- With a little preparation and practice, you can learn to bottle feed your baby safely. First, make sure all parts of the bottle are clean and dry before each use. Assemble the bottle. When preparing formula, follow the package directions carefully. Pour in the breast milk or formula. Your doctor or lactation consultant will tell you how much your baby needs. Never put infant cereal or anything else in your baby's bottle without checking with your doctor. Both breast milk and formula can be given at room temperature. If you want to warm the bottle, place it in a bowl of warm water. Make sure the cap is sealed. Never microwave breast milk or formula. Check to see that the milk isn't too warm by putting a few drops on the inside of your wrist. When your baby is ready to eat, find a comfortable spot. Keep your baby in an upright position, not lying down. This helps prevent choking, spitting up, and overfeeding. Never prop a bottle in your baby's mouth. Bring the nipple to your baby's lips and glide it in. Tilt the bottle so that it's at an angle. The nipple should only be about half full. This allows babies to drink at their own pace and not choke if fluid flows too quickly. If your baby coughs or chokes, lower the bottle to get a slower flow. Or try a different nibble. Most babies take breaks while feeding. During a break or about halfway through the feeding, stop and burp your baby. Babies who are full will turn away from the bottle or close their lips. Burp your baby again at the end of the feeding. Throw away any milk that is left in the bottle or if your baby doesn't drink it within an hour.