It might seem like a simple fix if you don’t have time to sit with your baby for a bottle feed – just prop their bottle up on a blanket or pillow so they can eat on their own. Maybe you’ve seen an online ad for a bottle propper device that’s only a few bucks and you’re tempted to click “add to cart.” Seems like an easy way to feed your baby while you’re busy doing other things, right?

Although this may seem like a great option, bottle propping can be dangerous to your baby. Here’s why.

1. Choking
Bottle propping puts babies at risk of choking. If you are not paying attention to your baby, you may not notice that baby is struggling to eat. We all take pauses while we eat, and occasional pauses are also important when baby eats as well.

2. Overfeeding
Bottle propping can lead to a steady flow of milk from the bottle’s nipple, which will continue to flow even after the baby stops sucking. When baby is positioned with a bottle propped, they are more likely to eat too quickly and to overeat, causing more spit up, more air intake, more gassiness and other discomfort.

3. Ear infections
Bottle propping raises the risk of ear infections. Everyone has eustachian tubes that connect the back of the throat and drain fluid from the ears. Babies have shorter and narrower eustachian tubes. This is why they are prone to more infections when they’re younger. When milk pools in a baby’s mouth during bottle propping, bacteria enter the ears more easily, causing ear infections. Ear infections are painful for baby, and recurrent infections can lead to hearing and speech problems.

4. Tooth decay
For babies over six month of age who are starting to develop teeth, baby bottle tooth decay can develop with bottle propping. Breastmilk or formula sits in baby’s mouth, coating teeth with germs and sugars for an extended period of time, leading to tooth decay.

5. Head and neck issues
The safest way to put baby to sleep is on their back on a firm, flat surface. So when baby is awake, it’s important to move them baby into different positions, since lying in one position for too long can contribute to a tight neck muscles and a misshapen head. Holding baby in your arms and switching baby from one arm to the other during bottle feeds can help support flexibility of their neck and help keep their head a normal, round shape.

6. Lack of interaction
Bottle propping keeps you from important bonding time with your baby. Feeding is about a lot more than just nutrition. Holding your baby close to you helps them feel secure and loved. Feeding your baby in your arms will also remove unnecessary risks, as you change their position and pace the feed following baby’s cues.

For more info on bonding with baby through healthy bottle feeding, contact CPCMG’s Lactation Team for virtual or in-person support.