Feeding Cups

Situations where cup-feeding may be useful

Cup-feeding is most appropriate for premature babies. Reasons for its use with preterm babies include:

To reduce the need for nasogastric tubes, which some babies find distressing.
To provide an oral experience for the baby, encouraging the use of his or her tongue and lips.
To provide an alternative feeding method which doesn’t cause nipple confusion.
To enhance digestion of the milk by involving the baby’s saliva, which is not possible when milk is delivered by tube directly into the stomach .
To top up breastfeeds if there is reason to believe the baby has not fed effectively during his or her early attempts at breastfeeding; however, the breast should be given first.
To allow more eye contact and interaction during feeding.