Sometimes milk flows a little too fast and your baby splutters during a feed. Young babies are still learning to suck, swallow and breathe in rhythm. Here’s how to make feeding time smoother.
Why Milk Sometimes Goes Down the Wrong Way
- Baby is still learning to coordinate sucking and swallowing
- Feeding while baby is crying or lying too flat
- A nipple with a flow that is too fast for baby’s age
A little spluttering that settles in a moment is normal. If anything concerns you, talk to a qualified professional.
Choose the Right Nipple Flow
Use a nipple size that matches your baby’s age: Small (slow flow) for newborns, then Medium and Large as your baby grows. PUR feeding bottles and nipples come in different flow sizes so you can pick the right one.
Feed in the Right Position
Hold your baby semi-upright with the head higher than the tummy. Avoid feeding when your baby is crying hard; calm them first.
Burp During and After Feeds
- Shoulder hold: Hold baby on your shoulder and rub the back up and down.
- Sitting hold: Sit baby on your lap, support the chin and chest, and gently pat the back.
- Lap hold: Lay baby tummy-down across your lap, supporting the head, and gently rub the back.
Burping in the middle of a feed and again at the end helps release swallowed air and keeps your baby comfortable.
