Learning About Bottle-Feeding: Tips for Common Problems

Tips for managing common bottle-feeding problems

Before you feed your baby, make sure that all the bottle parts are washed and ready to use.

Bottle refusal

• Gently rub the bottle nipple on your baby's cheek. This encourages them to open their mouth.
• If your baby stops eating and turns away, they may be full.

Crying or fussing

• Feed your baby before they get too hungry and cry.
• Look for signs that your baby may be hungry. For example, they may pucker or smack their lips.
• Calm them down by gently rocking them or walking while feeding them. Play soothing sounds.

Spitting up a lot

• The milk or formula may be coming out of the bottle too fast. Try using a slow flow or different size bottle nipple.
• Change your baby's position.
• Burp your baby during and after feeding.
• Your baby may have a food sensitivity if this happens every time they eat. Talk to your doctor about trying a different formula.

Tooth problems

• Don't give bottles to your baby in the crib. And don't prop their bottle to feed them.
• Put only breast milk or formula in bottles their first year.
• Ask your doctor or dentist about how to care for your baby's gums and teeth.