What is paced feeding?
Paced feeding is a way of bottle-feeding that allows your baby to be in control of how fast they drink from the bottle. Giving your baby more control helps avoid overfeeding and reduces the chance of an upset tummy. Paced feeding also allows for your baby to catch their breath and reduces the risk of choking. Paced feeding is recommended for any baby that receives bottles, whether fully bottle fed, or fed from the breast and a bottle.
How is paced feeding done?
Step 1
Choose a bottle with a slow flow nipple.
Step 2
Hold your baby in an almost upright position, supporting their head and neck. Never prop a baby’s bottle.
Step 3
Hold the bottle in a flat, sideways position so the nipple is only half full of milk.
Step 4
Don’t force the nipple into the baby’s mouth. Touch the nipple to the baby’s cheek or top lip, and wait for the baby’s mouth to open wide. After the baby latches, do not lean the baby back or tilt the bottle up.
Step 5
Watch your infant for pauses in sucking and swallowing. This varies from infant to infant, so follow your baby’s lead.
Step 6
Your infant needs a break if you see gulping, wide eyes, spread fingers, choking, or milk drips from the corners of the mouth. Simply lower the bottle down so the nipple is empty but remains in the mouth. Bring the bottle back up to a flat, sideways position after the infant begins to actively suck.
Step 7
If your baby slows or stops sucking, pushes or turns away, or falls asleep, then it’s time to end the feeding.
Paced Bottle Feeding by The Milk Mob
Feed
The feeding should take 15-30 minutes, and the baby should remain relaxed and in control of the feed.
Trust
Trust your baby to know when they are full. Do not make your baby finish a bottle.
Burp
Burp your baby during and after feedings to help avoid spit-up.
Feed
The feeding should take 15-30 minutes and the baby should remain relaxed and in control of the feed.
Trust
Trust your baby to know when he or she is full. Do not make your baby finish a bottle.
Burp
Burp your baby during and after feedings to help avoid spit-up.
For more information about paced feeding, contact your local Indiana WIC office.
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