Whether you pump breast milk or feed formula, feeding your baby from a bottle offers flexibility. Parents and caregivers can use bottle-feeding time to form a close bond with the baby. 

 

Basics of Bottle-Feeding

There are some things to keep in mind when bottle-feeding.

• Always hold your baby while they eat. Never prop a bottle up—it can lead to choking, ear infections or tooth decay.
• Find a comfy position. You can bottle-feed in many of the same positions as breastfeeding. Recline a little and rest your baby on your bent legs or arms. Just keep their head slightly raised.
• Hold the bottle at an angle. This encourages your baby to suck and reduces how much air they swallow.
• Watch for full signals. Your baby may turn away, let go of the nipple or get sleepy. That’s their way of saying, “I’m done.”
• Know how much they need. Newborns usually take 1–2 ounces per feeding. As they grow, they’ll drink more.

Bottle-Feeding Safety

• Stick to formula or breast milk. Babies under 6 months don’t need water yet.
• Don’t microwave bottles. Heat can be uneven and burn your baby’s mouth. Instead, warm the bottle in a bowl of warm water.
• Toss leftover milk. Once your baby’s done feeding, discard any milk or formula that’s still in the bottle.

Pumping Breast Milk

• If you breastfeed, you can pump your breastmilk or express it by hand. 
• Your job should have a private room that you can use to pump. Your job should also give you time to pump. Most businesses are required to do this by law. 
• You can refrigerate breastmilk for up to four days. 
• You can freeze breastmilk for up to 12 months, but using it within six months is best. Thaw it in the refrigerator. 
• For information on breast pumps, call La Leche League or WIC.

When Feeding is Tough

Some babies have a hard time feeding—and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. If your baby chokes often, won’t eat or seems uncomfortable, talk to their doctor. You can also check out Feeding Matters for extra support and resources.