Paced bottle feeding, (aka: responsive feeding), has become more popular in recent years as it mimics breastfeeding so well. Recommended by health professionals from the NHS, it aims to slow the flow of milk, letting your baby decide when to pause. It’s known to be best for their digestive system – and give mum a break from breastfeeding!
Paced feeding works well whether your little one is breastfed, formula-fed or mixed-fed, as it is known not to affect their latching ability.
If you’re new to paced feeding, you’re in the right place! Our blog will tell you everything you need to know, explaining what it is, how long it takes to introduce it, how to stop, and its benefits. By the end, we’re absolutely certain that you’ll feel confident to begin!
The benefits of paced feeding
The idea for most mums is to make bottle feeding as close as possible to breastfeeding. While traditional methods use teats that mimic the natural nipple, their strict schedule can sometimes cause babies to forget how to latch on to the breast (nipple confusion). Not so great if you want to bottle and breastfeed!
Transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle feeding? Try Munchkin’s transition cups.
Now we know where traditional breastfeeding lacks, let’s look at some paced feeding benefits:
- It gives the baby more control!: The baby can decide as and when they want more, relying on their hunger rather than strict schedules to feed, aiding their development.
- Reduces the chances they will overfeed: The whole idea behind paced feeding is that the baby learns to listen to their hunger cues. Taking rests in between mimics breastfeeding, so when they’re no longer hungry, they simply won’t lean in for more!
- Helps their digestion: Slower feeding reduces the chances of them taking in air, reducing their gas and allowing the milk flow to work for them.
- Encourages bonding: For paced feeding to work, the parent has to be attuned to their little one’s cues, aiding attachment. In addition, this method allows you to have skin-to-skin contact, making sure you still get in those special memories (they’re only this tiny for so long!).
How to recognise when your baby is ready to feed
Paced feeding relies on you to recognise when your baby is hungry (something you’re most likely already familiar with!). This comes with many benefits, but as it doesn’t rely on a strict schedule, it requires being quite in tune with your baby’s needs. Doing this when the baby is already upset can be quite difficult, so it’s best to look out for early warning signs instead.
Signs that your baby might be starting to feel hungry:
- They’re trying to find something to suck, like their hands or fingers
- Moving their eyes around or ‘rooting around’ and wriggling to find the nipple or bottle
- Opening and closing their mouth
How to do paced bottle feeding
While paced bottle feeding is all about watching your baby’s cues and closeness to your baby, having the right bottle (one that closely mimics the nipple) can create a smoother process. We recommend taking a look at our range of baby bottles to make sure you have the right one.
It’s important to remember that paced feeding needs time and patience to get it right. How long it takes to introduce depends on many factors, but as always, practice makes perfect!
The Minnesota Department of Health explains, “After several days of Paced Feeding, babies will start to learn to pace themselves. You will notice them taking their own sucking breaks, and then returning to feeding”.
Preparation and positioning
- Hold your baby closely: Hold your baby on your lap in a semi-upright position, making sure their head and neck are supported. As normal, do everything you would to bond with your baby, hold them close to you with skin-to-skin contact if preferred, look into their eyes or sing if you wish!
- Encourage feeding: Gently rub the teat of the bottle across your baby’s top lip, inviting them to draw the bottle’s teat into their mouth. The trick here is to wait for them to open their mouth before advancing the teat. If they aren’t opening their mouth, try stroking it to encourage them.
How to control the flow
- Make sure the bottle is placed horizontally from the ground: This position slows the milk flow, allowing the baby to control the suckling pace and preventing milk from flowing too quickly.
- Follow the same suck, swallow and resting pattern present during breastfeeding: Let your baby take 8-10 sucks, then pull the bottle back slightly, letting it rest on their lower lip. This gives your baby some time before they pull the nipple back in, mimicking nursing.
- Burp & break time!: Watch for signs your baby needs a break or is finished, burping them during and after feeding.
- Switch sides: Some people find switching sides works well to calm the baby, again, mimicking breastfeeding!
The NHS created an easily digestible infographic for responsive feeding – great to screenshot or download for when you need it.
Look out for signs of stress
If your baby is drinking too fast, choking, gagging, laboured breathing, milk overflowing, nasal flaring or lips are turning blue, discontinue the feeding or lower the height at which you hold the bottle.
When can you stop paced bottle feeding?
With paced feeding, there’s no one rule; it’s all about listening to your baby’s fullness cues. That being said, paced feeding sessions typically last between 15 and 30 minutes.
Signs that your baby is full
- Splaying their fingers and toes
- Pushing the bottle away
- Becoming relaxed or sleepy
When your little one is full, gently tilt the bottle up to stop the flow of milk completely. Don’t worry if there’s a little left, your baby has shown you they’ve had enough!
Ready to take the next step?
We hope you feel confident to try something new with your little one. With paced bottle feeding, it really is a case of slowing everything right down. It can take some patience, but it has huge benefits once you’re there.
This baby-led method offers many benefits, helping teach your baby to pace themselves and ensuring they have all the right nutrients, all whilst harnessing that beautiful bond.
Should you be looking for more advice, a giggle, or simply something to listen to, look no further than our Stroller Coaster podcast!
We wish you the very best of luck on your parenting journey.
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