Feeding is a special time for you to create a strong and secure bond with your baby. If you and your partner give your baby most of their feeds yourselves, this will promote a close and loving relationship with your baby and help them feel safe and secure. Being held and fed by different people with different techniques can be stressful for your baby.
Responsive bottle feeding supports that special bond between you and your baby as you:
By using a paced bottle-feeding technique, you will allow your baby to control both the flow of milk and the amount of milk they drink. Your baby may take regular breaks and will let you know when they have finished. By slowing down the flow of milk into your baby’s mouth you will also reduce the amount of air they take in.
Feeding your baby using a paced bottle-feeding technique also prevents you from overfeeding your baby and helps reduce their risk of becoming overweight.
1. Feed your baby when they show signs of being hungry. Look for feeding cues (such as head turning, mouth opening or sucking on fingers). Crying is the last sign of hunger, so try to feed your baby before they cry.
2. Hold your baby close in a semi-upright position, so you can see their face. Reassure them by looking into their eyes and talking to them. Begin the feed by gently rubbing the teat of the bottle against their top lip, inviting them to open their mouth.
3. Gently insert the teat into your baby’s mouth, keeping the bottle in a horizontal position so that just enough milk covers the hole in the teat. This will stop the milk from flowing too fast.
4. Your baby may need some short breaks during the feed and may need to occasionally burp. Watch your baby and follow their cues for when they need a break. Cues will vary from one baby to the next. They may splay their fingers and toes, spill milk out of their mouth, stop sucking, turn their head away or push the bottle away. When you see these cues, gently remove the teat from your baby’s mouth or tilt the bottle downwards to cut off the flow of milk. When your baby does not want any more milk, hold them upright and gently rub or pat their back to bring up any wind.
5. If the teat becomes flattened while you are feeding, gently put your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to release the vacuum.
For more information about bottle feeding your baby, please visit:
www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/bottle-feeding-resources
www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Infant-formula-and-responsive-bottle-feeding.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rpl8H5V0pY
When you first start bottle feeding your baby, you may wonder how much milk your baby needs. This is normal and it can take a while to feel confident that your baby is getting what they need.
A baby’s stomach is very small when they are born (approximately the size of a cherry), so they will need small, frequent feeds during the first few days and may not finish their bottle.
Day one
Day three
One week
One month
Size of a cherry
Size of a walnut
Size of an apricot
Size of a large egg
5-7ml/0.2oz
22-27ml/0.75-1oz
45-60ml/1.5-2oz
80-150ml/2.5-5oz
The amount of milk and frequency of the feeds will depend on your baby’s individual needs. Forcing your baby to drink large amounts of milk and finish a feed will not cause them to sleep for longer between feeds. Instead, it can make them more uncomfortable and less able to settle.
The number of wet and dirty nappies your baby produces, and your baby’s weight gain will let you know if your baby is getting enough milk.
You can use the guide below to see if bottle feeding is going well or if you would benefit from some support from your midwifery or health visiting service.
Signs that bottle feeding is going well
Your baby is:
You or your baby’s main care giver are:
There are no concerns about your baby’s weight gain and/or growth
Your baby’s weight gain and the number of wet and dirty nappies they produce will tell you if your baby is getting enough milk. Formula-fed babies may have firmer and less frequent poos when compared to a breastfed baby of the same age. If you are concerned your baby is not drinking enough milk, contact your midwifery or health visiting service.
When
Wet nappies (wee)
Dirty nappies (poo)
Day 1
+
A minimum of 1 wet nappy in 24 hours.
Your baby’s nappy may contain rust (orange-brown) coloured spots of concentrated urine. These are known as urates. At this age, they are not a problem, but if they continue beyond the first couple of days, you should tell your midwife as they can be a sign that your baby is not getting enough milk.
A minimum of 1 dirty nappy in 24 hours.
Your baby’s poo will be a dark green or black colour and tar-like. This is known as ‘meconium.’
Day 2
A minimum of 2 wet nappies in 24 hours.
Day 3
A minimum of 3 wet nappies in 24 hours.
Your baby’s nappies should feel heavier.
A minimum of 2 dirty nappies in 24 hours.
Your baby’s poo will change to a green, yellow, yellowish-brown colour and be looser in consistency. This is known as a ‘changing stool’.
Day 4
A minimum of 4 wet, heavy nappies in 24 hours.
Day 5
A minimum of 5 wet, heavy nappies in 24 hours.
Your baby’s poo will be soft and yellow.
Day 6
A minimum of 6 wet, heavy nappies in 24 hours.
4 to 6 weeks
+ A minimum of 1 dirty nappy in 24 hours.
Your baby’s poo will soft and a brownish-yellow colour.
