State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
Baby News
Date: _____________________________
My Name: __________________________________
Today's weight:__________ length: ___________
After today's visit, my goal will be...
Paced Feeding
Due to the small size of baby's stomach, begin by offering 2 ounces of breast milk.* More should be offered if your baby seems hungry, especially if he is having a growth spurt.
- Hold baby in your arms or lap in a semi-upright position. This gives baby better control of feeding and allows you to make eye contact with baby.
- Take time to cuddle, talk and smile with your baby; studies show baby will feel more secure and loved.
- Propping the bottle may also cause choking, ear infections or overfeeding.
- Use a bottle nipple with a wide base and a very slow flow (test the bottle by turning it upside down; drops should follow each other closely, but not make a stream). Hold the bottle still and at an angle to reduce the amount of air swallowed by baby.
- Use the nipple to gently tickle your baby's cheeks or lips, causing him to open his mouth wide, like a yawn, to begin feeding.
- Let baby pull the nipple into his mouth (do not force).
- Occasionally, offer your baby time to rest and breathe by removing the bottle slightly. Allow baby to pull the nipple into his mouth again when he is ready.
- If baby becomes upset when the nipple is removed, simply tip the bottle, so that the milk stops flowing for a few seconds, without removing the nipple from baby's mouth.
- Burp your baby at any natural break during or at the end of a feeding. Natural breaks help slow the feeding and decrease the amount of air swallowed.
- Follow your baby's lead to decide how much and how long to feed.
* Offer only breast milk or infant formula in a bottle.
Adding juice or other sugary drinks can cause tooth decay.
Adding cereal can cause choking.
DHS 4369E (R-06-17) FYB - Paced Feeding Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. 500 copies PO#17-1947
