It is important to not rush self-feeding with a bottle for babies.Even if your baby can hold their own bottle, they may resist it if you hold and feed them.Your baby's readiness depends on their age, other motor skills, and reaction to being given a bottle to hold.If you have concerns about your baby's motor skills, talk to the doctor.Encourage your baby to hold their bottle slowly.Don't leave them unattended or prop their bottle up, these are things that might be unsafe for them.
Step 1: Wait for your baby to be at least 6 months old.
Babies will not be ready to hold a bottle on their own until they are at least 6 months old.Wait until your baby is a little older if they are younger than 6 months.Around 10 to 12 months is when some babies don't develop this skill.All babies are different, so they develop skills at their own pace.Allow your baby to do what they are capable of doing.
Step 2: If your baby grasps objects and holds them in one hand, you should watch.
Your baby may be able to hold their bottle with these motor skills.Your baby will not be ready to hold their own bottle if they are not doing these things.If your baby is grasping objects and holding them in one hand, they may be ready for self-feeding.If your baby is ready to hold their own bottle, you can transfer objects from one hand to the other.
Step 3: If your baby picks up the bottle, place it in the play area.
Your baby might not be ready for self-feeding if they are not interested in holding their own bottle.If your baby picks up the bottle and swallows it, they might be ready to feed themselves.If you can, leave the bottle empty or fill it only partway so you don't have a mess in the play area.
Step 4: If you are concerned, talk to your child's doctor.
If you have any concerns about your baby's motor skills, make an appointment with the doctor.They can look at them to see if they are developing normally.If your baby is not grasping objects at 6 months, you should consult with your child's doctor.
Step 5: Guide your baby's hands to the sides of the bottle.
Hold the baby in your arms and hold the bottle for them.If your baby doesn't reach out for the bottle on their own, you can show them how to grasp it by putting one or both of their hands on the sides.Feed your baby as usual after you guide the bottle towards his mouth.Don't force your baby to hold onto the bottle.They might not be ready for self-feeding.Since your baby will still get to enjoy snuggling with you, it's the best way to encourage them to hold their bottle.
Step 6: To get used to the weight, start with a partially full bottle.
A full bottle might be too much for your baby to hold on their own, especially if they have progressed to 6 ounces (180 mL) or more per feeding.If you can fill a bottle halfway, give it to your baby to see if they can support the weight.If you have to refill the bottle, make sure you give your baby their usual amount of breast milk or formula.
Step 7: The weight of the bottle should be supported by your baby.
While your baby is getting used to holding their own bottle, support it with your hand and adjust the position as needed to ensure that they are getting the contents of the bottle and not just air, you might need your help.You may need to help your baby tilt the bottle upwards and hold it in a tilted position to make sure they get fluids from it.
Step 8: During feedings, continue to cuddle your baby.
Once your baby is able to feed themselves with their bottle, don't stop holding them.Even if your baby has mastered holding their own bottle, it is still important to hold them and cuddle them regularly for their emotional well-being.When you can sit and hold your baby, choose a few feedings each day.You could continue to hold them for feedings at night, first thing in the morning, and before naps.
Step 9: Don't feed your baby if they can.
It is still important to watch your baby during feedings even if you are confident in their ability to feed themselves.If you want to see and hear your baby, stay in the same room as them.If your baby begins to choke, you will notice.
Step 10: At a slight incline, keep your baby sitting upright.
You should not allow your baby to feed on their back.Milk can get into their Eustachian tubes if they feed in this position.Hold or position your baby so they sit upright at a 45 degree angle.You could hold your baby in your arms and keep their head above their stomach.You could place your baby in a high chair or stroller with the seat in the upright or inclined position.
Step 11: If you want to prevent tooth decay, switch to a pacifier at night.
If your baby is fed breast milk or formula until they fall asleep, it can cause dental problems at a very young age.If you want to prevent this, switch to a pacifier.Your baby can suck on the pacifier as they fall asleep and continue to do so while they sleep as well.Giving your baby a pacifier at night reduces their risk of SIDS.