Bottles Supplemental Feedings

Introducing Bottles and Supplemental Feedings

It is best to wait until your baby is 3-4 weeks old before introducing bottles and pumped milk for supplemental feedings. It takes time for your milk supply to become well established, and for your baby to learn how to nurse well. Some babies have difficulty going back and forth between breast and bottle, especially in the early weeks. Others may not have any trouble, but you may risk compromising your milk supply if supplemental bottle feedings are initiated too early. By the time your baby is 3-4 weeks old, your milk supply should be well established, so that you are making milk automatically to meet your baby's needs.

Once breastfeeding is well established, the following routine will help you begin storing a supply of breast milk to use at a later date, or when returning to work, and will also familiarize your baby with an occasional bottle.

Updated June 6, 2016

navigator access center

Contact Virtua

A Personal Health Navigator can help you find a doctor, schedule appointments or classes, and help you find a service or location.

888-VIRTUA-3 Live Chat

You may also like

making it work

Making it Work

Breastfeeding is an important decision for your baby and you. Discover what works best to make it a pleasant experience for both of you.

Read More
storage of breast milk

Storage of Breast Milk

Breast milk can be stored in clean glass, hard BPA-free plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids or milk storage bags.

Read More
breastfeeding

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural acts you can provide for your little one. Learn the basics, discover useful tips and see how breastfeeding will benefit your baby and you.

Read More