoyable, and beneficial experience for you and your baby.

Paced bottle-feeding is an excellent practice that not only promotes healthier feeding habits but also closely replicates natural breastfeeding. It builds a stronger bond between you and your baby by making feeding sessions more comfortable, interactive, and satisfying for both. While feeding, your burp cloth can be a good companion.

Take a look at Nintara Baby’s range of burp cloths that can also be worn as a bib when feeding. Our baby bib is designed to be your baby's dependable mealtime sidekick. Made with super absorbent material, it ensures comfort and cleanliness during feeding times.