Bottle-Feeding Mistakes Most Parents Don’t Realize They’re Making

Bottle feeding looks simple from the outside, but it’s actually a fine motor skill—for both baby and parent. Babies must coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing in a very precise pattern, and when the mechanics are off, feeding becomes stressful. Many feeding difficulties stem from small, easily fixable mistakes parents don’t even realize they’re making.

One of the biggest issues is flow rate. Many parents unintentionally choose nipples that are too fast, causing babies to gulp, choke, arch, or swallow excess air. A faster flow may seem efficient, but newborns need time to regulate their intake. Another common mistake is the feeding position. Leaning the baby back or holding the bottle horizontally leads to swallowing air or losing control of the milk flow.

Paced feeding solves this by slowing the experience down: baby positioned upright, bottle held horizontally, allowing them to pause, swallow, and breathe naturally. Babies should never look “pinned down” during a feed—their body should feel supported but relaxed. Watch for signs of struggle like clicking, leaking, or pulling away; these are cues that the mechanics need adjustment, not that you’re doing something wrong.

Burping during the feed, rather than only after, can prevent a lot of discomfort. Small pauses help break up trapped air before it becomes painful. And remember: a good latch isn’t just for breastfeeding. Babies need a deep latch on the bottle nipple too.

Bottle feeding should feel peaceful, connected, and unrushed.