1. How to know when your baby needs to be fed.

Make sure your caregiver knows how often to feed your baby. In general, breast or chestfed babies usually eat about every 2 to 3 hours. But, it is important that your baby’s caregiver knows how to recognize your baby's hunger cues instead of just looking at the clock. This resource teaches hunger cues. Share this information with your caregiver, so they know how to tell when your baby is hungry.

2. How to feed your baby

Many breast or chestfeeding experts recommend a bottle-feeding method called “paced feeding.” Paced feeding can reduce overeating. It does this by slowing down the feeding process and putting the baby in control. Many experts also say that babies are less likely to refuse the breast or chest when they are bottle-fed with paced feeding. This means it will be easier to nurse your baby when you are together, even if they are bottle-fed when you are away. 

Here are the steps for paced bottle feeding:  

1. Hold them upright. Support their torso with your arm.  

2. Avoid sticking the nipple in their mouth before they are ready. Place the nipple on their upper or lower lip. Wait until they open their mouth and let them draw the nipple in. 

3. Let them suck a little without getting milk. Then, allow the nipple to partially fill with milk, leaving some air in the nipple. Keep holding the baby upright to slow down the feeding. 

4. Hold the bottle level to the floor. This way, gravity does not pull the milk out as fast. 

5. Let them take breaks. When they take a break from sucking, tilt the bottle down a bit to prevent milk from flowing into the bottle. When they start sucking again, tilt the bottle back up so it is level to the floor again.

6. Let them set the pace of the feeding. Watch their face for signs that they need a slower flow. This can include a widening of the eyes, furrowing of the brow, or turning or pulling away.

7. Stop feeding them when they show fullness cues, such as releasing the nipple or falling asleep while eating.

8. Burp them often since they are more likely to swallow air from a bottle nipple.

Paced bottle feeding takes some practice, but it has many benefits. Share this video with your caregiver for a how-to guide on paced bottle feeding!

3. How to know when your baby is finished eating

It is important your baby’s caregiver does not feed them too much. By teaching your baby’s caregiver about fullness cues, you can help make sure your little one is not overfed while you are away. You can watch a video showing baby fullness cues here. Share this video with your caregiver and discuss it together!

4. What to do when your baby falls asleep

Sometimes babies fall asleep when they are full after eating. If this happens, make sure your caregiver knows to put your baby down to sleep in a safe sleeping space. The safest way for a baby to sleep is alone, on their back, in their own crib, pack-n-play, or bassinet. They should sleep on a firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet, with no pillows, blankets, bumper pads, or toys. The air should be clean, with no cigarette smoke.

Tip

It will be easiest to refrigerate the milk pumped at work to give to your child care provider the next day. Provide some frozen milk as a backup. This will be especially helpful during a growth spurt.

5. How to comfort your baby

Talk with your baby’s caregiver about different ways to soothe them. Make sure your baby’s caregiver understands babies cry for many reasons, not just because they are hungry. It is important your baby’s caregiver does not give a bottle just because your baby is fussy. Suggest other ways to soothe them such as checking their diaper, holding, rocking, singing, or taking them for a walk.

6. How to safely handle bottles and human milk

There are many things your baby’s caregiver will need to know when handling your expressed milk. See safe human milk storage and handling instructions, as well as the safest way to prepare and serve a bottle. Make sure your baby’s caregiver is prepared to follow these instructions.

SAVE And Print

Print or download a version of this resource you can share with your child care provider.