What is Paced Bottle Feeding?

Paced bottle feeding is a baby-led feeding method that slows down the flow of milk, mimicking the rhythm of breastfeeding. Unlike traditional bottle feeding like we often see in TV and movies, where baby is cradled and the bottle is vertical and milk flows continuously, paced feeding allows babies to suck, swallow, and pause. This style lets babies take breaks, preventing them from drinking too quickly, which helps minimize discomfort from swallowing air and may lead to better self-regulation of their appetite.

Benefits of Paced Bottle Feeding

1. Reduces Overfeeding: Babies feeding at their own pace can stop when they feel full, reducing the risk of overfeeding and creating healthier eating habits.

2. Decreases Gas and Spit-Up: Slower feeding means less air intake, lowering the chances of gassiness and spit-up. This also reduces the discomfort that many bottle-fed babies experience.

3. Promotes Breastfeeding Transition: For families who combine bottle and breastfeeding, paced feeding helps babies adjust to both, as the slower bottle pace resembles the natural flow of milk from the breast.

4. Eases Digestive Comfort: The upright feeding position required for paced bottle feeding can decrease the risk of ear infections, common when babies drink while lying down.

How to Practice Paced Bottle Feeding

Take a look at the pictures!

1. Choose the Right Bottle: Select a bottle with a slow-flow nipple to keep the milk pace manageable for your baby.

2. Position Baby Upright: Hold your baby in a slightly upright position, 45-90 degrees to allow them more control over the milk flow.

3. Let Baby Lead the Feeding: Gently tickle your baby’s upper lip with the bottle nipple until they open their mouth wide. Allow them to latch onto the nipple themselves rather than inserting it fully.

4. Control the Milk Flow: Start by holding the bottle parallel to the ground rather than tipping it vertically. This controls the flow, helping your baby take in milk slowly. Count a few sucks (about 3–5), then tip the bottle slightly down to pause the milk flow, allowing your baby to breathe and swallow before resuming.

5. Switch Sides: (Pro tip for my torticollis and side-preference babies!) Just like switching sides during breastfeeding, alternate the arm you’re holding your baby with halfway through the feeding to encourage balanced motor development and comfort.

6. Watch for Cues: Look for signs that your baby is full, such as turning away from the bottle or slowing down sucking. Responsive feeding reinforces healthy cues, teaching babies to self-regulate their hunger.