How to Bottle Feed Babies

If you’re a new parent or a caregiver for a baby, you’ll want to learn to give the baby a bottle. Babies eat frequently, so you’ll be an expert in no time! Before you feed, get your bottles ready. You can fill them with either formula or breast milk. When you’re ready, hold the baby at a slight incline and encourage them to eat. Once you figure out a feeding schedule that works for you and the baby, you’ll both start enjoying spending this quality time together.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Organizing Your Supplies

1
Have several bottles and nipples on hand before the baby arrives. When the baby is only a few days or weeks old, smaller bottles are best. Your baby will only eat about 2 fluid ounces (59 ml) at a time, and you need to get rid of any leftovers in the bottle. Gather several 4 fl oz (120 ml) bottles to have on hand. That way you can prep several at once!^{[1]XResearch source}
- As the baby gets older, you can gradually increase the size of the bottle. For example, when they start eating more during each feeding, you can start using a bigger bottle.
- Buy both rubber and silicone nipples to see which works best for you and your baby. Silicone costs more but might be easier for your baby since they are more flexible.
- Test the nipple to make sure the flow is right. It should drip about 1 drop per second. If it is faster or slower than that, try a different nipple.^{[2]XResearch source}
Wash your hands and the bottles before filling them. It’s important to make sure that nothing contaminates the formula or milk. Before you fill the bottles with formula or milk, thoroughly wash the bottles and nipples with dish soap and hot water. Carefully wash your hands before handling the clean bottles.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
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3
Choose a formula and mix it properly if you aren't bottle-feeding with breast milk. If you are using formula, talk to your doctor and ask what brand of formula they recommend. They will typically suggest one with added iron, which is good for most babies. You can choose a formula that comes as a liquid concentrate or a powder. You’ll mix both of those options with water. You can also buy formula that is ready to feed to the baby, no mixing required.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Mixing formula is pretty simple. Just read the package to find out how much water to mix with a powdered or concentrated formula. It’s essential that you make sure the water is safe for the baby to drink.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Boil the water for 2 minutes to get rid of possible bacteria and then allow it to cool to room temperature (about 70 °F (21 °C)) before adding to water. You should even boil bottled water. Better safe than sorry!
You might find it convenient to store bottles of breast milk. For example, you might need someone else to feed the baby if you're not around when they are hungry. You can pump your breast milk to store in either glass or plastic bottles.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceFamilyDoctor.orgFamily-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family DoctorsGo to source}
EXPERT TIP
Rebecca Nguyen, MA
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Rebecca Nguyen is a Certified Lactation Consultant and Childbirth Educator. She runs Family Picnic in Chicago, Illinois with her mother Sue Gottschall, where they teach new parents about childbirth, breastfeeding and child development and education. Rebecca taught preschool through 3rd grade for 10 years, and she received her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois in 2003.
Rebecca Nguyen, MA
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Not sure how to maintain a breast pump? Lactation consultant Rebecca Nguyen says: "As long as you're the only one using your pump, all you have to do is wash the parts with hot water and soap. You don't have to wash every time—just store the container in the refrigerator, and add new milk the next time you pump. There are even microwave bags you can buy if you need to pump at work, and you just put the parts in the bag and heat them up to clean them."
5
Store the bottles in the refrigerator if you don’t use them right away. Babies eat multiple times a day, so it is a good idea to prep several bottles at a time. Just don’t do too many! Prepared formula should be used within 24 hours.^{[7]XResearch source}
- If you are using breast milk, the bottles are safe to stay in the fridge for up to 5 days.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} After 5 days, freeze the milk for later use.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Feeding the Baby Safely

1
Heat the bottle in a bowl of warm water before feeding. Heat some water on the stove and then carefully place it in a bowl. The water should be warm enough to heat the bottle, but not so hot that you can’t place your hand in it comfortably. Place the bottle in the water and keep the bottle in the bowl for up to 15 minutes.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Test the bottle’s temperature by squeezing a few drops on your wrist. The liquid should feel warm, not hot.
- Don’t use a microwave to warm the bottle. They tend to heat unevenly, which could cause parts of the liquid to be hotter than others.
- You should warm bottles of breast milk and bottles with formula.
- You could also purchase an electric bottle warmer. Simply follow the directions that come with your particular type of warmer.
2
Place a bib or cloth under the baby’s chin to make clean up easier. Babies spit up. That’s unavoidable. But you can avoid having to change their clothes after each feeding by using a bib or cloth to catch any drips.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Make sure you use a clean, soft cloth. Don’t let it get in the baby’s way.
3
Find a comfortable position and hold the baby close to you. If you’re new to bottle feeding, you’ll likely want to sit down while giving each bottle. Choose a comfortable spot, like the couch or a rocker, and get situated. Hold the baby close to your body the whole time you are feeding them.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Hold the baby so that their head rests in the crook of your elbow. Position the baby’s head against the inside of one elbow. Their head should be at a slight incline, just a little higher than the rest of their body. A 45-degree angle is ideal.^{[12]XResearch source} This will make sure they’re not getting too much air while they are feeding.^{[13]XResearch source}
4
Place the nipple to the baby’s mouth to allow them to drink. The baby’s instinct will usually cause them to open their mouth and start sucking when they feel the bottle. You can gently stroke their lips with your finger if they don’t open their mouth right away when you gently place the nipple to their mouth.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Hold the bottle at a slight angle, about 45 degrees, while you are feeding. This will keep the nipple full of milk and allow the baby to keep eating.
5
Burp the baby after every 2 fluid ounces (59 ml) of formula. Burping the baby will help them to get rid of swallowed air and make them more comfortable. It will also reduce spit ups. Gently hold your baby to your shoulder while patting them lightly on the back for a couple of minutes.^{[15]XResearch source}
- You can also burp the baby by laying them flat on their tummy on your lap. Support their head with 1 hand while gently rubbing and patting their back with the other.
- If your baby stops eating or becomes fussy, that's a sign that you should burp them.^{[16]XResearch source}
If your baby does not finish the bottle, you can place it back in the fridge for a couple of hours. However, it is not safe to keep a half-finished bottle past the next feeding time. Harmful bacteria could grow and make your baby sick. If your baby doesn't finish the bottle at the next feeding, you need to dispose of that formula or milk and sterilize the bottle again.^{[17]XResearch source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Feeding the Right Amount of Formula at Scheduled Times

1
Feed newborns 2–3 fl oz (59–89 ml) every 4-5 hours at first. When the baby is really small, they won’t be able to consume much liquid at a time. Start by feeding them only about 2–3 fluid ounces (59–89 ml). Do this every 4-5 hours for the first few weeks.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceHealthyChildren.orgHealth information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.Go to source}
- Ask your doctor if you have questions about how much your baby should be eating.
2
Increase the amount to 4 fl oz (120 ml) every 4 hours at 1 month. As they grow, babies will start eating more. When they’re about a month old, start feeding 4 fluid ounces (120 ml) at a time. Talk to your doctor if you think your baby might need to eat more.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourceHealthyChildren.orgHealth information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.Go to source}
- For the next several months, your baby will likely need to eat every 4 hours. When they are about 6 months old, they'll be ready for larger, less frequent meals.
- Remember that all babies are different, so ask your doctor about your baby's individual needs.
3
Feed the baby 6–8 fl oz (180–240 ml) 4-5 times a day once at 6 months old. By the time they are 6 months old, the baby will be ready for a much bigger bottle. They should be able to drink 6–8 fluid ounces (180–240 ml) during a feeding. They’ll also eat less frequently.^{[20]XTrustworthy SourceHealthyChildren.orgHealth information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.Go to source}
- Consult your doctor with questions about your baby’s feeding schedule.
4
Talk to your doctor about your baby's individual needs. Babies are wonderful, but it’s normal to feel a little nervous when caring for them. Don’t panic if your baby isn’t eating the specified amounts or appears to be not hungry every few hours. You and your doctor are the only ones who know what is right for your baby.^{[21]XTrustworthy SourceHealthyChildren.orgHealth information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.Go to source}
- Take your baby for checkups as often as your doctor suggests. Don't be afraid to call the office whenever you have questions.
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Use the time spent feeding to bond with your baby.
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Try a different nipple if your baby seems to have trouble drinking from one.
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