What Is Paced Bottle-Feeding?
Paced bottle-feeding, also known as responsive feeding, is a way of feeding your baby with a bottle that mirrors the natural pace of breastfeeding, letting your little one take control of how quickly milk comes and when they want to drink. This approach is particularly helpful for babies who switch between bottle and breast. It can reduce overfeeding and may help prevent colic and gas. It’s also excellent for strengthening the bond between you and your baby. Experts generally recommend feeding your baby when hungry, rather than following a strict timetable.
Key Takeaways
Some of the perks of this method:
What you’ll need to do:
Keep reading for more information on how to practice paced bottle-feeding, how to troubleshoot common issues, and how to incorporate it into your daily routine.
What Is the Paced Bottle-Feeding Technique?
The method of paced bottle-feeding (responsive feeding) gives your baby more control of the feeding process while simultaneously mimicking the position and closeness of breastfeeding. The technique involves slowing down the flow of milk into your baby’s mouth to reduce the amount of air and allow your little one to take regular breaks (and, therefore, control the pace of feeding).
The paced bottle-feeding method could be a good choice for you regardless of how you choose to feed your baby.
You can use paced bottle-feeding for a breastfed baby, while formula feeding or if you choose mixed feeding.
Check with your doctor if you have any questions about paced bottle-feeding or feeding your baby in general.
Why Paced Bottle-Feeding Can Be Beneficial for Babies
Paced bottle-feeding offers many benefits for your baby, including:
When to Introduce a Bottle to a Breastfeeding Newborn
Thinking about introducing your breastfed baby to a bottle - either with paced feeding or otherwise? It’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well established, usually after roughly 6 weeks, but only if necessary (for example, when returning to work). For babies who are formula-fed from the beginning, you can start paced bottle-feeding straight away to encourage good habits from the start.
Step-by-Step Paced Bottle-Feeding Technique
Wondering how to do it? Here are some simple steps for practising paced bottle-feeding with your baby:
Hold your baby close.
Hold your baby close.
After preparing the bottle with formula or breast milk, hold your baby in your lap in a semi-upright position while supporting their head and neck. Look directly into your little one’s eyes and hold them close, just like you would if breastfeeding your baby. You can opt for skin-to-skin contact if you wish.
Stimulate feeding.
Stimulate feeding.
Rub the teat of the bottle gently across your baby’s lips and wait for your little one to open their mouth. Help guide the teat into their mouth while holding the bottle horizontally so that the milk doesn’t flow quickly on its own or let in too much air.
Keep an eye on your baby while feeding.
Keep an eye on your baby while feeding.
Allow your baby to initiate and control suckling on the teat. Because of the horizontal position of the bottle, when your little one takes a needed break, the milk won’t flow out. Instead, it will slow and stop, allowing your baby to control the pace of feeding. Don’t forget to wind your baby when they’re taking a break.
Look for signs of fullness.
Look for signs of fullness.
Paced feeding requires you to be responsive to your baby’s hunger needs, feeding them when hungry and stopping when full. Some common signs of fullness include your baby splaying their fingers and toes, pushing the bottle away or becoming relaxed or sleepy. At this point, gently tilt the bottle down to stop any milk from flowing and slowly remove the teat from your baby’s mouth.
Spotting Hunger and Fullness Cues
Learning your baby’s signals is crucial, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. You might wonder, 'Why does my newborn still seem peckish after a feed'? or get confused if they push the bottle away but appear unsettled. The key is noticing signs that your baby is still hungry or simply needs a break.
Signs they’re hungry:
If your little one seems peckish after a feed, they may not be finished, or have been distracted and lost their rhythm. With paced bottle-feeding, the breaks can sometimes make them frustrated, so pay close attention: are they genuinely hungry, or just pausing?
Signs they're full:
If your baby pushes the bottle away, yet you think they’re hungry, give them a pause, burp them, or try changing position. Sometimes they just need a short break, particularly if they’re windy or distracted.
Getting used to these cues makes feeding more comfortable and helps you avoid unintentionally overfeeding them.
Tips and Things to Consider for Paced Bottle-Feeding
Perfecting paced bottle-feeding is about being attentive to what your baby wants and making sure anyone else helping with feeds follows suit. The following tips help everyone support gentle, responsive feeding and make the switch between breast and bottle easier for your little one.
Everyone should be consistent.
Talk with anyone who feeds your baby, such as partners, grandparents, nursery staff, and show them how paced bottle-feeding works. This ensures your baby always gets a calm, gentle approach, no matter who is feeding.
Alternate sides.
Change the side you hold your baby on regularly, just like with breastfeeding. It helps avoid side preferences, gives both eyes a chance to focus, and maintains natural feeding positions.
Watch for overfeeding - even in breastfed babies.
If the bottle flows too fast or cues are missed, even breastfed babies can end up overfed. Look for frequent spit-up, fussiness after feeds, excessive gassiness or rapid weight gain. Paced feeds help ensure your baby’s own signals are followed.
Skin-to-skin contact helps.
Keep your baby close, and, if possible, feed them skin-to-skin. It’s brilliant for bonding and helps your baby stay calm and communicate their hunger.
Give frequent pauses (especially for burping).
Breaks during the feed help your baby rest, digest and release any trapped air. This helps avoid fussiness and wind, particularly for younger babies with developing digestive systems.
Let your baby be the decision maker.
Don’t push them to finish. Watch for signs they’re satisfied, such as slowing down, looking away or pushing the bottle away, and end the feed then. It helps your baby learn hunger cues and lowers the risk of overfeeding.
Paced Bottle-Feeding at Night
Feeding at night? Keep it gentle: hold your baby upright, take breaks, and always watch for feeding cues. As babies get older (around 6 to 9 months), they might enjoy holding their own bottle or trying a sippy cup. However, never leave your baby alone with a bottle and don't use a propped-up bottle. Experts advise phasing out bottles between 12 and 18 months to protect baby teeth.
When to Consult Your GP or Health Visitor
Contact your baby’s GP or health visitor if you notice:
Your healthcare professionals can provide personalised advice for you and your baby.
The Bottom Line
Paced bottle-feeding offers many potential benefits for your baby, as it can teach your little one how to pace themself when feeding. This method may help reduce the risk of overfeeding and wind, too. And because the paced feeding method mimics the position and closeness of breastfeeding, you can still bond with your little one as you bottle feed.
If you plan to use breast milk with this method, learn how to express and safely store your breast milk.
Overall, what’s most important when it comes to feeding your baby is making sure they receive the nutrients they need, regardless of the method.
But if paced bottle-feeding interests you, why not give it a try?
It might even help you become more attuned to your little one's needs and cues!
Frequent feeds also mean lots of nappies! Why not get something back for all those changes? Download the Pampers Club app and earn rewards every time you buy Pampers nappies and wipes.
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