Bottle feeding your baby, doing it safely and responsively

However families feed, I want it to be safe, calm and loving, and I say that to every parent I see, because there is genuinely no judgement here. Bottle feeding is part of many families' lives, whether you are giving expressed milk, formula, or a mix of breast and bottle. This guide walks through how to do it well. There is only clear information, so you can feed your baby with confidence.

Feed responsively, whatever is in the bottle

Responsive feeding means following your baby's cues rather than the clock or the amount left in the bottle. It works for bottles just as it does for the breast.

• Hold your baby close, fairly upright and well supported.
• Offer the bottle when your baby shows early feeding cues.
• Let your baby lead, using paced bottle feeding so they can pause and stop when full. You can read how in Paced bottle feeding.
• Never prop a bottle and leave your baby to feed alone, as this is a choking risk.
• Try to be the one holding your baby close at feeds, so bottle time is still warm and connected.

Choosing a bottle and teat

Bottles do not need to be expensive or complicated. A simple bottle with a slow flow teat is all most babies need. Despite the marketing, no teat is truly closest to the breast, so do not worry about finding a perfect one. Start with a slow flow teat and there is no need to move up teat sizes as your baby grows.

Cleaning and sterilising

For the first twelve months, wash and sterilise everything used to feed your baby, as their immune system is still developing.

• Wash bottles, teats and pumps in hot soapy water, using a bottle brush, or in the dishwasher.
• Rinse well, then sterilise using cold water and sterilising solution, steam, or boiling, following the maker's instructions.
• Wash your hands before making up feeds or handling clean equipment.

Making up formula safely

If you use formula, it needs to be made up safely, as powdered formula is not sterile. The NHS has clear step by step guidance, and it is important to follow it closely. In short, make each feed fresh when you need it, use water that has been boiled and left to cool for no more than thirty minutes so it is still hot, at around seventy degrees, to kill any bacteria in the powder, then cool the feed quickly before giving it. For the full method please see the NHS guide to making up formula.

Storing expressed milk

If you are giving your own expressed milk, store it safely.

• Keep freshly expressed milk in the fridge and use it within a few days.
• Freeze it for longer storage in small amounts, labelled with the date.
• Thaw in the fridge, and use thawed milk within twenty four hours.
• Warm a bottle by standing it in warm water, not in the microwave, which heats unevenly.

Combining breast and bottle

Many families combine breast and bottle. To protect your breastfeeding, offer the breast first where you can, use paced bottle feeding, and express to replace feeds your baby takes by bottle so your supply keeps up. Introducing the odd bottle usually goes best once breastfeeding is comfortable and established. If you want to keep breastfeeding alongside bottles, a little planning early on makes it much easier, and you can read more about supply in Is my milk supply low.

Winding and comfort

• Pause partway through and at the end of a feed to bring up any wind.
• Hold your baby upright against your shoulder, or sit them supported on your lap, and gently rub or pat their back.
• Keep your baby fairly upright for a little while after a feed if they tend to bring milk back.

How a consultation helps

Bottle feeding well is a skill like any other. When I see you I can help you feed responsively, get paced bottle feeding right with your own bottles, protect your supply if you are combining breast and bottle, and make sure your baby is feeding comfortably and growing well. Whatever is in the bottle, my job is to help it go smoothly for you both.