Published September 19, 2025

Introducing Pumping, Bottles and Pacifiers (When and How)

By the NAPS experts Emily Silver, NP-C, IBCLC and Jamie O'Day, RN, IBCLC

If you’ve just welcomed a baby into your family, congratulations — and welcome to a season full of sweet snuggles, new routines and, yes, a lot of questions. One of the first things many new parents ask us at NAPS is: “When should I start pumping? When do I give a bottle? And what about pacifiers?”

It’s no wonder you’re asking. Between well-meaning relatives, social media posts, and conflicting advice from different nurses or lactation consultants, it can feel like you’re trying to solve a puzzle where every piece looks a little different. One person might swear pacifiers will “ruin” breastfeeding, another says to introduce bottles at two weeks, while someone else says to wait two months. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we’re here to help.

Let’s cut through the noise with solid, nurse-approved guidance — the kind we’ve seen work for families over 14+ years!

Let’s Start With Pacifiers

Pacifiers get a lot of mixed press, but here’s what current research and our professional experience say:

They don’t interfere with breastfeeding: Newer studies show no link between early pacifier use and nipple confusion or poor latch in most babies.
They can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that pacifier use during sleep is associated with a lower risk of SIDS.
Babies love them: Sucking is soothing — it’s a natural reflex that helps babies regulate and relax.

For some parents, a pacifier is also a nipple saver. In those early days, when your baby wants to comfort suck but your nipples are sore, having an alternative can make a big difference. And if you want to use one, you can introduce it whenever you feel ready. For some, that’s in the hospital; for others, it’s a week or two later. The important thing is that your baby’s feeding is going well and you’re comfortable with the decision.

When choosing a pacifier, safety and fit matter more than brand hype. One-piece silicone designs are easy to clean and less likely to come apart, but make sure you’re using the right size for your baby’s age.

Here are a few pacifier safety tips to keep in mind along the way:

Replace every 4–6 weeks or if you notice cracks, tears or changes in texture.
Never dip in honey or sugary substances (honey can cause infant botulism).
If using during sleep, don’t attach with a string or clip that could wrap around your baby’s neck.

When Is It Time To Start Pumping?

Here’s the truth: there’s no universal “right time” to start pumping. If breastfeeding is going well and you’re not dealing with supply issues or a need for triple feeding (nursing, pumping and supplementing), you may not touch your pump for the first few weeks. That’s perfectly okay!

Many parents choose to start pumping when they want to:

Build a small freezer stash for future use
Share feeding duties with a partner or caregiver
Prepare for a return to work or other time away from baby

When you do start, keep it simple. One morning session per day is plenty in the beginning, as milk production tends to be highest earlier in the day. Pump within 30 minutes after breastfeeding to avoid interfering with your next feed, and focus on comfort over output. Pumping shouldn’t hurt — check your flange size, use lubrication if needed and keep suction at a comfortable level.

Your early sessions might only yield a small amount, and that’s fine. This stage is more about familiarizing yourself with your pump and gradually building a supply than about filling the freezer.

A Gentle Beginner Pumping Schedule To Follow

If you’re mostly nursing at home but want to build a small freezer stash or prepare for an occasional bottle, you can keep your pumping routine simple. A gentle schedule might look like this:

Morning (after the first or second feed): Pump both sides for 10–15 minutes. Milk supply is often highest in the morning, making it an ideal time to express.
Rest of day: Nurse your baby on demand, letting their feeding cues guide you.
Evening: Do an optional short pump if you feel overly full or want to add an extra ounce or two to your stash.

You don’t have to pump every single day — even every other day, or once a week, can be enough, depending on your goals and storage needs. The key is finding a rhythm that works for both you and your baby without adding unnecessary stress.

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The Basics of Breastmilk Storage

Once you start pumping, you’ll quickly become familiar with milk storage bags, date labels and the eternal question: “How long is this good for?” The CDC breastmilk storage guidelines are a good starting point:

Room temperature (up to 77°F): 4 hours
Refrigerator (≤40°F): 4 days
Freezer (0°F or colder): 6–12 months (best quality if used within 6 months)

But here are some pro tips from years of experience: freeze milk in 2–4 ounce portions so you waste less, store bags flat so they thaw faster and always thaw in the refrigerator or in a bowl of warm water — never in the microwave, as uneven heating can damage nutrients and create hot spots.

When To Introduce a Bottle

Bottle timing is another topic that often leads to conflicting advice. The AAP suggests introducing one once breastfeeding is well established, which can mean a few days for some families and a few weeks for others. For certain situations, such as low weight gain or supply concerns, bottles might be introduced earlier out of necessity.

In our experience, introducing a bottle around four weeks tends to strike the right balance. This isn’t a hard rule, but waiting until two or three months can make it harder, as some babies grow accustomed to nursing and may refuse a bottle altogether.

Once your baby accepts a bottle, keep it in the rotation by offering it two or three times per week. This keeps the skill fresh for your baby and helps avoid a situation where they suddenly won’t take it.

How Much Milk To Offer Your Little One

When bottle feeding, aim for about 1 to 1.5 ounces per hour between feeds. That means:

A baby eating every two hours might take 2–3.5 ounces.
A baby eating every three hours might take 3–4.5 ounces.

Younger babies generally start on the lower end, while older infants or growth spurts may push intake higher. Watch your baby’s cues — turning away, slowing down or losing interest are signs they’ve had enough, while continued rooting or fussiness may mean they want a bit more. Over time, you’ll get a feel for the right amount for your baby.

Paced Bottle Feeding 101

If you’re alternating between breast and bottle, paced feeding can help make the transition smoother. This technique mimics the natural rhythm of breastfeeding, which can prevent overfeeding and make mealtimes more comfortable for your baby. It also allows your little one to set the pace, giving them more control over how much and how quickly they eat.

Here’s what you need to know to try paced feeding:

Use a wide, slow-flow nipple so milk moves at a gentle rate.
Hold the bottle horizontally to slow the flow and mimic breastfeeding’s stop-and-start pattern.
Encourage your baby to actively suck to draw out milk, rather than letting gravity do the work.
Pause every few minutes for burping or short breaks to help with digestion and avoid discomfort.

What If Your Baby Refuses the Bottle?

Bottle refusal can be frustrating, but it’s rarely a dead end. Babies can be particular, and sometimes small changes make a big difference. Start by having someone else offer the bottle while you step out of the room — your scent can be a strong reminder that milk “usually” comes straight from you. Try offering it when your baby is calm, alert and not in that “I’m starving!” mode, which can make them less patient.

You can also experiment with nipple shapes, flow rates and warming both the milk and nipple to body temperature for a more familiar feel. Some parents find success by offering the bottle in a new position or while gently rocking or walking.

If refusal continues, our “Bottle Troubles” video in The Feeding Room walks you through a step-by-step approach that has helped many families find a solution — and restore a little peace at feeding time.

Find Your Feeding Rhythm

Balancing breastfeeding, pumping and bottle feeding can feel like a logistical puzzle — one that changes shape as your baby grows. To keep it manageable, look for ways to streamline. For example:

Wash pump parts and bottles together.
Prep milk bags while your pump is running.
Keep an extra set of pump parts handy so you’re not scrambling in the middle of the night.

Set goals that feel realistic for your situation, even if that means just one pumping session per day or only pumping when you’ll be away from your baby. Remember, every family’s feeding plan looks different, and yours doesn’t have to match anyone else’s.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to be flexible. Skipped sessions happen, supply may fluctuate and some days will simply be harder than others — none of these moments define your success as a parent. What matters most is that you and your baby are nourished, healthy and connected.

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Returning to Work: Setting Yourself Up for Success

If you’re planning to return to work but want to continue breastfeeding, a little preparation can make the transition much smoother for both you and your baby:

Practice bottle feeds 2–3 weeks before your first day back so your baby gets comfortable with someone else offering milk. This also gives you a chance to see which bottle types or nipples work best.
Gradually build a small milk stash by adding a morning pumping session each day. Even just one extra session can help ensure you have enough milk for the first week back, and it gives you a sense of how pumping will fit into your daily routine.
Know your workplace pumping rights. In most places, employers are required to provide a private, non-bathroom space and reasonable break time for expressing milk.

Planning ahead helps reduce stress and ensures you can pump comfortably and safely while at work. Practical tools make a big difference, too. A small cooler bag and ice packs will keep milk safe during the commute, and keeping an extra set of pump parts at work can prevent last-minute scrambles if you forget something at home.

By setting up a consistent routine and having the right supplies on hand, you’ll feel more confident and supported as you continue feeding your baby while working.

Designing a Feeding Plan That Works for Your Family

No two families follow the same roadmap, and that’s the beauty of modern feeding: you get to design a routine that serves your baby’s health and your own well-being. Whether you nurse exclusively, pump at work, combo feed with formula or lean on pacifiers for soothing, remember that each decision reflects love and commitment — not perfection. What matters most is that your baby is nourished, you feel supported and everyone in your household can rest a little easier.

If challenges crop up (and they will), treat them as opportunities to refine your strategy rather than signs you’re falling short. Small adjustments, trusted resources and a solid support network can turn frustration into progress faster than you think. Stay flexible and celebrate each milestone, from your first painless latch to the moment your baby drains an entire bottle with ease.

We’ve got your back — with more resources, support groups and live classes in Nurture if you ever want a deeper dive. Access your first month for free here using your special code: NURTURE4BOBBIE.

You don’t have to figure any of this out alone, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way!

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Discuss any health or feeding concerns with your infant’s pediatrician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay it based on the content on this page.