Bottle-Feeding a Breastfed Baby
Last updated
La Leche League says that, unless it is essential, the introduction of a bottle is ideally left until the baby is at least three to four weeks old and breastfeeding well. 1 The CDC says to start by offering the baby small amounts of breast milk or formula, and to offer more if the baby shows signs of hunger. 2 Below is what recognised health bodies say about when to start, how to hold the bottle, and how to keep it safe, quoted and linked.
Key takeaways
- La Leche League says to wait, if you can, until the baby is at least three to four weeks old and breastfeeding well before introducing a bottle. 1
- La Leche League says to keep the bottle horizontal so the baby has to suck actively for the milk, as at the breast. 1
- The CDC says to watch the baby for cues that they are full, and then stop, even if the bottle is not empty. 2
- The CDC says not to prop or leave the bottle in the baby's mouth, as it increases the risk of choking, ear infections and tooth decay. 2
**A quick, honest note:** we're not medical professionals - everything here was researched by us from the public sources listed at the bottom of this page, and it isn't professional advice. Read our full note ↓
When can I introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby?
La Leche League says that, unless it is essential, the introduction of a bottle is ideally left until the baby is at least three to four weeks old and breastfeeding well. 1 When you do start, the CDC says to offer small amounts of breast milk or formula, and to offer more if the baby shows signs of hunger. 2
What is paced bottle feeding?
La Leche League says to keep the bottle in a horizontal (flat) position, so the baby needs to suck actively to get the milk, as he does at the breast, 1 and the NHS similarly says to keep the bottle in a horizontal position, only slightly tipped. 3 La Leche League warns that tilting the bottle to pour milk into the baby's mouth can lead to the baby taking more milk than needed, faster than they can easily manage. 1 On the teat, La Leche League says most babies do best with a slow-flow 'newborn' teat, but that you may need to try a few different brands and teats to find a speed your baby likes, since flow rate is not standardized across brands. 1
How should I hold the bottle?
The NHS says to hold the baby in a semi-upright position for bottle feeds. 3 The American Academy of Pediatrics says to support the baby in a semi-upright position, with her head cradled in the crook of your arm, 4 and to hold the bottle so that milk completely covers the nipple, so the baby is not swallowing air. 4
Following the baby's lead
The NHS says to feed the baby when they seem hungry and not to worry if they do not finish the bottle. 3 The CDC says the same thing from the other direction: watch the baby for cues that they are full, and then stop, even if the bottle is not empty. 2
Bottle-feeding safety
A few safety points travel with the guidance. The American Academy of Pediatrics says not to bottle-feed a baby while she is on her back, as lying down increases the risk of choking and can lead to middle ear infections. 4 The CDC says not to prop or leave the bottle in the baby's mouth, as this can increase the risk of choking, ear infections and tooth decay. 2 And the NHS says to sterilise bottles and teats until the baby is at least 12 months old. 3
Frequently asked questions
When can I introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby?
La Leche League says, if you can, to wait until the baby is at least three to four weeks old and breastfeeding well. 1
What is paced bottle feeding?
La Leche League says to keep the bottle horizontal so the baby sucks actively for the milk, as at the breast. 1
How should I hold the bottle?
The NHS says to hold the baby semi-upright; 3 the AAP says to keep milk covering the nipple so the baby is not swallowing air. 4
How do I bottle-feed safely?
The CDC says not to prop the bottle; the AAP says not to feed a baby on her back; the NHS says to sterilise bottles and teats until at least 12 months. 2 4 3
A note from us
We're the team behind Yael & Michal. We are not doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, or psychologists, and nothing here is professional advice.
Everything above was researched by us from public, reputable sources - we name and link every one of them below - and summarized as carefully as we could, as a free resource for other mothers. We do this because we wished something like it had existed for us.
When we name an organisation such as the CDC, the NHS, La Leche League, or the Israeli Ministry of Health, we are only citing their published guidance; it does not mean they endorse, sponsor, approve, or are affiliated with us. They have no involvement with this site, and we never use their logos or seals.
Yael & Michal sells nursing bras, which are comfort garments and not medical devices; we do not claim they prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition. The health information here is written for you as a free resource - it is separate from anything we sell.
We try hard to get it right, and we cite our sources so you can check us. But we are not a medical authority, and this cannot replace talking to a professional who knows you and your baby. Please check anything that matters with your doctor, midwife, or an IBCLC lactation consultant. This content has not been reviewed by a medical professional. Reading this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship, or any other professional relationship, between you and us.
If something feels urgent, contact your healthcare provider or emergency services.
Read our full Medical Disclaimer · How we research and write · Content Terms
Sources
- La Leche League International (LLLI). https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/bottles/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/bottle-feeding/index.html (retrieved 2026-07-10).
- NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/advice/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org). https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Bottle-Feeding-How-Its-Done.aspx (retrieved 2026-07-10).