Signs Your Baby’s Bottle is the Right Fit

Bottle feeding should feel easy, safe, and comfortable for your baby. But if you’ve found yourself here, you probably already know it’s not always that simple. Even after selecting a bottle that checks all the right boxes for what you’re “supposed” to do, figuring out if it’s the right match for your baby can still feel confusing. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all bottle that works for every baby, and sometimes it takes a bit of experimenting and observation to find the perfect fit. In this post, I’m here to help you assess your baby’s feeding behaviors with the bottle, so you can be sure it’s working for them—because the last thing you need right now is more uncertainty. Let’s dive into the signs of safe feeding and the red flags that might indicate it’s time to try something different or find someone to help.

Signs of Safe Feeding

Bottle feeding should feel easy, safe, and comfortable for your baby. And while we can’t ask your baby directly how it feels (wouldn't that be nice?), you can observe their behavior during a feed to see how well it’s working for them. Here are some signs that the bottle you are using is a good fit for your baby:

Consistent, Steady Feeding

Your baby should suck and swallow with a steady rhythm, without appearing frustrated or gasping for air. If your baby feeds very quickly, a paced approach may help slow them down for a more comfortable feeding experience.

Wide, Comfortable Latch

When latched onto the bottle, your baby’s mouth should open wide, taking in the entire nipple with lips comfortably flanged around its base. If their jaw is tight, and they’re sucking on just the tip of the nipple, it may indicate the bottle isn’t the right fit or flow for them.

No Milk Leaking from the Mouth

A properly fitting bottle will allow your baby to seal their mouth around the nipple without milk spilling out the sides. If your baby is leaking milk, it could point to an improperly sized nipple or an overly fast flow rate.

Soft, Audible Swallows

When feeding safely, the only sound you should hear from your baby are soft, audible swallows with each suck during the whole feeding.

Signs of Issues and What to Try

Now that you know what safe feeding looks like, let’s go over some red flags that indicate the bottle you are using either isn’t the right fit for your baby, or your baby may have some underlying oral motor challenges that are making feeding harder than it should be.

Problem: Difficulty Latching

Your baby may have a nipple in their mouth but not know what to do with it, just like they can struggle to latch onto the breast. If this happens occasionally, it's generally nothing to be concerned about. If it happens frequently, that's an indicator something else may be going on.

Solutions:

• Try feeding earlier: If your baby is too hungry, they might be too frantic to latch properly.
• Use other reflexes to help: Triggering the gaping reflex or gently bouncing your baby can help them open their mouth wide and latch properly.
• Occasional difficulty is normal: If this happens from time to time, it's typically nothing to worry about.
• Frequent difficulty? Reach out to a professional: A lactation consultant or pediatrician can help understand what's going on and give you personalized advice.

When to get professional help: If this happens frequently, it's a good idea to reach out to a professional to help you assess how well the muscles and reflexes inside of your baby's mouth are able to work.

Problem: Fussiness

Mild fussiness during bottle feeds can indicate that the bottle is the issue, but consistent crying or back arching during feeding is often a sign of belly discomfort or reflux.

Solutions:

• Rule out bottle issues: Check the vent and make sure milk is flowing. You can also experiment with a faster flow or a different shape bottle to see if that helps.
• Get help to address other issues: If you’re feeding from a combination of sources, it can be harder to pinpoint the cause. A lactation consultant can help identify the problem and offer solutions, including formula options.

When to get professional help: If your baby is consistently fussy and you can’t figure out the cause, or if there’s ongoing back arching and discomfort, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional. They can help address issues like reflux or other digestive concerns.

Problem: Gagging, Choking, or Clicking

Gagging or choking during bottle feeds is a serious concern and usually indicates that the flow of milk is too fast for your baby to manage. Clicking is a sound that happens when your baby’s tongue is breaking a seal with the bottle somewhere, and it can be a sign of underlying oral motor challenges.

Solutions:

• Experiment with the bottle nipple: You can try a nipple with a slightly faster flow and see if it makes a difference. You're looking for a flow that helps your baby feed a bit more quickly without causing any additional issues.
• Try paced bottle feeding: Holding the bottle more horizontally allows your baby to suck at their own pace, making it easier for them to manage the flow of milk.
• Check your baby’s latch: Ensure your baby is properly latched onto the bottle. A poor latch can contribute to improper sucking and swallowing patterns, leading to gagging.

When to get professional help: If your baby is choking even with a slow-flow nipple, or if clicking sounds persist, it’s important to seek professional help. A trained lactation consultant or oral motor specialist can assess your baby’s feeding mechanics and provide targeted guidance.

Problem: Frequent Unlatching or Turning Head Away

If your baby keeps unlatching or turning their head away during feeds, it can be a sign that the bottle or nipple isn’t comfortable for them, especially if your baby is less than 3 months old. This often indicates that either feeding is uncomfortable, or they are unlatching to pause so that feeding is safer for them.

Solutions:

• Experiment with bottle nipples: The flow you have may be too fast or too slow, causing frustration. Try different flow rates or nipple shapes to find the best fit for your baby.
• Check for bottle positioning: Make sure you are supporting the bottle fully in your baby’s mouth and that their head and neck are properly aligned with their position when feeding. Proper alignment helps prevent unnecessary strain and encourages a comfortable latch.

When to get professional help: If your baby consistently unlatches or turns away from the bottle, a lactation consultant can help identify the source of discomfort. They can also offer strategies to address latch issues or suggest alternative bottle options.

Problem: Frequent Spitting Up or Vomiting

Spitting up or vomiting during or after a feed can signal a poor latch, fast flow, or an improperly fitting bottle.

Solutions:

• Ensure a proper latch: Make sure your baby has a good seal around the nipple.
• Check the flow rate: If your baby is drinking too fast, try a slower-flow nipple to help them manage the milk better.
• Paced bottle feeding: Slow the pace by holding the bottle more horizontally, allowing your baby to drink at a pace they’re comfortable with.
• Positioning during and after feeding: Keep your baby upright during feeding and for about 20-30 minutes after, which can help minimize spitting up and allow digestion to take place more smoothly.

When to get professional help: If your baby continues to spit up or vomit frequently, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional to assess potential underlying issues like reflux or an oral function challenge.

Problem: Feedings Take a Long Time

Feeding should feel like a manageable part of your routine, but if the bottle feed is taking longer than expected—especially with smaller bottle volumes—it could mean that something isn't quite right.

What’s a reasonable time? For bottles of 5 oz or less, your baby should ideally finish in 25 minutes or less if you’re not pacing the feed intentionally. If it's consistently taking longer—especially closer to 45 minutes or more—there’s likely something else going on. It could be the nipple flow or something like oral motor function challenges that are making it harder for your baby to feed comfortably.

Solutions:

• Experiment with nipple flow: You can try a nipple with a slightly faster flow and see if it makes a difference. You're looking for a flow that helps your baby feed a bit more quickly without causing any additional issues.
• Reduce the pacing: If you’re already pacing your baby, you can reduce the pacing so that your baby finishes the bottle sooner.

When to get professional help: If feeding is consistently taking longer or your baby is having trouble finishing the bottle, a professional can assess whether there are issues with the bottle or your baby’s feeding mechanics and suggest ways to make things easier for both of you.

Final Thoughts

If you notice several signs that something isn’t quite right, it’s likely that the issue isn’t with the bottle itself, but with an underlying oral motor challenge. The good news is that with the right support, you can make it better, and the sooner you get help, the easier it will be. You’ve got this—and getting the support you need is just one step closer to making feeding feel better.