What method is recommended to prevent a baby from excessive feeding during bottle feeding?

Pacing the feeding is recommended as it helps to regulate the amount of milk a baby consumes during a bottle feeding session. This technique involves allowing the baby to pause at intervals during feeding, mimicking the natural rhythm of breastfeeding. By adopting a paced bottle feeding approach, caregivers can encourage the baby to respond to their own hunger cues, thereby reducing the risk of overfeeding.

When a baby is allowed to take breaks, it gives them the opportunity to recognize feelings of fullness. This method also helps to prevent the baby from developing a habit of rapid feeding, which can lead to issues such as excessive weight gain and digestive discomfort.

In contrast, feeding quickly or using larger bottle nipples can facilitate faster milk flow, which may increase the risk of overfeeding and dissuade the baby from sensing when they are full. Allowing the baby to self-feed might not provide the structure or pacing needed for a younger infant who may not yet have the skills to regulate their milk intake effectively. These issues highlight the importance of pacing during feedings to foster healthy feeding habits in infants.