It can be surprising and sometimes worrying for parents when milk dribbles from their baby's mouth during a bottle feed. A little dribble here and there is normal, especially in younger babies who are still developing their oral-motor coordination. But if milk leakage is frequent, messy, or accompanied by signs your baby is uncomfortable, it often signals a mismatch between flow rate, latch, bottle type, or feeding position.

This detailed guide explains the most common reasons babies leak milk during feeding, how to identify the root cause, and what to do to make bottle-feeding smoother and more comfortable. We also include specific tips for parents using mōmi bottles, which support a healthy latch and natural sucking mechanics.

is it normal for babies to leak milk while feeding?

Some amount of milk leaking can be normal, especially during the earliest weeks. Newborns are still developing:

• tongue control.
• jaw strength.
• lip seal.
• swallowing coordination.

But when leaking becomes excessive, frequent, or is paired with coughing, clicking sounds, or frustration, it is usually a sign that something needs adjustment.

Understanding the reason behind the leakage helps parents make feeding safe, efficient, and more comfortable for the baby.

most common reasons your baby leaks milk during bottle feeding

Below are the main causes, with guidance on how to recognize them and what to adjust.

1. the nipple flow is too fast

A fast flow is the number one reason babies leak milk from the corners of their mouth. When the milk comes out more quickly than your baby can manage, they cannot maintain a proper seal or coordinate swallowing.

Signs the flow is too fast:

• leaking milk throughout the feed.
• coughing or sputtering.
• wide eyes or startled reactions.
• pulling off the bottle frequently.
• gulping or loud swallowing.

Try this:

• Move down one flow level.
• If you use mōmi, remember that the unique design encourages active sucking. Sometimes babies coming from conventional bottles may need a slightly faster mōmi flow than expected.

Tip: Even older babies sometimes need a slower flow during growth spurts or when tired.

2. the nipple flow is too slow

Although less common, a slow flow can also cause milk leaking. When babies have to work overly hard to extract milk, they may lose suction or shift their latch, which creates leakage.

Signs the flow may be too slow:

• long, tiring feeds.
• collapsing the nipple from strong suction.
• becoming frustrated or fussy.
• chewing on the nipple.
• falling asleep from effort.

Try this:

• Move up one level and observe your baby’s comfort.
• For mōmi users coming from other brands’ bottles, remember babies sometimes need to advance by one flow rate when switching to mōmi (since they may not be accustomed to feeding as actively as mōmi requires).

3. your baby does not have a deep latch

A shallow latch may allow air to enter the mouth and break suction, causing milk to spill out. Most parents associate latch only with breastfeeding, but bottle latch matters just as much.

Signs of a shallow bottle latch:

• clicking or smacking noises.
• baby using only their lips on the bottle (with a deep latch, you will see baby’s cheeks and jaw rocking as they feed)
• milk leaking in a thin line from one or both sides.
• frequent slipping off the nipple.
• baby’s lips tucked in (not flanged out)

How to help:

• Angle the bottle nipple upward into the top of the mouth instead of angled down.
• Gently encourage lips to flange outward (like a pout) around the bottle nipple.
• Hold the baby close so their chin and cheeks touch the bottle.
• Consider using a nipple shape designed to support natural latch behavior, such as mōmi.
• Consult an expert, such as an IBCLC, pediatric OT, or pediatric SLP, so baby can be evaluated for oral tethers or other oral motor dysfunction.

4. your baby is feeding in a position that makes milk harder to manage

Feeding posture affects swallowing and control. If a baby is reclined too far back or too far forward, leaks can occur.

Try adjusting feeding position:

• Hold your baby in a more upright position, ensuring their head and neck are supported.
• Keep the bottle angled so milk fills the nipple halfway.
• Support the cheeks and/or jaw if your baby is very young or still learning coordination.
• Use paced bottle feeding to help regulate rhythm.

A well-supported position allows your baby to maintain a secure seal and drink at a comfortable pace.

5. oral-motor development varies from baby to baby

Some babies naturally take longer to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. For a variety of reasons, babies may have:

• weaker jaw muscles.
• low muscle tone.
• tongue positioning challenges.
• fatigue during feeding.

This is especially common in newborns and young infants.

Possible solutions:

• Offer shorter, more frequent feeds.
• Try paced feeding methods.
• Ensure flow rate matches ability.
• Use nipples that promote active sucking, like mōmi, which encourages natural oral muscle engagement.

If your baby leaks milk paired with persistent difficulties, you may benefit from guidance from a pediatric feeding specialist or IBCLC.

6. your baby may be distracted or overstimulated

Babies often leak milk when they are:

• sleepy.
• excited.
• distracted by noise or movement around them.

A wandering mouth can break the seal and create dribbles.

Try feeding in:

• a quiet, dimly lit room.
• a minimized-stimulation environment.
• a calm, predictable routine.

This encourages focused, steady feeding and better mouth control.

7. the bottle or nipple shape does not match your baby’s feeding style

Because of differences in anatomy, babies simply adapt better to certain nipple shapes. Wide bases, narrow bases, nipple shape, material,, or internal venting can all influence latch and leakage.

Why mōmi can help:

• The design supports natural use of oral-facial muscles.
• Babies are able to cup their tongue underneath the nipple, which mimics how they feed at the breast.
• Babies create their own suction rather than relying on passive milk flow.
• The silicone is intentionally soft and stretchy, allowing baby to draw the nipple back deeply into their mouths, which can improve latch stability.

If switching from a conventional bottle to mōmi, allow several feedings for adjustment. If baby is leaking milk, they may need additional practice because they are learning to use a more active suck.

how to reduce or stop milk leakage during bottle feeding

Below are some effective solutions parents can try..

1: Adjust the flow rate: This is the fastest fix for most families.

• If leaking is paired with coughing or fast swallowing, go slower.
• If leaking is paired with frustration or collapsing nipples, go faster.

Make the change gradually and observe your baby.

2: Improve positioning: Try upright posture, supporting the cheeks/chin gently, adjusting the angle of the bottle, and paced feeding to encourage steady rhythm.

Position alone often resolves mild leaking.

3: Encourage a deeper latch

• Gently touch the nipple to the upper lip to encourage rooting.
• When the baby drops their mouth open to feed, allow the nipple to drop to their mouth, so your baby can draw the nipple in fully.
• Ensure lips are flanged and sealed around the base.
• Avoid pushing the nipple too far or too quickly.

4: Create a calm feeding environment: Turn off the TV, reduce noise, and choose a comfortable seating position. Babies feed best when the environment is calm and predictable.

5: Give your baby time to develop: Sometimes the only solution is patience. Babies strengthen their feeding coordination naturally with age. Continue feeding calmly and consistently, allow them to practice their skills and seek expert advice if there are strengthening exercises or stretches that could benefit the baby.

when should a parent be concerned?

Most milk leaking is harmless and improves with minor adjustments. However, consult your pediatrician or an IBCLC if you notice:

• coughing or choking at nearly every feed.
• difficulty breathing during feeding.
• poor weight gain.
• arching, crying, or refusing the bottle.
• frequent projectile spit-up.
• persistent clicking sounds, even with proper flow adjustments.

These signs may indicate an oral-motor issue, tongue or lip tie, reflux sensitivity, or another feeding concern.

conclusion

Milk leaking during bottle feeding is extremely common, especially in younger babies who are still developing their sucking and swallowing coordination. In most cases, the cause is simple, such as an incorrect flow rate, shallow latch, positioning issues, or bottle design differences.

By adjusting the flow level, improving latch and posture, and using a bottle system that supports natural oral development, parents can greatly reduce leaking and make feeding smoother and more comfortable for their baby.

As your baby grows, follow their cues, stay patient, and make changes gradually. With the right setup, feeding becomes calmer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for both you and your baby.

faqs

why does my baby leak milk while feeding?

Most babies leak milk because they are still learning to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Other common reasons include fast bottle flow, a shallow latch, or feeding while sleepy.

is it normal for a baby to leak milk during breastfeeding?

Yes, it is often normal. Many babies have a loose latch in the early weeks or need more time to strengthen their oral muscles. As long as the baby is not distressed and gaining weight well, small leaks are usually nothing to worry about.

how do I know if the leaking is a sign of a feeding problem?

If leaking happens at every feed over time, comes with coughing or choking, or the baby becomes frustrated, it may indicate a latch or flow issue. Parents may want to adjust feeding techniques or get guidance from a pediatric professional.

can tongue or lip issues cause milk leakage?

Yes, certain tongue, lip, or jaw positioning patterns can impact how well a baby seals around the breast or bottle. If you are experiencing persistent feeding challenges, please have your baby evaluated by a specialist.