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Bottlefeeding – good to know

Here you can find information and practical advice on how to bottle-feed in a good way – whether it is for a short period, as a supplement, or on a regular basis

Gem

About bottle feeding

Bottle feeding may be the way you choose to feed your baby, or it may be necessary because breastfeeding is not possible. A bottle can be used on its own or alongside breastfeeding. It may contain expressed breast milk, infant formula, or a combination of both. Choose what works best for your family and your situation.

Read the sections that are relevant for you and skip the rest:

 

 

When bottle feeding is right for you

Whether you have chosen to bottle feed or it was the only option, you are just as good a parent.

What matters most is that:

  • Feeding times are calm and cosy moments for both you and your baby. Your baby can still receive closeness, comfort and contact when being bottle fed.
  • You do what feels right for you, your baby and your family so that everyone can thrive.
  • If breastfeeding is affecting your wellbeing, it is better to feed your baby by bottle.


Breast milk is the ideal nutrition for babies because it is tailored to your baby’s needs and contains antibodies that help protect against infection. If breast milk is not available, infant formula is a safe alternative that provides the nutrition your baby needs.

Some parents begin to doubt their feeding plans during pregnancy, for example if they had a difficult breastfeeding experience before. In some families there may also be a tradition of bottle feeding, and you may feel unsure about what is right for you. You can always discuss your thoughts and concerns with your midwife or health visitor during pregnancy. Try to tune in to what feels right for you and your family.

Benefits of breastfeeding

How do we give our baby a bottle?

Swipe to see how to give your baby a bottle in a calm and responsive way.

Give the bottle calmly and at your baby’s pace

It is important that your baby can feed at a relaxed pace and take breaks during the feed. This allows your baby to notice when they feel full. If a baby drinks too quickly and takes more milk than they need, they may bring milk back up (posset) or, over time, gain weight too quickly.

How to bottle feed:

Create calm and closeness

  • Choose a quiet place and sit comfortably.
  • Hold your baby in your arms so you can make eye contact.
  • Skin-to-skin contact during the feed can help both you and your baby feel calm.

 

Positioning your baby when bottle feeding

  • Let your baby sit slightly upright, with their head and neck well supported.
  • Make sure both arms are free to move.

 

Feed at a slow pace

  • Hold the teat gently against your baby’s upper lip. You can softly brush the lip so your baby opens the mouth wide and takes the teat when ready.
  • Hold the bottle horizontally, so only about half of the teat is filled with milk.
  • Watch that your baby has time to suck, swallow and breathe. If feeding seems too fast, your baby may stare, cough or spread their fingers wide. That is a sign to pause.

 

Taking breaks

  • Tilt the bottle slightly so milk stops flowing while your baby still has the teat in their mouth. Milk flows quickly from a bottle, so your baby needs your help to pause.

 

Respect signs of fullness

  • Do not pressure your baby to finish the bottle. Trust your baby’s signals when they show they are full.

What is paced bottle feeding?

Slow or paced bottle feeding is a way of giving a bottle that copies how a baby feeds at the breast, while following your baby’s cues. When breastfeeding, your baby controls how much milk they take. They have to suck to trigger the milk flow. After the milk lets down, there is usually a short pause before your baby starts sucking again and a new flow begins.
Paced bottle feeding follows this same rhythm. It helps you respond to your baby’s signals, so they receive the right amount of milk and natural pauses during the feed.
Your baby can have a pause by sucking on the teat when there is little or no milk in it, or by having the bottle gently removed from their mouth for a moment.

Where should we give the bottle?

It is helpful to feed in the same place at home when possible. A regular, calm feeding spot creates familiarity and security.

Try to separate feeding time from playtime. Over time, your baby will recognise the routine and feel safe when you sit in the same place to feed.

If you are out, find a quiet place.

At night, it is best to disturb your baby as little as possible and let them feed in dim lighting, in the room where you are sleeping.

Bottle feeding at 3–4 months

At around 3–4 months, babies become more aware of sounds and movement. This can make it harder to concentrate on feeding.
It is therefore extra important that you stick to your calm routines. If your baby becomes distracted, move to a quieter room and dim the lights.


In the early weeks, it is usually best if your baby is fed only by you as parents. Your baby recognises your smell, heartbeat and voices, and feels safest with you. As your baby grows and depending on their temperament and development, they may later be ready to take a bottle from someone else. You can talk to your health visitor about what to consider if you are thinking about letting others give the bottle.

How often and for how long should our baby have a bottle?

When your newborn is bottle fed, they will — like a breastfed baby — feed frequently and without a set routine, especially in the first few weeks. Your baby’s weight can give an indication of roughly how much milk they need over 24 hours. Your health visitor can guide you on this.

A baby who is bottle fed:

  • Should be fed when showing signs of hunger.
  • May drink more or less at each feed — follow your baby’s appetite.
  • May want to suck even when not hungry. In that case, you can try offering a dummy instead.

In this video, you will see the signals a baby gives when it is hungry and wants milk. The video focuses on breastfeeding, but the baby’s signals are the same.

How do we prepare bottles and which formula and equipment should we choose?

Swipe for guidance on preparation, warming, cleaning and choosing milk and bottles.

How do we prepare bottles with infant formula?

Always follow the instructions on the formula packaging carefully when preparing a bottle. You can also use a machine designed for preparing formula feeds. If you do, make sure it measures the correct amount of powder so your baby receives the right nutrition.

During the first two months

  • Prepare each feed fresh, one at a time.
  • You can boil water in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It will then be ready for mixing and warming to room temperature when needed.


During the first four months

  • Always mix the formula powder with boiled, cooled water.


After the first two months

  • You may prepare formula for up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm the bottle to feeding temperature when your baby is hungry.

 

A prepared bottle can be warmed in a bowl of warm water, a microwave or a bottle warmer. Gently shake the bottle while warming so the heat spreads evenly. Always test the temperature before feeding by placing a few drops on the inside of your wrist. The milk should feel lukewarm, not hot.

How do we warm expressed breast milk safely?

Breast milk should be warmed gently to help protect its nutrients. It is best to warm the milk in a bowl or jug of warm water. If you use a microwave, check the milk carefully while heating to make sure it does not become too hot. A helpful tip is to gently swirl or shake the bottle during warming so the heat is evenly distributed.

Expressing breast milk

How do we clean bottles and teats at home?

  • Rinse bottles and teats in cold water after use.
  • Wash bottles using a bottle brush, washing-up liquid and hot water. Make sure to remove any milk residue from the screw thread and edges.
  • Rub teats with coarse salt to remove milk residue from the inside.
  • Rinse bottles and teats thoroughly.
  • Wash bottles in the dishwasher or pour boiling water over them. Empty out the water afterwards.
  • Pour boiling water over the teats and discard the water.
  • Store bottles and teats dry and covered until they are needed again
    If you are staying in hospital, follow the guidance given there, as procedures may vary slightly from place to place.

     

How do we use a bottle washer?

Some families choose to use a machine that washes, sterilises and dries bottles and teats. This is not necessary, but it can make things a little easier. If you use a bottle washer, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Which infant formula should we choose?

There are many different types of infant formula available. The brand you choose is up to you. All approved formulas contain the nutrients your baby needs at different ages.
When buying infant formula:

  • Choose a formula suitable for your baby’s age. Formula for newborns up to 6 months is labelled with a “1”.
  • Always follow the preparation instructions carefully and use the scoop provided. This ensures the milk is mixed correctly.
  • You may prefer powdered formula if your baby has formula often or at every feed. Ready-made formula is convenient but usually more expensive.

If your baby becomes constipated or seems uncomfortable after starting formula, speak to your health visitor.


It is important to know the difference between infant formula and follow-on formula.

Infant formula is suitable from birth and contains everything your baby needs in the first months of life. It is usually labelled with a “1”.

Follow-on formula is intended for babies from 6 months of age. The packaging looks similar but is labelled with a “2”.

Which bottle is best?

There are many different types of bottles and teats available. Sometimes you may need to try a few before finding one that works well for your baby.
Some bottles are marketed as being more similar to the breast or as helping to reduce wind. In practice, what works best is very individual. There is no evidence that one type of bottle is better than others.
A few babies take a bottle straight away without difficulty, but most need time to learn the technique. Try to give a new bottle a fair chance before switching to another type. This can require patience from both baby and parents, especially if your baby has been breastfed and is learning to feed from a bottle.

Can we use a bottle as a supplement or switch from breastfeeding to bottle feeding?

Some families need to switch to bottle feeding for a period of time. Others choose to combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding. Swipe for guidance on how you can approach this in a way that works for you and your baby.

How can we combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding?

For some families, combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding works well for a shorter or longer period. Breast milk is beneficial whether you breastfeed fully or partly — even small amounts are valuable. Some parents breastfeed and also offer expressed breast milk by bottle.
As soon as you begin to supplement with infant formula, your own milk supply may decrease. This is because milk production depends on how much milk is removed from the breast.
If you would like to maintain or increase your milk supply, you can express milk by hand or with a breast pump.

You can learn more about Expressing breast milk after birth

How to combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding:

  • Breastfeed first at as many feeds as possible. Your baby’s sucking is the most effective way to stimulate milk production.
  • Some families replace one or more daily breastfeeds with bottle feeds.
  • Others offer the bottle as part of a breastfeed. In that case, breastfeed first and then offer a bottle if your baby is still hungry.
  • You can give previously expressed breast milk, infant formula, or a combination, depending on how much milk you are able to express.
  • Always offer your own milk first and avoid mixing it with formula. This ensures your baby receives all of your breast milk.

 

How do we switch to bottle feeding — either temporarily or permanently?

Sometimes it becomes necessary to switch to bottle feeding. In many cases, it is also possible to return to breastfeeding later if you wish.
A period of bottle feeding may be needed, for example, if:

  • Breastfeeding is not possible due to illness in your baby or yourself.
  • You need to be away from your baby.
  • Breastfeeding has become so difficult that you need a break while deciding what to do next.

The best way to move from breastfeeding to bottle feeding is usually to reduce breastfeeding gradually. During the transition, your baby can receive both breast and bottle. This helps prevent breast engorgement and reduces the risk of mastitis. If breastfeeding feels too difficult to continue, you can express milk to relieve breast fullness. You can then give the expressed milk by bottle while you decide whether to stop breastfeeding completely or to start again later.


If illness is the reason, it may not be possible to reduce breastfeeding gradually. In this situation, speak to your health visitor for guidance on how to manage the transition to bottle feeding in the best way for you and your baby.

As soon as you begin to supplement with infant formula, your own milk supply will usually decrease. This is because milk production depends on how much milk is removed from the breast. If you hope to return to full breastfeeding after a period of bottle feeding, you can help maintain your milk supply by expressing regularly with a breast pump. It can be difficult to know how often and how much expressing is needed to maintain supply. Your health visitor can offer guidance based on your situation.

Here you can learn more about expressing breastmilk

Common questions when your baby is bottle fed

Swipe to find answers to some of the common questions that may arise when you are bottle feeding your baby.

What if our baby refuses the bottle?

The most important thing is to be patient and avoid pushing the teat into your baby’s mouth. Some babies need time to adjust to a new type of bottle or to the change from breast to bottle. It may take several attempts. Let the teat rest gently against your baby’s upper lip or cheek. When your baby opens their mouth wide, guide the teat in gently.
In some cases, trying a different type of bottle or teat may help. With time and patience, your baby will learn to accept the bottle.

Does our baby need vitamin D when they are having infant formula?

There are specific recommendations for vitamin D supplements if your baby has infant formula, because infant formula already contains added vitamin D.
If your baby is fully formula fed, they do not need extra vitamin D drops. If your baby has both breast milk and infant formula, you should give vitamin D drops. The dose depends on how much formula your baby has over 24 hours.
Your health visitor can advise you about vitamin D supplements and the right amount for your baby in your situation.

How can we reduce wind when bottle feeding?

The most helpful thing you can do is to feed at a calm pace and hold the bottle fairly horizontal. Even if the teat is not completely full of milk, this does not automatically give your baby more wind.
To reduce swallowed air:

  • Make sure your baby has a good seal around the teat.
  • Check that the lips are turned outwards (flanged), so your baby swallows less air.
  • Holding your baby slightly upright, with the head higher than the tummy, can also help.
    Most babies will still get some wind from time to time and need to burp during a feed. Burping helps them release air and also gives them a natural pause. When feeds are slower and calmer, many babies burp less and bring milk up less often.

How often should a baby poo when having infant formula by bottle?

If your baby has infant formula, they should usually pass stools every day.
Infant formula can be harder to digest and may cause firmer stools or constipation. If your baby is struggling to poo, ask your health visitor or GP for advice.

What is the best way to take milk with you for a trip?

If you are going out and your baby has bottle feeds, a small cool bag can help keep prepared milk cold, like in a fridge.
You can also buy ready-to-feed infant formula. Unopened cartons do not need to be kept in the fridge.
To warm a bottle, you can bring hot water in a thermos and a small bowl.

Helpful reminders

  • Feed at a calm pace.
  • Watch for signs your baby is full or needs a break.
  • Make feeding time a calm, cosy moment.
  • In the early weeks, you as parents should give the bottle feeds
  • If you have questions about bottle feeding, or are considering switching to bottles, speak to your health visitor.

Find related content about bottle feeding

Who can you contact?

If you experience challenges with bottle feeding – big or small – do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Swipe to see whom you can contact and when.

Who can you contact at the maternity ward?

You can contact the maternity-ward staff both during pregnancy and after birth.

Before birth, your midwife is the person to speak with about the early time with your baby and your thoughts about feeding – whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. If you have had previous breastfeeding problems, you can create a plan together.

Most maternity wards also offer antenatal classes, and your midwife can inform you about these.

After giving birth, you can receive help with breastfeeding from staff on the delivery or maternity ward while you are admitted.

All parents can also contact a breastfeeding hotline at their maternity ward within the first week after birth if they need help or guidance.

You can contact your municipal health-visitor service

The health-visitor service is available to all pregnant and new parents in Denmark. After birth, you will be offered free home visits with support and guidance to help you get a good start with your baby. Depending on your municipality and your stage in the process, different services and contact options may be available.

Some municipalities offer prenatal visits from a health visitor, where you can discuss breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and preparing for life as a new family. Check your municipality’s website to see whether this is available where you live.

If you have special needs, you can contact the service to ask whether prenatal visits are offered to you.

Your health visitor will contact you and offer the first home visit. You can always call your municipal health visitor service for advice or guidance.

You can contact your GP if needed

Always speak with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and need medical treatment. In most cases, there is a medication that is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Contact the on-call doctor or call 112 in an emergency

For sudden illness or worsening symptoms that cannot wait until your GP is available, or for minor injuries, you can contact the on-call doctor – or call 1813 if you live in the Capital Region.

In emergencies, if something is life-threatening or dangerous, call 112.

Contact volunteer breastfeeding counsellors

You can also contact volunteer breastfeeding counsellors if you need advice or guidance. Denmark has two support organisations: Forældre & Fødsel and Ammenet. The volunteers are mothers who have breastfed themselves, and both organisations provide guidance based on the recommendations of the Danish Health Authority.

Get help from Forældre og Fødsel

Get help from Ammenet