Niagara Parents Knowledge Base (To be used by Healthcare Professionals only - DO NOT SHARE EXTERNALLY) > Child Health > Infant Feeding > Alternative Methods & Assistive Devices
Cup Feeding

References:

  1. MyHealth.Alberta.ca – Cup Feeding Baby with Breast Milk or Formula
  2. La Leche League International – Cup Feeding


What is Cup Feeding?

  • A way to feed a baby who is unwilling or unable to feed by bottle or breast
  • A form of supplementation for breastfed babies, for a short period of time
  • Cup feeding can promote bonding between mother and baby
  • Cup feeding is closer to the suckle reflex used when breastfeeding
  • Cup feeding should last approximately 30 minutes


What do I need to Cup Feed?

  • A small, open cup that can be easily cleaned is the safest (like a medicine cup)
  • Breast milk or formula
  • A bib or cloth, cup feeding can be messy when you and your baby are learning


How do I Cup Feed?

  1. Fill cup with 30 mL of formula or breast milk.
  2. Have more milk ready to fill the cup again, if needed.
  3. Position the baby upright with one hand supporting the shoulders and neck or support the baby in the crook of your arm. Don’t lay the baby on their back as this is a choking risk. You can swaddle the baby to keep their arms from getting in the way during the feeding.
  4. Ensure baby is alert, with eyes and mouth open.
  5. Stimulate the rooting reflex by tapping the baby’s lower lip with the cup. This signals it is time to eat.
  6. Place the brim of the cup on the baby’s lower lip.
  7. Tip the cup so the milk touches the baby’s lower lip. Keep the cup tilted and do not take the cup away until the baby closes their mouth and pulls away.
  8. Allow them to suck or sip the milk, do not pour the milk directly into the baby’s mouth.
  9. Make sure your baby is swallowing the milk. Allow baby to set the pace of feeding.
  10. Stop occasionally to burp baby.
  11. Wait for baby’s cues they are ready to stop the feeding such as pulling away and closing their mouth.
  12. Clean the cup with hot, soapy water. Sterilizing the cup is not necessary.


Further Your Learning:

  1. HealthLinkBC – Cup Feeding Baby with Breast Milk or Formula
  2. International Breastfeeding Centre – Finger and Cup Feeding


Shareable Resources For Clients:

  1. HealthLinkBC – Cup Feeding Baby with Breast Milk or Formula
  2. La Leche League International – Cup Feeding