How to bottle feed?

Bottle feeding isn’t just about nourishment—it’s also a chance to connect, bond, and build trust with your baby.

Whether you’re exclusively formula feeding or mixed feeding, responsive (on-demand) feeding is a gentle, baby-led approach that follows your baby’s natural cues.

Instead of strict schedules or fixed amounts, you tune into your baby’s hunger and fullness signals—letting them guide when and how much they eat.

Why Responsive Feeding Matters

This approach:

• Helps babies learn to self-regulate hunger and fullness

• Promotes bonding through calm, positive feeding

• Supports healthy weight gain

• Reduces risks of overfeeding, spit-up, gas, discomfort, bottle refusal, or bottle aversion

Overall Tips for Responsive Bottle Feeding

✔️ Feed when hungry
✔️ Hold baby close in a semi-upright position
✔️ Let baby lead the feed
✔️ Stop when they show signs of fullness

1. Feed When Hungry 

Offer a bottle when your baby shows early hunger cues—before crying if possible. Crying is often a late signal, and babies also cry for reasons other than hunger.

Common hunger cues:
Early: Gentle stirring, mouth opening and closing, turning head toward breast or bottle
Mid: Increased movement, hands to mouth, sucking fingers, puckering lips
Late: Crying, restlessness, turning red

2. Hold Baby Close in a Semi-Upright Position

Sit comfortably and support your baby’s head and neck in a semi-upright position. Keep them close to your chest and make eye contact—this helps your baby feel safe, secure, and connected.

Tip: Alternate which arm or side you hold your baby on during feeds to support visual development.

3. Let baby lead the feed

• Gently touch the bottle teat to your baby’s upper lip to encourage them to open their mouth and draw the teat in themselves.

• Tilt the bottle just enough to keep the teat full of milk. Using a paced (horizontal) feeding position helps your baby control the milk flow and set the pace of the feed.

• Take breaks during the feed—most babies need to pause and burp once or twice, often midway and at the end.

• If they don’t finish, give a short break and offer again in 10–15 minutes.

Note: It’s normal for some babies to bring up a little milk during or after feeding.

4. Stop when they show signs of fullness 

Each baby is different. Signs your baby may be full or need a break:

• Slowing or stopping sucking

• Turning their head away

• Spilling milk from mouth

• Splaying fingers or toes

• Pushing the bottle away

• Becoming distracted or fussy

If you see these signs, pause or remove the teat gently and burp if needed. 

Things to Avoid

❌ Don’t force your baby to finish a bottle.
This can disrupt your baby’s ability to regulate their hunger cues and lead to feeding aversion.

❌ Don’t leave your baby unattended with a propped-up bottle.
This increases the risk of choking and ear infections.

❌ Don’t put your baby to sleep with a bottle.
It’s a choking hazard and can increase the risk of ear infections or tooth decay.

❌ Don’t assume every cry means hunger.
Avoid offering a feed as the first response to every cry. Rule out other causes like tiredness, overstimulation, or discomfort. Try to settle your baby with cuddles, rocking, or a dummy (if you use one). 

Feeding Schedule 

• In the early months, babies feed frequently and without a set routine.

• From around 6 months, some may settle into a more predictable rhythm—but routines should stay flexible and responsive.

How Much Formula Is Enough?

There’s no one “right” amount. Your baby’s cues, nappies, and growth are the signs they’re getting enough.

Signs your baby is feeding well:

• Content and settled after most feeds

• 5 or more heavy wet disposable nappies each day 

• Regular soft bowel motions

• Healthy skin colour and tone

• Consistent steady weight gain

Note: It’s okay if your baby doesn’t finish the same amount every time, or needs more or less than what’s recommended on the formula tin. Needs can vary day to day.

Bonding Through Bottle Feeding

Feeding is about more than nutrition—it’s a chance to nurture closeness.

• Hold your baby skin-to-skin when possible

• Make eye contact and talk softly

• Keep most feeds with primary caregivers in the early weeks to build attachment

• Create a calm, quiet feeding environment

By following your baby’s cues and making feeding a gentle, connected experience, you’ll support their growth, comfort, and sense of security.