HEALTH EDUCATION
Finger Feeding Your Baby
HEALTH EDUCATION
Finger feeding is a temporary way to help babies learn to suck more effectively, especially if bottle
feeding is too fast for them. The finger feeding method helps some babies to organize and
strengthen their sucking reflex. It can also train babies who have a problem with tongue thrusting or
tongue bunching. This method of feeding should be used with help from a Kaiser Permanente
lactation specialist. You will be using a special supplemental nursing system (SNS), a device that can
help with the feeding process. It can take time and patience to learn the proper technique. We are
here to help you.
Step-by-step directions
1. Before you begin, be sure that your fingernails are short and your hands are clean.
2. Fill the supplemental nursing system (SNS) with expressed breast milk or formula.
3. Clip the SNS onto your clothing on the opposite shoulder (the side you aren’t feeding on),
or hang it around your neck. Be sure the tube is closed off until you are ready for the baby
to feed.
4. You will need a piece of paper tape to secure the tube to your finger. With the pad of your
finger facing up, position the soft silicone tube so that the end of the tube comes just to the
tip of your finger. (You can use your index, middle finger or thumb).
5. Hold baby in a comfortable position for you.
a. Lightly tickle baby’s lip with your finger so baby will open his or her lips for feeding.
b. Unclamp the tube so milk can flow. As your baby sucks, milk will flow. The SNS
prevents the milk from flowing too fast while your baby learns how to pace the
feeding.
c. Gently allow baby to suck your finger into her mouth until your baby’s lips are at
your first finger knuckle. The pad of your finger should be facing up.
d. The baby’s lips should be flanged outward, not sucked in.
e. If baby gags, you are placing your finger too far into her mouth.
f. Hold your finger out for the baby, being careful not to rest your finger on the baby’s
lower jaw.
6. Sometimes it helps to squeeze a few drops in the baby’s mouth by gently squeezing the soft
bulb at the top of the tube. Do not force fluid into your baby’s mouth. Wait for
him to begin sucking.
© 2012, The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Regional Health Education.
E-Handout 1090-E (Revised 10/13) RL 6.1
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HEALTH EDUCATION
General tips
As a new parent, you will need a lot of support and encouragement while you adjust to new
responsibilities. Plan for the extra time it takes to pump and feed your baby. Feedings can
sometimes take an hour at first. Sleep when your baby sleeps and let people help you with meals
and housework.
Like breastfeeding, finger feeding is a skill that requires practice. It may feel awkward at first, but
with time and patience, it will become easier.
Online resources
Visit kp.org/mydoctor to:
§ View most lab results and check your preventive health reminders
§ Email your doctor
§ Use interactive online tools to help keep you and your family healthy
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of
medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional.
If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please
consult with your doctor.
© 2012, The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Regional Health Education.
E-Handout 1090-E (Revised 10/13) RL 6.1
Page 2 of 2