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Bottle Feeding

Bottle-feeding your baby is an opportunity to both nourish and connect with your baby by being sensitive to their cues or signals. Bottle-feeding can be used to offer expressed breastmilk or formula feeds to your baby. Here, we’ll walk you through the essentials, including preparing equipment, feeding tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. You and your baby are learning together. Be patient with the process and create a flexible pattern that works for both you and your baby.

Parents feeding their baby a bottle

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Preparing for Bottle Feeding

Choosing and Preparing Equipment 

  • Bottles and Teats: Choose bottles and teats that are designed for your newborn. Many options are available, so you may need to try a few to find the best fit for your baby’s feeding style. 
  • Sterilisation: Before each use, clean bottles, teats, and any other feeding equipment in hot soapy water. Sterilise all equipment until your baby is 12 months old to prevent bacteria. Store sterilised equipment in the fridge until ready to use. Sterilisation options include: 
  • Boiling: Submerge bottles and teats in boiling water for 5 minutes, ensuring the water is boiling before you start timing. 
  • Dishwasher: You can also run bottles through a dishwasher on a hot cycle, ensuring all items are completely dry before use. 
  • Steriliser: Electric or microwave sterilisers are an effective way to sterilise bottles. 

Karitane Tip:The only safe alternative to breastmilk for a baby under 12 months is infant formula.

Feeding your Newborn Formula 

Choosing Formula Any formula sold in Australia meets Australian Standards. We recommend using a cow’s milk-based formula as the first choice. Some babies may not be able to tolerate this and may need a special formula that is recommended by a health professional. 

  • Water Quality and Temperature: Use cooled, boiled water for formula preparation. Always check the temperature on your wrist to ensure it’s not too hot for your baby. 
  • Follow Instructions: Follow the instructions on the formula packaging carefully, as the correct water-to-formula ratio is essential for your baby’s health. Avoid adding extra water or formula powder. 
  • Storage: Prepared formula can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Discard any unfinished milk left at room temperature for over an hour, as bacteria can grow and will upset your baby’s stomach. 

Feeding Your Newborn with a Bottle

  • Hold Your Baby Close: Always hold your baby when bottle-feeding. Cradle them in your arms in a semi upright position comfortably, making eye contact and supporting their head. Talk gently to your baby while feeding. 
  • Paced Feeding: Hold the bottle at a semi upright angle to allow the milk to flow slowly, watch for when your baby needs to take a break from sucking and swallowing. This can prevent overfeeding and will help baby’s digestion. 
  • Responsive Feeding: Watch for your baby’s hunger cues, such as rooting, sucking on their hands, or turning their head toward you.  

Karitane Tip: Always avoid propping the bottle or leaving your baby unattended during feeding, as this increases the risk of choking and ear infections 

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Bottle Feeding FAQs

Newborns usually drink small amounts frequently, between 2 -4 hours. As they grow, they’ll gradually drink more in one sitting. Every baby is unique, so it’s important to be responsive to their hunger and fullness cues rather than following a strict schedule.

Yes, prepared formula can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Discard any unfinished milk left at room temperature for over an hour, as bacteria can grow and will upset your baby's stomach. When reheating, use a bottle warmer or place the bottle in warm water, avoid using the microwave as it will heat the milk unevenly and could cause burning to your baby’s mouth. 

Signs your baby is full include slowing down, turning away from the bottle, or pushing the nipple out. Babies are good at knowing when they have had enough, so allow them to guide you on how much they need.

Spitting up small amounts is normal, especially if your baby swallows milk quickly or swallows air. Feeding in an upright position and paced bottle-feeding can also help prevent gas. Try feeding your baby their bottle over 20-30 minutes to make digestion easier. Hold your baby upright after feeds for a short period allowing them to bring up any wind. If your baby is bringing up a lot of milk constantly, cries, or is unsettled, speak to your health care professional for advice.

Hold your baby close in a semi-upright position, supporting their head and neck. This position allows for eye contact and a gentle flow of milk, talk softly to your baby, making feeding time calm and enjoyable for you both.

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Karitane acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to the lands and waters of NSW. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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