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Paced Feeding

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Paced Feeding

What is paced feeding?
How is paced feeding done?
More information

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.

Father feeding a baby with 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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Side-Lying Hold

For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

You had a C-section
You want to rest while baby feeds
You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cross-Cradle Hold

For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Your baby is premature
Your baby has a weak suck
Your baby needs help to stay latched
Your baby needs extra head support
You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Clutch or “Football” Hold

For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

You had a C-section
You have large breasts
You have flat or inverted nipples
You have a strong milk let-down
You are breastfeeding twins
Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
Your baby has reflux
You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cradle Hold

For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Your baby needs help latching on
You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Laid-Back Hold

Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
You have a strong milk let-down
You have large breasts
You and your baby are comfortable in this position