How to Bottle-Feed a Newborn?

When bottle-feeding a newborn, the most important things are:

Hold your baby in a semi-upright position (about 45 degrees), not sitting flat on your lap. Keep their head above their body—this prevents milk from entering the airway and reduces the risk of middle ear infection.

Hold the bottle parallel to the ground; just the nipple should be filled with milk, not tilted so the formula flows out forcefully. Let milk come as your baby sucks, not pouring it in.

Every 3-5 minutes, or when your baby pauses from sucking, take a break to burp—gently pat their back while they're upright. Burping mid-feed is more effective than waiting until the end.

Don't force the bottle into your baby's mouth by nudging their cheek or chin. When they open their mouth, place the nipple between their lips, and let them suck—milk should flow as they feed.

When your baby is done, remove the bottle; don't try to force them to finish. Signs of fullness include turning their head away, stopping their sucking, or getting drowsy.

Discard any leftover formula if it hasn't been consumed within an hour—formula sitting at room temperature is a breeding ground for bacteria. Never leave your baby alone with a bottle or propped bottle; this increases the risk of aspiration (milk entering the windpipe).

General pediatric practice recommends exclusive breastfeeding or formula (if medically necessary) for the first six months, prepared with boiled and cooled water—never diluted or sweetened.