How To Give a Baby a Bottle

Sit in the chair with the baby sideways on your lap. Prop him against the crook of your arm so that his upper body is at a 45-degree angle to his legs. Wrap your arm around his body so that he’s snuggled close and feels secure.

If for some reason your baby doesn’t like being held this way, try holding him facing forward on your lap, leaning back against you. You can also prop your feet on a stool so that your knees are bent and sit your baby facing you.

Whatever the position, make sure the baby’s head and neck are straight in relation to the rest of his body. If either is tilted back or turned sideways, it’ll be hard for him to swallow.

Bring the bottle to his lips. If he’s an infant, you may have to stroke his lips with your finger or the bottle’s nipple to get his attention.

As he sucks, hold the bottle at an angle so that the nipple is always filled completely with fluid. Otherwise your baby will suck in air along with his meal.

Watch as he eats. If he sputters, he may be getting too much milk at once, which means you should switch to a nipple with a slower flow; on the other hand, if he seems to be working too hard, try a nipple with a faster flow. The type of nipple you need will change over time as he gets bigger and stronger.

After every ounce or two the baby drinks, take a break and burp him.

Don’t force the baby to finish the bottle. If he falls asleep while drinking or pushes the nipple out of his mouth, he’s done. Put him down in his crib if he’s asleep; if he’s still awake, burp him one last time and have a cuddle for ‘dessert.’