Breast and Bottle: Practical Tips for First-Time Parents

Many parents reach a point where a bottle becomes useful, whether for returning to work, sharing night feeds, or simply having a break. Here is what usually helps when you introduce one alongside breastfeeding.

A note before you start. Breast milk is recommended as the best food for babies. The guidance below is about practical bottle feeding, not about stopping breastfeeding. If you have any concerns about your baby's feeding or weight, speak to your doctor, midwife or a lactation consultant.

When to introduce a bottle

There is no single right time, and it depends on your situation. Many parents wait until breastfeeding feels settled and comfortable before offering a bottle. If you are returning to work, starting a few weeks beforehand gives you time to practise without pressure.

If you are unsure about timing for your own baby, ask your midwife, clinic nurse or a lactation consultant. They can advise based on how feeding is going for you.

Who should offer the first bottle

Babies often take a first bottle more easily from someone other than the breastfeeding parent. A partner, grandparent or caregiver is a good choice. Some babies refuse a bottle while they can smell their mother nearby, so it can help if she steps into another room.

Feed slowly, not quickly

Milk flows more easily from a bottle than from the breast, so a baby can drink faster than they need to. Slowing the feed down helps your baby stay comfortable and lets them stop when they are full.

1. Hold your baby fairly upright, rather than lying flat.
2. Keep the bottle close to level, so the nipple is only partly filled with milk.
3. Let your baby draw the nipple in, rather than pushing it into their mouth.
4. Pause every so often and let them take a break.
5. Stop when your baby turns away or closes their mouth, even if milk is left.

Use the slowest nipple flow your baby feeds comfortably on. A faster flow is not a sign of progress, and many babies do well on a slow flow for a long time.

If your baby refuses the bottle

This is common and usually passes. A few things often help:

• Try when your baby is calm and only a little hungry, not upset and very hungry.
• Change position. Some babies prefer facing outwards, or being held differently from how they breastfeed.
• Warm the nipple slightly in clean, warm water so it feels less cold.
• Offer a few sips and stop. Short, relaxed attempts work better than one long struggle.
• Try again another day. Pushing a tired, upset baby tends to make the next attempt harder.

If your baby keeps refusing and you are worried about how much they are drinking, speak to a healthcare professional rather than waiting.

Keeping both going

Many parents combine breast and bottle for months. If you want to keep breastfeeding alongside bottle feeds, a lactation consultant or your clinic can advise on how to manage that for your own situation, since it differs from family to family.

Looking after the equipment

• Wash and sterilise bottles and nipples before the first use, and clean them thoroughly after every feed.
• Check nipples often and replace any that are torn, sticky, cloudy or misshapen.
• Always check the milk temperature on your wrist before feeding.
• Follow the storage guidance you have been given for expressed milk.

Common questions

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every baby is different. For advice about feeding, your milk supply, or your baby's weight and health, speak to your doctor, midwife, clinic nurse or a qualified lactation consultant.