Paced bottle feeding

Paced bottle feeding is a method of bottle feeding that gives the baby greater control over the rate at which they take milk. The NHS describes it as "a way of giving your baby more control over feeds" that helps a bottle feed "mimic the way they would breastfeed." The technique involves holding the bottle almost horizontal so milk flows slowly, allowing the baby to take the teat into their mouth themselves and pausing or lowering the bottle when the baby pauses or shows signs of fullness.

What is the technique for paced bottle feeding?

The NHS recommends: touching the teat on the baby's top lip to invite them to latch; keeping the bottle almost horizontal — "just very slightly tipped to prevent the milk flowing too fast"; watching for signs the baby needs a pause (such as splaying fingers, spilling milk, or slowing sucking); and lowering or gently removing the bottle to pause the feed. La Leche League GB describes encouraging "frequent pauses to mimic breastfeeding, and allow your baby to decide when they have had enough."

Why is paced bottle feeding recommended?

Because milk flows more rapidly from a bottle than from the breast, babies can easily drink more than they need before their satiety cues register. UNICEF UK's Baby Friendly Initiative describes responsive bottle feeding as supporting "the development of a close and loving parent-infant relationship" by following the baby's cues. The NHS states: "Never force your baby to finish the bottle — always be led by your baby."

Is paced bottle feeding relevant when supplementing a breastfed baby?

La Leche League GB recommends paced bottle feeding specifically when a breastfed baby is receiving supplements: "it is easy to feed a baby too much, too fast by bottle, and you can use 'paced' bottle feeding — at a good speed for your baby, letting him choose how much to take." This approach helps prevent the baby from developing a preference for the rapid flow of a bottle over the breast.