An Introduction to Paced Bottle Feeding

Each feeding journey will have its own unique twists and turns, and oftentimes, parents of newborns who are using bottles (whether with formula, breastmilk, or a combination) are recommended to utilize a method called paced feeding. But what is paced bottle feeding?!

Paced feeding will help baby learn to set the pace for bottle feeding, such that they are not guzzling down too much milk at once (hello reflux!). This type of feeding will more closely mimic the milk flow of breastfeeding, and for folks who are exclusively bottle-feeding, paced feeding helps reduce the risk of overfeeding. This method lowers the risk of baby developing GERD or acid reflux issues, whether they are combo fed or fully bottle-fed.

This video from the wonderful lactation consultants at Breastfeeding Success does a great job of capturing the key ideas of this method.

The Benefits of Paced Bottle Feeding

• The infant will consume an appropriate amount for their size and age, rather than over or under-eating.
• Parents can help reduce colic-like symptoms in a baby whose stomach is distended or overfed.
• Babies may experience improved digestion.
• Parents will often find more ease in transitioning between breast and bottle.

How to Use Paced Feeding

1. Hold the baby in a slightly reclined position with their head in line with their back. We want to avoid head turning or chin resting on the chest.
2. Use a slow flow nipple. (Note: Many bottles come with higher flow nipples, so you may need to purchase these separately.) Some parents find that a wide base nipple helps avoid nipple preference.
3. Gently bring the nipple near the baby’s mouth. Allowing them to draw the nipple into their mouth rather than pushing the nipple into their mouth. This allows baby to control when the feeding begins. You may stroke baby’s lips from top to bottom with the nipple to elicit a rooting response of a wide open mouth, and then allow the baby to “accept” the nipple rather than poking it in.
4. As they feed, keep the bottle horizontal, only vertical enough to keep milk in the nipple.
5. Let the baby get 3-4 sucks of milk.
6. Gently remove the nipple from the baby’s mouth and rest it at their lips. It is important not to remove the bottle completely as this causes some babies to stress. Sometimes, a slight turn of your wrist makes it easier to transition from the deeper latch to the lips. These pauses give baby a chance to swallow and control the flow of milk. The pause discourages baby from drinking too quickly. Again, this also mimics the way milk is taken from the breast.
7. Wait for baby to let you know when they are ready for the nipple again. They may suck it back in, bob their head forward to reach it, or begin fussing.
8. Give baby 2-3 sucks before taking the next pause. Repeat until baby is done feeding.
9. Baby will decide when to end the feeding. Cues include baby turning their head away from the bottle, closing their mouth, or simply refraining from pulling nipple back into their mouth.

Try to pace the feeding such that it takes approximately 15-20 minutes to finish a bottle. Some babies will naturally start to pace themselves after being fed this way for some time. 

Bottle-Feeding Amounts per Feeding

The numbers below are a general guideline as a point of reference. We always suggest discussing feeding with an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and your pediatrician.

• Day one: 5-7ml/1/2 tbs
• Day three: 22-27ml/.75-1oz
• One week: 45-60ml/1.5-2oz
• One month: 80-150ml/2.5-5oz

Between four to six months, babies will often up their intake to 6-8 oz per feed. This amount will usually remain fairly consistent until solid foods are introduced, when intake may decrease somewhat.

If your baby is taking substantially more than the average amounts, consider the possibility that baby is being given too much milk at a feeding. This is especially important if they are showing signs of discomfort after feedings. These signs can include excessive fussiness, discomfort when lying on their back, large amounts of spitting up, and tightening of their gut while crying (possibly indicating excessive gassiness).

Causes of Overfeeding

• Fast Flow Bottles: Always use the lowest flow bottle nipple that baby will tolerate. We don’t want baby working too hard, but we do want them working to feed themselves.

• Bottles as comfort: Some well-meaning caregivers offer baby a bottle every time they makes a sound. Use the calculator above to estimate the amount of milk that baby needs, and start with that amount. Pace the feeding. If baby still seems to be hungry, first check to see whether baby will settle with walking, rocking, holding, etc. before offering another ounce or two. If baby is not showing hunger cues, like lunging for the bottle, fussing, etc. assume that they are not hungry

• Baby’s sucking reflex: Babies have a very strong need to suck, and the need may be greater when they are away from their primary caregiver. When drinking from a bottle, baby gets a larger, constant flow of milk as long as they are sucking. If breastfeeding is well established or if baby is solely bottle-fed, consider encouraging baby to suck their fingers or thumb or use a pacifier.

Baby Guru is Here for You

We are here to support your family and help you navigate your feeding and postpartum journey. Reach out about postpartum support in Austin or birth and postpartum support in Asheville!

*Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash