Bottle Feeding

Overview

You're ready to feed your baby with a bottle. It can be a little tricky at first. Let's go over some tips that will help you and your baby get the hang of it.

Preparation

Before you begin, make sure to use a bottle and nipple that are well cleaned. This helps keep germs out of the breast milk or formula you're giving your baby.

Getting started

Now, let's get started. Choose a time when your baby is calm. It's best if your baby is not too hungry or too full. Hold your baby close to you. Hold the bottle at an angle, not straight up. Start by offering your baby small amounts of breast milk or formula. Don't force your baby to drink, and let them take breaks as needed.

Troubleshooting

A breastfed baby may not want to change to a bottle. If you're a mother who's been breastfeeding up until now, your baby may be more willing to feed if someone else offers the bottle.

Conclusion

And finally, never prop up the bottle or leave it in your baby's mouth and walk away. Your baby could choke. They could eat more than they want. And never put your baby to bed with a bottle. Milk can soak their teeth all night, causing tooth decay. For more information about bottle feeding, talk to your doctor.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.