Written by Kathy Sinclair, CLE, CPD

Bottle feeding is a perfectly good alternative to breastfeeding, in fact it does have some clear advantages such as being able to monitor the amount of milk your baby is ingesting and you can share feedings with other important people in your baby’s life.

Getting Started

Feed your baby every 3-4 hours, if your baby sleeps longer than a four-hour period during the day gently wake your baby for feedings. Plan to feed your baby at least 6 to 8 times in 24-hour period.

To get your baby’s attention to begin feeding, gently stroke the cheek with your finger or the bottle nipple, your baby’s head will turn and his mouth will open in response to the stroking. When you place the nipple in your baby’s mouth your infant should begin sucking. Hold the bottle at an incline so that the nipple completely fills with formula or breast milk, this will help your baby from swallowing too much air. About halfway through each feed stop and burp your baby, burping helps to get rid of excess air in the stomach, which could cause your baby to feel full and uncomfortable. Spitting up a small amount is normal and often happens during and after feeding times. Allow your baby to decide when he is finished do not try and force him to finish the bottle, also don’t prop a bottle this is a chocking hazard.

Range of feeding amounts

1-4 weeks 4-8 weeks 8-12 weeks

6-10 feedings 6-10 feedings 6-8 feedings

2-4oz 4-6oz 5-6oz

How to Prepare the Formula

Please refer to the packaging of your commercial infant formula.

How to Warm Formula

I recommend using a Munchkin bottle warmer, it is the safest way to warm your baby’s bottle. Do not use a microwave as these can heat a bottle unevenly therefore causing serious burns to your baby’s mouth.
This information has not been prepared by a physician, is not intended as medical advice, and is not a substitute for regular medical care. Consult with a physician if medical symptoms or problems occur.