The Basics of
Paced Bottle-FeedingPaced bottle-feeding helps your baby eat slowly and take breaks – just like they would if they were breastfeeding. It can also help prevent overfeeding and tummy upset. Follow these simple steps to make feeding time safe, calm, and comfortable for both you and your baby.
Feed your baby when they show signs of hunger instead of following a strict schedule. Hunger cues are signs your baby shows to communicate they are hungry, including:
Never prop up the bottle or leave your baby unattended with a bottle. Holding your baby close helps them feel safe and loved.
Hold your baby in an upright or seated position during feedings, not lying down. This helps your baby swallow safely and reduces the chance of choking and ear infections.
Instead of forcing the bottle into their mouth, gently touch the bottle nipple to your baby’s lips and let them open their mouth and take it in on their own. Use a slow-flow nipple so milk comes out more like it does from the breast.
Keep the bottle in a horizontal (sideways) position so the nipple is only partially full with milk. This helps your baby control how much milk they get.
Babies like to take breaks during feedings. When your baby stops sucking, tip the bottle down or remove it from their mouth. Wait until they show signs they’re ready to start again – like sucking on their lips or reaching for the nipple. You can also leave the bottle in your baby’s mouth and lower the level of the bottle so the milk leaves the nipple. When your baby starts to suck again, raise the bottle back up so milk flows back in the nipple.
About halfway through the feeding, switch the side you’re holding your baby on. This stimulates your baby’s senses and helps them use both eyes and sides of their body.
Feeding should take about 15 to 20 minutes. This gives your baby’s brain time to notice when their tummy is full.
When your baby shows cues they are full and done eating, don’t try to get them to finish the bottle. If you are unsure if your baby is done, try taking the bottle out of their mouth. If they’re finished, they won’t try to take it back.
Every baby is different.
Paying attention to your baby’s cues helps make feeding time more enjoyable and helps your baby grow and thrive. If you have questions about feeding your baby, reach out to WIC for more information and support.
California Polytechnic State University. Educational Handout: The Basics of Bottle-Feeding. (2025, October).
https://cpslo-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/akventur_calpoly_edu/EdeHrJVueDdCirxsqA3_EwIB8bJ14vIaCgdD8H3Bux7HxQ?e=5XTyis
Unity Point Health. How to Prevent Ear Infections in Babies. (2025, October).
https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/how-to-prevent-ear-infections-in-babies