How to safely bottle feed your baby

Feeding your baby

Feeding your baby is a special time. Always hold your baby during feeds. This lets you:

• be close 
• talk to them
• make sure they feed safely.

Here are some tips:

1.  Get comfortable: try to relax and sit in a comfortable position.
2.  Hold your baby close: always hold your baby in a slightly upright position while feeding. Support their head and back with your hand. It helps you bond and lets you see how much they are eating. 
3.  Wait for your baby: let your baby open their mouth to take the bottle or cup. You can touch their upper lip with the bottle nipple or teat so they open their mouth wide.
4.  Stay with your baby: do not leave your baby alone with a bottle. Never prop or hold up the bottle with something like a pillow or blanket. This can cause choking, ear infections, and tooth decay.
5.  Go slow: it might take 20 to 30 minutes for a feed. It is okay to stop and let your baby rest during their feed. Try to keep the bottle horizontal (or slightly tipped upwards) so the milk does not flow too fast. If the bottle is too high, it can be hard for the baby to control the amount of milk they are drinking.
6.  Look for these signs to know if your baby needs a break: 
   • spreading their fingers and toes
   • turning or pushing their head away from the bottle
   • letting milk fall out from their mouth
7.  Give them a break: you can burp them or let them rest a bit.
8.  Listen to your baby: after resting, they might want more. Or they might be full. Watch and listen to know.

Remember, every baby is different. Trust yourself and always think of what feels best for your baby.