One of the biggest reasons we love bottle feeding is the freedom it gives you to share the parenting load. Bottle feeding allows partners, family, and friends to help you with baby feeding responsibilities, which is no small thing for tired-out mamas! Whether you’ve chosen to bottle feed from the start, or if you’re transitioning from breast to bottle, a few expert tips can help make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your baby. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

1. When to start bottle feeding

Whether you’re planning to bottle feed from the start, or breastfeed first and then introduce a bottle later, the perfect time is down to you. Timing can help to make things go more smoothly though.

Midwife Anna-Luisa Döscher offers the following expert advice: “If the mother plans to breastfeed—meaning within the first 5-6 weeks after birth—I recommend not using a bottle, so that breastfeeding can establish itself well. If breastfeeding is going well, and the baby is gaining weight properly, I suggest trying the bottle after 5-6 weeks, in case the mother wants more independence or to be out on her own. The bottle should then be very similar to the breast (round and soft) and have a slow flow.”

2. Choosing the perfect bottle

There’s so many bottles on the market to choose from it can be hard to know where to start. Finding the right one for your baby can involve a little bit of trial and error, but there are several features you can look out for before you invest.

Our favourite baby bottle is the multi-award-winning design from BIBS. So beautiful you won’t mind it sitting on your kitchen counter, the Danish brand’s bottles are not only stylish but also boast lots of clever functionality.

The first big tick is the anti-colic design. Choosing a baby bottle that helps to reduce colic by limiting the amount of air your baby swallows can help to eliminate tummy troubles. All of BIBS‘ bottle nipples feature an anti-colic slit that reduces air intake and bubbles during feeds. This means a smoother, more comfortable milk flow, with less chance of gas.

The material of the bottle also matters. BIBS bottles are made from highly resilient lab-grade borosilicate glass. BPA-free and 110% food-grade, borosilicate glass offers long-term durability as well as heat and thermal shock resistance. 

Midwife Cathleen Niklas offers this top tip: “For babies who drink very slowly, I always recommend glass bottles, as they retain warmth longer than plastic bottles.”

3. Finding the right flow

Finding the right bottle teat (or nipple) can be confusing as there’s a variety of shapes, sizes, and flow rates. It’s important to remember that every baby has their own unique feeding style. Some babies gulp quickly, whilst others prefer to take their time. The key to making sure your baby is getting the right nourishment is to find a flow rate that matches their natural feeding pace.

For newborns, a good place to start is with a slow flow teat. This mimics breastfeeding, controls milk intake, and prevents overeating. As your baby gets older (and more adept at feeding), they may prefer a faster flow. Any changes in feeding behaviour, or signs of fussiness, might signal it’s time to switch flows.

Available in slow, medium, and fast flows, BIBS bottle teats are super soft and mimic the natural nipple shape, feel, and movement of the breast. This ensures an easy transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding.

4. Choosing teat material

Once you’ve found a flow that your baby likes, you’ll also need to consider the material. Teat material can make a huge difference to your little one’s comfort whilst they are feeding.

BIBS nipples are available in natural rubber latex and medical-grade silicone. Sourced from the sap of the Hevea Rubber tree, natural rubber latex is highly soft and flexible. It resembles the skin-like texture and feel of a mother’s breast. BIBS natural rubber latex teats can withstand strong suction and pressure and are highly durable.

BIBS’ latest bottle nipple is crafted from high-quality medical grade silicone. This offers a durable and hypoallergenic option that’s transparent, odourless and neutral in taste. BIBS’ silicone nipples are also resilient against high temperatures and can be microwave sterilised up to 110 degrees C / 230 Fahrenheit. The texture is slightly firmer than natural rubber, but still offers breast-like softness and flexibility.

Midwife Cathleen Niklas says: “Every mother who decides to bottle-feed naturally considers which bottle/teat to offer their baby. It always depends on whether the baby is being breastfed and also bottle-fed for supplementation. In this case, it’s advisable to use a teat similar to the nipple. For babies who are bottle-fed from the beginning, I think mums who decide to bottle-feed from the start research online, ask friends and acquaintances for their opinions/experiences.”

Always check teats/nipples for signs of wear and tear, including cracks or thinning. Replace them every 4-6 weeks, or at the first sign of damage or weakness.

5. A note on pacifiers/dummies

If your little one uses a dummy, choosing a similar-shaped bottle nipple can help to make the feeding transition smoother. That’s why we love the BIBS bottle range. If your little one is already used to a BIBS dummy, then you’ll be able to choose a BIBS bottle nipple in the same material and shape.

4. Preparing perfect infant formula

From cows and goats milk, to plant-based options, it’s important to make sure you follow formula preparation guidelines exactly. Make sure you’ve washed your hands before handling bottles and formula, and always sterilise equipment.

Measure out the formula powder with the scoop provided, and mix it with freshly boiled water. Ensure that it hasn’t been allowed to cool for longer than 30 minutes so that it’s hot enough to kill any bacteria that might be present in the powder.

Perfect for on-the-go feeding, and nighttime feeds (when you’re half asleep!), the BIBS baby bottles have a collapsible funnel for easy use with formula powder.

5. Sterilising bottles and teats safely

It’s crucial to sterilise all feeding equipment before use, especially in baby’s first 12 months whilst their immune system is still developing.

First, wash bottles and teats thoroughly in warm soapy water, making sure you clean every part of the bottle. Then, sterilise using boiling water, a microwave steam steriliser, or an electric steriliser. All BIBS bottles are microwave and top-rack dishwasher safe.

6. Bottle warming

The perfect milk temperature will be unique to your baby. Some little ones prefer warm milk, but others might like it at room temperature. If your baby prefers warmed milk, avoid using a microwave as it can heat unevenly and cause hot spots.

Heat milk using a bowl of warm water or a bottle warmer instead. Don’t forget to test the temperature by placing a few drops of milk on the inside of your wrist – it should feel lukewarm.

7. The best feeding position

Finding the perfect feeding position is crucial not only for comfort, but also to prevent choking and minimise gas and discomfort. Hold your baby in a semi-upright position. This is the safest feeding position and will also aid digestion.

It’s important to follow your little one’s lead during feeding. Babies are able to regulate their own intake, so don’t force them if they show signs of being full. Take regular breaks to burp your baby, gently patting or rubbing them on the back to reduce discomfort from any swallowed air.

Nursing chairs are great for creating a comfy and soothing atmosphere for bottle feeding at home. However, the beauty of bottle feeding is that you can do it wherever and whenever you’re on-the-go!

8. Paced feeding

Paced bottle feeding mimics the natural rhythm of breastfeeding. This helps to prevent overfeeding, reduces the risk of colic, and makes the transition from breast to bottle easier. Hold the bottle horizontally, and allow your baby to draw out the milk. This helps them to regulate the flow and take breaks, just like they would during breastfeeding.

9. Night-time feeds

Night-time feeds can feel challenging when you’re tired, but they are an important time for bonding with your baby. Preparation can make night-time feeding go more smoothly, so make sure you keep sterilised bottles, equipment, and formula ready-to-go for quick feeding.

Midwife Anna-Luisa Döscher says: “Nighttime feeding or nursing is often more about a need for closeness than hunger; at night, the brain develops, and everything is processed. Therefore, my recommendation is always to follow the baby’s needs and nurse or feed as often as necessary. The family can keep a bottle warmer by the bed with water, the formula pre-portioned next to it, and then just mix it when the baby needs milk. Lots of skin-to-skin contact, whether bottle-feeding or breastfeeding—a baby can never get too much closeness.”

10. Burping your little one

Whether you’re bottle feeding or breastfeeding, babies tend to swallow air when feeding, causing trapped gas and discomfort. To prevent this, burp your baby halfway through feeding and at the end.

Hold them upright against your chest, and gently pat or rub their back. You can also sit them upright on your lap and support their head whilst patting or rubbing their back. Find the position that’s most comfortable for you and your little one.

11. How to recognise hunger and fullness cues

Babies are very good at regulating their own feeds, so it’s important to understand their hunger and fullness cues. Hunger signs include sucking on their hands, and ‘rooting’ (which is turning their head towards the bottle). Fullness cues include slowing down their sucking, turning away from the bottle, and falling asleep during the feed.

12. What to do when your baby refuses

It can be very stressful when your baby refuses the bottle, but there are a few simple tricks that can help.

Midwife Anna-Luisa Döscher says: “If a baby refuses the bottle, you can try having someone else, like a grandparent or another relative, offer it; sometimes that works. Or, while giving the bottle, gently squeeze the baby’s cheeks. But some babies simply won’t take a bottle… just keep trying.”

Final thoughts

Bottle feeding offers flexibility for parents and also provides opportunities for bonding and nurturing. The most important thing to remember is that every baby is unique. Be patient as you explore what works best for you and your little one. With lots of cuddles, and a calm atmosphere, bottle feeding can become an enjoyable part of your daily routine.

This is a paid partnership with BIBS

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