Side-lying bottle feeding is a game-changer for parents and babies. It’s one of my favorite positions to teach my clients as an IBCLC, and there is almost always positive results. One of my favorite things is to watch a parent and baby who were initially both uncomfortable bottle feeding just melt together into a nice groove once side-lying bottle feeding has been introduced.
Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider trying it out:
- Mimics natural breastfeeding position
- It gives baby more control over the milk flow
- Reduces risk of overfeeding, gas, and spit-up
- Comfortable for both parent and baby
- Great for bonding and eye contact
Here are the basics of side-lying bottle feeding. We’ll go into more details further down, but this is how to get started:
- Lie on your side on a firm, flat surface
- Position baby on their side, facing you
- Align baby’s nose with your nipple
- Support the baby’s back with your free arm
- Tilt bottle to fill nipple and prevent air intake
Remember:
- Never leave baby alone during feeding
- Watch for fullness cues (turning away, slowing down)
- Burp every 2 ounces or so.
Side-lying bottle feeding can make feeding time easier and more enjoyable for both you and your baby. Check out this video I shot with a tutorial and some top tips on how you can enjoy using this position for bottle-feeding your baby.
Side Lying Bottle Feeding for Babies – Video
What is Side Lying Bottle Feeding?
Side-lying bottle feeding is a natural way to feed your baby. Your little one lies on their side while you give them the bottle. It’s not just comfy – there are a lot of benefits to doing so, including less reflux, more similarity to feeding at the breast, and encouraging the baby to be in more control of the feeding.
This method is becoming more popular among parents and lactation professionals, especially for preemies and babies who struggle with feeding. I teach this to all of the families I work with, and it’s pretty cool to see how the baby and parent almost immediately seem calmer.
But here’s the thing: it’s great for all newborns, not just those needing extra help.
“Elevated side lying is a bottle-feeding position that’s being used increasingly for preterm babies and infants who have feeding difficulties.” – Stacey Zimmels, Author and Feeding Specialist.
Why It’s Great
Side-lying bottle feeding isn’t just about comfort. It comes with some big benefits:
- Slows down milk flow: The bottle is more horizontal, so there’s less pressure and slower milk flow. This is huge for babies who gulp too fast.
- Helps with breathing: Babies fed this way have fewer breathing problems during feeding. They take fewer swallows per breath, which means less choking or sputtering.
- Lowers choking risk: Studies show it reduces the chance of milk going down the wrong pipe.
- Keeps babies stable: Preemies fed this way have steadier oxygen levels and heart rates. That’s a win for tiny tummies!
- Speeds up feeding: Surprisingly, babies often finish their bottles faster this way. Quicker feeding means less stress for everyone.
Staying Safe
Side-lying bottle feeding can be awesome, but safety comes first. Here’s what you need to do:
- Keep watch: Never leave your baby alone during feeding. Watch their cues and responses.
- Get the position right: Keep your baby’s head slightly up. This helps stop ear infections and aids digestion.
- Use supports: Use pillows or rolled towels to keep your baby stable and comfy. Make sure they can’t roll onto their tummy.
- Look for stress signs: Take a break if your baby seems uncomfortable. It’s okay to pause and adjust.
- Switch sides: Neonatal nurses say to feed from both left and right sides. This helps balanced growth and comfort.
At this juncture, let me also just drop in this link to a recent blog post that might be of interest: Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding: Pros and Cons
Getting Ready to Feed
Let’s set up a comfy spot for side-lying bottle feeding. Here’s what you need and how to position yourself and your baby.
What You Need
Grab these items:
- Firm, flat surface (bed, couch, floor, or even your knees)
- Supportive pillows (some may find a nursing pillow helpful).
- Baby’s bottle
Popular nursing pillows: Boppy Original or My Brest Friend Original. They’re great for support and versatility.
Positioning Yourself and Baby
Getting comfy is key and helping your baby feel secure is key. Here’s how:
1. Find your spot
Sit in a comfortable chair, get on the ground and lay down, or sit on a surface like your bed or carpeted floor.
2. Get comfy
Put a pillow under your head and behind your back. A reading pillow is a great option for comfort. If you are using a nursing pillow, wrap it around your waist.
3. Position your baby
Place your little one on their side. You can face them toward you, away from you or in front of you on their side. Their ear, shoulder, and hip should line up, though their head should be slightly elevated.
4. Align for easy feeding
Make sure your baby’s nose is level with your nipple. This helps them latch on easily.
5. Support your baby
Use your free arm to cradle your baby’s back, keeping them close and secure.
Remember, the nursing pillow is for you, not the baby. Gina Signorelli, a lactation consultant and registered dietitian, says: “The pillow is meant to be supportive for mom, to get you comfortable, support your wrist and help prevent back pain.”
4 Steps to Feed Your Baby
Want to nail side lying bottle feeding? Here’s how to do it in four easy steps:
1. Hold the bottle right
Hold the bottle horizontally, trying to keep the nipple filled if you can (this may be difficult toward the end of a feed).
2. Support your baby
Use your free arm to cradle your baby’s back, keeping them close and secure. This mimics natural breastfeeding.
3. Monitor milk flow
Keep an eye on how fast the milk is flowing. Too fast? Your baby might gulp or choke. Too slow? They might get frustrated.
4. Burp regularly
Take a break every couple of ounces to burp your baby.
“If baby is pulling away, seems fussy or seems to be playing with the nipple with her mouth, give her a burp.” – Jamie O’Day, BSN, RN, CLC, cofounder of Nurture By Naps.
Side-lying bottle feeding isn’t just comfy – it’s smart. It slows down milk flow, feels more natural, and can often help with gassiness and reflux.
“This is how we feed babies in the NICU!” – NICU nurse on Instagram (@bumble.baby)
Fixing Common Problems
Side-lying bottle feeding can be a game-changer, but it’s not without its challenges. Let’s tackle some common issues and how to solve them.
Milk Flow and Spit-up Issues
Choking sounds during feeding? Don’t panic. It’s actually pretty common in young babies. They have a built-in “hyper-gag reflex” because their nervous system is still developing. But there are ways to make feeding smoother:
1. Control the flow
Keep that bottle parallel to the ground. This lets your baby control how much milk they’re getting, which cuts down on choking or gulping. Gravity feeding (where bottle is tilted) can result in fast flowing milk and choking.
2. Adjust the nipple size
Using a nipple with a faster flow might cause gas and spit-up. I generally recommend using the slowest-flow nipple that your baby can handle. You don’t need to increase the nipple size throughout your baby’s bottle-feeding journey, and slower-flow nipples generally work better.
3. Smaller, more frequent feedings
Instead of big meals, try offering smaller amounts more often. It can help with spit-up and make digestion easier for your little one.
“Choking and gagging during feeding is common in young infants.” – Robert Hamilton, MD, FAAP, Pediatrician
Now, about spit-up. It is fairly common and some even consider it to be normal. About half of all babies spit up regularly, usually peaking around four months. But if it’s happening a lot, try these:
- Burp your baby two or three times during each feeding.
- Keep things calm after meals. Too much activity can lead to more spit-up.
- Paced bottle feed to ensure your baby isn’t taking in too much, too fast.
- Loosen those diapers. Tight ones can put pressure on the stomach.
Making Feeding More Comfortable
If your baby seems uncomfortable during side-lying bottle feeding, try these tweaks:
1. Check the alignment
Make sure your baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line. This helps control milk flow and makes things more comfy. Keep your baby’s head slightly higher than the rest of their body.
2. Elevate slightly
A little elevation can help with digestion and reduce reflux. Try putting a small rolled towel under your baby’s upper back.
3. Switch sides
Like breastfeeding, changing sides can prevent discomfort and promote balanced development.
For breastfeeding moms dealing with a forceful let-down:
“Position baby so that she is nursing ‘uphill’ in relation to mom’s breast, where gravity is working against the flow of milk.” – Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC
This works for bottle feeding, too. To manage fast milk flow, try positioning your baby’s head slightly above the nipple level.
Side Lying vs. Upright Feeding
Bottle-feeding position matters. Let’s compare side-lying and upright feeding to help you pick the best option for you and your baby.
Side Lying: Nature’s Way
Side-lying bottle feeding is popular, especially for preemies and babies who struggle to feed. Why? It’s close to natural breastfeeding. Here’s the scoop:
- Your baby controls milk flow better, lowering choking risk
- It’s cozy for both of you – great for bonding
- Can help with gas and reflux
Upright Feeding: The Classic
Upright feeding’s been around forever. It’s got its perks:
- Gravity helps reduce gas and can ease reflux
- Easier to burp your baby during and after feeds
- Older babies might prefer this “big kid” position
Let’s break it down:
| Aspect | Side Lying | Upright Feeding |
| Milk Flow Control | Better | Good |
| Baby Comfort | Top-notch | Good |
| Burping Ease | So-so | Great |
| Reflux Help | Very Good | Good |
| Like Breastfeeding? | Yep | Nope |
| Good for Preemies? | You bet | Not as much |
Real-World Data
A study on preterm babies fed in left semi-elevated side-lying showed:
- Average feed time: 8.4 minutes
- Feeding speed: 5.04 ml/minute
- Percent of recommended food eaten: 99.7%
It looks like side-lying can be pretty efficient, especially for preemies.
“Side-lying paced bottle feeding gives the baby more control over the feeding.” – Legendairy Milk
Your Call
There’s no perfect answer for everyone. Your baby’s needs should guide you. Try this:
- Test both positions
- Watch how your baby reacts
- When in doubt, ask your pediatrician or a lactation pro
Making Feeding Time Better
Bottle feeding doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here are some ways to make it easier for you and your baby.
Understanding Baby’s Signals
Babies can’t talk, but they sure can communicate. Here’s how to decode their hunger language:
- Lip-smacking and finger-sucking? That’s baby-speak for “I’m getting hungry!”
- If you miss those early signs, your little one might start turning their head, opening their mouth, or getting fidgety.
- Crying? You’ve waited too long. A hungry baby is a cranky baby.
“Get close to your baby, especially early on. It helps you learn their unique signals for hunger and sleep.” – Karrie Locher, RN and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
Remember, babies don’t wear watches. Some might want to snack every hour, while others might go for longer. Trust your baby’s cues and feed when they’re hungry.
But how do you know when they’re full? Watch for these signs:
- Lips closing
- Head turning away from the bottle
- Sucking slows down or stops
- Baby falls asleep or starts people-watching
See these? It’s time to put the bottle down. Overfeeding can lead to a messy situation (hello, spit-up!).
Clean-up and Safety
Keeping things clean is key in bottle feeding. Here’s the lowdown:
1. Wash those hands
Did you know 97% of people don’t wash their hands right? (Thanks, U.S. Department of Agriculture, for that fun fact). So, scrub up before you start feeding time.
2. Bottle cleaning 101
After feeding, rinse that bottle right away. Then, give it a good wash in hot, soapy water. Don’t forget the nipple and collar!
3. Sterilize, sterilize, sterilize
Got a newborn, preemie, or a baby with a weak immune system? Sterilize those bottles daily. Boiling water, steam, or a dishwasher with a sanitize cycle will do the trick.
“Clean bottles = healthy baby. It’s that simple.” – Colgate Oral Care Center
4. Store it right
Clean and dry bottles go in a clean, covered container in the fridge if you’re not using them right away.
5. The art of the burp
Burping is crucial for your baby’s comfort. Hold them upright against your chest or sit them on your lap, supporting their chest and head. Then, gently pat or rub their back for a few minutes.
Even if your baby passes out after a feed, try a quick burp before laying them down. It might prevent fussiness and gassiness later on.
Conclusion
Side-lying bottle feeding can make feeding time cozier and easier for you and your baby. Here’s a quick recap:
- This method mimics breastfeeding, giving your baby more control over their feeding pace. It helps prevent overfeeding and supports healthier eating habits.
- Babies usually drink 1.5-4 oz per feeding, but this can change from meal to meal. By watching your baby’s cues and letting them set the pace, you’re creating a more natural feeding experience.
- Side lying bottle feeding can help reduce gassiness and spitting up. As Legendairy Milk says:
“Instead of using the traditional cradle hold, try the Side-lying Bottle-Feeding position for a more comfortable and enjoyable feeding experience for your baby.”
This position supports your baby’s body and helps with oxygenation. A study found that 62% of babies in the side-lying position had fewer low oxygen moments during feeds, compared to 87% in the cradle position.
When trying side-lying bottle feeding:
- Pick a bottle nipple with a gradual slope for a deeper latch
- Support your baby in your lap while they lie on their side
- Take short breaks during feeding to help your baby’s energy and breathing
It might take some practice, but the benefits are worth it. Side-lying bottle feeding can lead to more relaxed feeding times for both of you.
If you need help, The Breastfeeding Mama offers many useful resources, such as online courses and virtual lactation consultations, to support your feeding journey.
FAQs
Why is side-lying feeding beneficial?
This is a natural way to bottle-feed in a way that is similar to breastfeeding. Your baby feels right at home, just like they’re nursing. Plus, they’re not doing any heavy lifting—their whole body is supported, making feeding time a breeze. It can also give you a break, too!
This position also allows your baby to pace their own feed. The risk of overfeeding is a lot less than gravity feeding. And if your baby is prone to tummy issues, side-lying can help keep gas and spit-up at bay.
You also get some quality face time with your baby. It’s all about eye contact and bonding with side-lying.
Stacey Zimmels, who wrote “Feed Eat Speak“, puts it perfectly:
“This position is a natural and physiologically normal feeding position, just like how a baby feeds at the breast. It means the baby doesn’t have to do any work to support its body while it feeds, making it easier and more relaxed for both the baby and you.”
And here’s a cool tidbit from Legendairy Milk: if your baby gets a bit too much milk, it just dribbles out. No choking hazards here!
So, are you ready to try side-lying feeding? Your baby (and your arms) might thank you!
