Paced Bottle Feeding: How To Pace Feed

Paced bottle feeding is a method of bottle feeding that encourages your baby to feed at a slower, more relaxed pace. This method is based on how a baby is naturally supposed to feed at the breast, where the baby controls the flow of milk. It helps to prevent overfeeding and can help reduce a baby's risk for obesity and reflux. Pace feeding also protects the breastfeeding relationship by reducing the likelihood of nipple preference.

You can always count on Coach Katelyn Drauszewski, LPN, CLC, for her breastfeeding support.  

What Is Pace Feeding?

When bottle feeding your baby, it's essential to give them the opportunity to feed at their own pace. This means you should not rush or force them to finish the bottle. Instead, you should pause often and allow your baby to pause, too, controlling the milk flow. You can also use a paced bottle feeding technique to help your baby feed more slowly and calmly.

How to Pace Feed?

To begin pace feeding, you should hold the bottle horizontally. This allows your baby to control the flow of milk. The nipple should be at a 45-degree angle, and the bottle should be tipped slightly downwards. This will help your baby feed at a slower, more relaxed pace.

When it's time to feed your baby, you should pause after every few sucks and allow your baby to take a break. This will enable them to take a breath and be in the driver's seat of their feed. You should also pay attention to your baby's cues and stop feeding if they turn their head away or stop sucking. Additional signs of a complete feed would be a relaxed fist and a calm demeanor. 

The Necessary Precautions of the Paced Feeding Method

When it comes to paced bottle feeding, there are several precautions that you should take to ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable during feeding. Firstly, always hold your baby upright while feeding, and make sure that the bottle is tilted slightly downwards to prevent your baby from swallowing air. This can cause discomfort, bloating, and gas. Take breaks when your baby needs them, and stop feeding once they show signs of being full.

Another important precaution is to use the correct nipple size for your baby's age and feeding ability. Using a nipple that is too small or too large can make it difficult for your baby to feed properly and cause discomfort. Additionally, you should always sterilize the bottles and nipples before use to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs.

Choosing the right formula for your baby's needs is also important. Speak with your pediatrician about the best formula for your baby and any special considerations or allergies to be aware of. Finally, always monitor your baby's feeding to ensure they are comfortable and feeding well. If you notice any issues or concerns, speak with your pediatrician for guidance and support.

Contact Our Gurus for Help

Slow-paced bottle feeding can help create a more relaxed feeding environment for both you and your baby. It can also help prevent overfeeding and reduce your baby's risk for obesity and reflux. If you're looking for a way to help your baby feed more calmly and at a slower pace, then paced bottle feeding is definitely worth a try. 

If you need an individualized 1:1 session for slow-paced bottle feeding, please reach out to any one of our lactation coaches at I Help Moms.