Paced Bottle Feeding: What It Is and Why It Matters

24 th February 2021

2 min read

Switching between breast and bottle? Or simply want to feed with choice and care? Embracing paced bottle feeding (also called responsive bottle feeding) can help your baby feed in a way that feels natural, safe, and nurturing without overfeeding or bottle dependency.

Here's everything you need to know about this gentle, baby-led method that supports digestion and encourages bonding.

What Is Paced Bottle Feeding?

Paced feeding uses a slower, baby-led approach - letting your little one regulate their own intake. It mimics the natural flow of breastfeeding, shielding them from being overwhelmed by too fast a flow.

Benefits include:

Preventing overfeeding and colic - helps your baby self-regulate their appetite
Easier breast-bottle switching - supports latch consistency and breast familiarity
Promoting bonding - encourages eye contact, interaction, and touch
Supporting developmental benefits - enhances hand-eye coordination and emotional development

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When to Use Paced Bottle Feeding

If you are planning on offering a bottle of expressed milk at some point in your breastfeeding journey, introduce paced feeding once breastfeeding is established - usually around 6–8 weeks postpartum for breastfed babies. This method helps them become comfortable with bottle feeding without disrupting breastfeeding rhythms.

If exclusively bottle feeding or combi feeding from birth, introduce paced feeding immediately.

How to Do Paced Bottle Feeding

Hold baby upright or semi‑upright, with skin‑to‑skin encouraged for closeness.
Hold the bottle almost horizontal, with only the tip of the teat in baby’s mouth.
Allow baby to suck to self‑initiate, not forcing the bottle tip into their mouth.
If baby feeds too fast, tip the bottle down or gently pause.
Pause during natural breaks; burp, cuddle, or switch sides if preferred.
Engage in eye contact and soothing talk throughout.

Ideal Feeding Routine

Start with a small amount (around 30ml) for initial feeds.
Continue with gradual increases of 15ml as baby adapts.
Keep feeding consistent to maintain familiarity.

Choosing the Right Bottle & Teat

Breastfed babies benefit from using soft and stretchy teats such as Lansinoh® NaturalWave® Bottle:

Flexible, wide‑base teat
Helps maintain natural latch and avoid nipple confusion
Eases breast-to-bottle transitions

Shop Lansinoh Bottles

Tips for Smooth Feeding Transitions

Introduce the bottle in a calm, non-rushed environment.
Have someone else offer the first bottles as baby may relax more.
Keep paced feeding regular, even when baby is older.
Be patient - skills like repositioning and pausing take time.

Why Paced Feeding Matters for Parents

Sets a foundation for healthy self‑regulated eating patterns.
Strengthens emotional connection during bottle feeds.
Supports the breastfeeding journey by preserving consistency.
Empowers both parents to participate fully in feeding.

Midwife’s Top Tips

Use paced feeding for all caregivers to ensure consistency.
Promote skin‑to‑skin and eye contact during bottle time.
Always follow baby's hunger and fullness cues—don’t force the bottle.
Alternate sides mid‑feed to encourage coordination.
Stick to small volumes if you’re worried—less is more.

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About the Author – EMILY BUTTERWORTH

Midwife and IBCLC Lactation Consultant

Emily brings over 18 years of midwifery and feeding experience, having begun her midwifery journey at the University of the West of England, Bristol. After qualifying in 2008, she spent a decade working in London, gaining experience across all areas of maternity care.

During this time, she developed a particular interest in supporting people planning a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC), going on to establish a dedicated VBAC service. This initiative empowered women to make informed choices about their birth options following a caesarean. In 2012, her commitment was recognised with the Midwife of the Year Award at her hospital.

Her career then progressed into a specialist role in External Cephalic Version (ECV), a procedure typically performed by obstetricians to gently turn babies from breech to a head-down position in the later stages of pregnancy. She became one of the few midwives in the country offering this service independently, providing personalised care and information to parents exploring their options.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined the frontline effort at the Nightingale Hospital in London, supporting intensive care teams. Following the birth of her first child, she relocated and took up a role as a Community Midwife at Milton Keynes University Hospital, offering antenatal and postnatal care in the home, and supporting safe, informed home births.

After the arrival of her second child, she settled in Yorkshire, where her passion for breastfeeding support led her to train and qualify as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Since then, she has worked within the local community, supporting families with their feeding goals and delivering breastfeeding education in preparation for baby’s arrival.

In 2022, she accepted a new role in Leeds, where she launched and continues to lead the hospital’s first midwife-led ECV service, further championing person-centred care.

At Lansinoh, Emily plays a vital role in shaping educational content and supporting both internal teams and our community of parents.

If you have any questions along your journey, Lansinoh’s midwives are always here to help with the support and information you need, when you need it most.