Bottle-feeding & formula

A guide to paced bottle-feeding

ARTICLE

Paced bottle-feeding lets baby feed at their own speed

Breastfeeding takes effort on the baby’s part. Paced bottle feeding is a way to feed your baby with a bottle to mimic how a baby may breastfeed. It lets them feed at their own speed and helps babies learn to control how much they eat and prevents them from gulping down their milk too fast.

For paced bottle-feeding, try a wide-based, slow-flow nipple first. This can more closely resemble a human nipple.

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1. Place your baby upright & support their head

Place your baby in an upright position with plenty of head and neck support. Touch the bottle nipple to your baby’s mouth.

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2. Let your baby lead

Touch the bottle nipple to your baby's mouth, but let your baby take the bottle nipple into their mouth.

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3. Keep the bottle horizontal

Instead of holding the bottle up high, keep it horizontal. Keeping it horizontal to the baby helps slow down the flow. It also lets them choose when to take a break.

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4. Control the flow

Allow the baby to suck tilting the bottle slightly to let more of the milk to be sucked by the baby. Let baby suck for about 3-5 continuous swallows or 20-30 seconds.

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5. Let baby pace themself

After they take a few sucks, gently pull the nipple out to rest on their bottom lip. Then allow them to pull the nipple back in. This mimics the way they would breastfeed.

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6. Follow their cues

Pay attention to your baby's cues. When they take a break or turn away, it means they need a break. Never chase your baby with a bottle, as it can lead to negative feelings about food.

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7. Slow down if necessary

Closely watch your baby as they feed. If your baby is swallowing a lot, it might mean they're getting too much milk at once. Slow down and give them time.

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Remember, paced bottle-feeding takes some time. Let your baby lead as you follow. Call Pacify if you need help!

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Sources

All of the information in our Library is evidence-based and backed by information from reputable organizations.

Kassing, Dee. (2002). Bottle-Feeding as a Tool to Reinforce Breastfeeding. Sage Journals.

"Paced bottle feeding is a way of feeding," (no date). Paced Bottle Feeding. WIC Colorado.

Recommended articles

Breastfeeding & pumping

If you find yourself without your breast pump, you can hand express your breast milk. It's a useful skill that can help you out in a pinch. Here's an easy step-by-step guide to hand expression:

Step 1: Get ready

First things first, wash your hands and make sure they’re clean. Then find a clean container to collect the milk. It can be a breast milk storage bag or a small, sterilized container.

Step 2: Find a cozy spot

Get yourself to a quiet, comfy place. Take a moment to relax yourself and try some deep breathing. Give your breasts a little massage to help the milk flow.

Step 3: Set up your fingers

Put your thumb and pointer finger about 1-2 inches back from the dark area around your nipple (that's the areola). Make a C shape with your hand, keeping your fingers a bit apart.

Step 4: Start expressing

With your fingers in position, gently squeeze your thumb and pointer finger together, moving your hand back towards your chest. This way, you're pushing the milk toward the nipple.

Step 5: Keep going

Let go of the pressure, then gently squeeze your fingers together again. Keep up this rhythmic motion, going around your breast to make sure you get all the milk you need.

Don't worry if it takes a little practice – you'll get better with time. Hand expression is a good skill to have when breastfeeding. If you're having trouble, call a Pacify Lactation Consultant! They're there to help you out. With some practice and patience, you'll be a pro in no time.

Weaning & solid foods

Weaning your toddler is a big step in their growth. When the time feels right for both of you, these tips can make it easier.

Gradually reduce feeding time

Take it slow. Decrease how long or how often you nurse. If you usually nurse for 15 minutes, try 8 minutes. If you nurse 4 times a day, try going down to 3. Going slowly helps your child adjust without it feeling sudden.

Offer substitutions or distractions

Suggest something else when your toddler wants to nurse. A healthy snack or drink can be a good replacement. Reading a book, going for a walk, or playing with a new toy can help distract them. These tips can help them accept the weaning.

Start weaning with the less important feeding times

Nap time and bedtime may be very difficult to stop. So start weaning with the feeding times that seem less important to the toddler. Some parents choose to save those feedings until later in the process to wean.

Offer a healthy diet for your toddler

Ensure your toddler eats a variety of foods with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats as you reduce feedings. They should be having three larger meals and about one to three snacks per day. This helps them get the nutrients they need for growth, even with less breast milk or formula.

Seek expert help

Get advice from a Pacify Lactation Consultant as you stop nursing.. They can give you the extra advice and support you need. This will make the weaning process easier for both you and your toddler.

Breastfeeding & pumping

Breast milk is the best food for babies, but it's not just about nutrition. Research shows that breastfeeding can have benefits for both you and your baby!

For your baby:

1. Less chance of asthma

Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma. Asthma is a disease that makes it hard to breathe.

2. Lower risk of leukemia

Breastfeeding can lower the chances of childhood leukemia, a kind of blood cancer.

3. Prevents childhood obesity

Breastfeeding helps babies stay at a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity in childhood.

4. Fewer ear infections

Breastfed babies are less likely to get ear infections, which are common in childhood.

5. Protects against eczema

Breast milk can help guard against eczema, a condition that makes your skin itchy and swollen.

6. Helps the digestive system

Breastfeeding helps prevent diarrhea, throwing up, and lung infections.

7. Lowers the risk of intestinal problems

Breast milk helps prevent a serious intestinal illness called necrotizing enterocolitis. It happens in the intestines of preterm babies.

8. Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes

Breastfed babies are less likely to get type 2 diabetes when they grow up.

For you:

1. Less risk of type 2 diabetes

Breastfeeding is good for the parent too. It lowers their chances of getting type 2 diabetes.

2. Lower risk of some breast cancers

Studies show that breastfeeding is linked to a lower chance of getting certain breast cancers.

3. Protects against ovarian cancer

Breastfeeding can also make it less likely for the parent to get ovarian cancer.

Breastfeeding also creates a strong connection between you and your baby. It brings comfort and support that can help your baby grow up healthy. As you start your breastfeeding journey, remember that the benefits can last far beyond the first few months. It helps your child’s health for a long time, and it can help yours too!

Sometimes it's helpful to have a friendly face

Pacify experts are here to help you! Go to the home screen in your Pacify app to talk to a care specialist.

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