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Canberra Health Services
Health Information Sheet | Canberra Health Services

Breastfeeding and your baby - Bottle feeding

It can be easy to overfeed a baby with a bottle as they have less control over how much milk they take at each feed. Paced bottle feeding allows your baby to control the flow of milk, ensuring they only drink what they need and rest regularly. Bottle feeding uses breastmilk or formula.

Caregiver feeding a baby with a bottle

How to pace bottle feed

  • Watch for hunger cues rather than feeding based on a schedule.
  • Hold your baby upright and support their head and neck.
  • Focus on your baby and maintain eye contact.
  • Touch the bottle teat to the lips and wait for the mouth to open.
  • Let your baby guide the feeding pace. Do not force the teat.
  • Keep the teat full of milk to reduce swallowed air.
  • Pause regularly to allow rest breaks.
  • Stop when your baby turns away or stops sucking.
  • Do not prop the bottle.
  • Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle.
Caregiver feeding a baby with a bottle

Tips for storage and handling of expressed breastmilk

Refer to Australian Breastfeeding Association fact sheet:
Expressing and Storing Breastmilk

How do I know if my baby is having enough to drink?

Your baby will appear content and satisfied after most feeds. It is normal for your baby to:

  • Have at least 6–8 wet cloth nappies or 4–5 heavy disposable nappies in 24 hours.
  • Have a moist mouth and tongue.
  • Be settled between most feeds.
  • Be alert, active and wake for feeds.
  • Drink different amounts from feed to feed.

Tips for making a bottle of formula

  • Always wash your hands.
  • Make up each bottle as you need it.
  • Boil water and cool to lukewarm (no more than 37°C) before adding formula.
  • Use the scoop provided and follow instructions exactly.
  • Do not overfill or underfill the scoop.
  • Only add formula to water unless medically advised.
  • Shake well to mix.
  • Discard leftover formula within one hour.

How do I sterilise (clean) bottles, teats and feeding equipment?

Sterilise feeding equipment for infants under 12 months. Boiling is preferred. If using other methods, follow manufacturer instructions.

The Boiling Method

  • Step 1: Separate parts and rinse in cold water.
  • Step 2: Wash in hot, soapy water and rinse.
  • Step 3: Place in saucepan.
  • Step 4: Cover with cold tap water.
  • Step 5: Boil for at least 5 minutes.
  • Step 6: Cool in pan.
  • Step 7: Remove, shake dry and store safely.

Tips for heating a bottle

  • DO NOT USE a microwave — it can cause hot spots.
  • Warm in a container of heated water for no more than 10 minutes.
  • Test on your wrist — should feel lukewarm.

How can I find more information?

Phone

Websites

Visit

  • Maternal Child and Family Health Breastfeeding Support Clinic
  • Your GP
canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au