The Best Bottle Feeding Position for Breastfed Babies
Bottle feeding a breastfed baby can be anxiety-inducing for moms due to fears of nipple confusion. For many families however, figuring out how to get baby to take the bottle and the breast is worth it as it allows moms to take a break while someone else feeds the baby. If you want to bottlefeed your breastfed baby, most lactation consultants will recommend the sidelying bottle feeding position for the following reasons:
Mimics Natural Breastfeeding: This position closely mimics the natural breastfeeding posture, helping breastfed babies transition smoothly between breast and bottle. It’s also comfortable for the baby, allowing them to relax during feeding.
Controls Milk Flow: Sidelying feeding helps control the milk flow, preventing the baby from gulping too fast, which reduces the risk of choking and gas. This is because it gives baby control over the bottle’s flow. It also results in less overfeeding, as the baby can control their intake better.
Supports Digestion and Breathing: This position promotes better digestion and can help prevent reflux. It also supports the baby’s breathing and swallowing coordination.
How to Do Sidelying Bottle Feeding:
Position Your Baby: Place a pillow on your lap and lay your baby on their side on the pillow, with their head on your knees and their bum resting on your belly. Baby’s head should be angled slightly higher than the rest of their body.
Support Their Head: Use your arm to support your baby’s head and neck.
Bottle Positioning: Hold the bottle horizontally, ensuring the nipple is full of milk to prevent air intake.
@honeycombapp_ Bottlefeeding a breastfed baby? Bottlefeeding a newborn who chokes from the fast flow? There is a right and wrong way to bottlefeed — give paced bottle feeding sidelying a try #bottlefeeding #babybottle #babydrinkingmilk #pumpedbreastmilk #newborntips #newmom2023 #newdadhacks #honeycombparentadvice #pacedbottlefeeding ♬ The Four Seasons, Concerto No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 8, RV 297 "Winter": I. Allegro non molto - Antonio Vivaldi
Additional Tips
Paced Feeding: Allowing the baby to control the flow and give baby frequent breaks.
Use a Slow-Flow Nipple: Choose a nipple with a slow flow to prevent the baby from getting too much milk too quickly.
Burp Often: Burp your baby frequently during feedings to help release any trapped air and prevent gas discomfort.
More New Parent Tips
Now that you know how to bottlefeed your breastfed baby, check out these other how-to guides to help baby thrive:
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