7 min. read In an ideal world your little one’s switch from breast to bottle feeding would be as smooth as a baby’s bottom. If that’s not the case and your breastfed baby is refusing a bottle, don’t worry. This isn’t uncommon for babies who are used to breastfeeding, but it can understandably lead to a bit of frustration for moms – especially when a return-to-work date is just on the horizon. So what happens if your baby refuses the bottle and cries? There are many ways you can introduce a bottle to your baby to help ease the transition from breast to bottle. Here’s the essential information on what to do when your baby isn’t taking the bottle.
If your baby is crying when feeding from a bottle, the first thing to do is start over and check your approach. Try the following steps when bottle feeding your baby: 1 For more information and tips on how to introduce a bottle to your baby, including popular positions for bottle feeding, you can check out this article.
If you’re following the above steps and your little one still refuses a bottle, try to avoid becoming frustrated. There are many other ways to help if your breastfed baby is refusing a bottle. Here are a few tips that you can try adding to your bottle-feeding routine. 2
There will be times when someone else is feeding your baby, whether it be your partner or your child’s caretaker. If your baby is fussy during bottle feeding, it may help to wrap the bottle in something that smells like you, such as a piece of clothing or cloth. This could make it easier for your baby to feed during those times when he or she is away from mommy.
Some breastfed babies prefer more skin-to-skin contact. Try letting your baby feed in just a diaper and in his or her favorite breastfeeding position during bottle feeding. On the other hand, some babies respond better to bottle feeding in a completely opposite position to when they are breastfeeding. If your baby is refusing a bottle, experiment with both approaches to see if one helps more than the other.
Sometimes, all that’s needed to get your baby to take a bottle is a little gentle swaying, rocking or walking. The next time your baby cries during bottle feeding, try moving rhythmically to help calm him or her.
Experiment with different nipple and milk temperatures if your baby won’t take a bottle. Try putting the nipple in the refrigerator to cool it down or run warm water over it. As your breast milk is lukewarm, the same bottle temperature is ideal for some babies. Others may prefer it room temperature or colder. Every baby is different and it may take a few tries to discover what your little one prefers.
If your baby cries during bottle feeding, choosing the right bottle can make switching from breast to bottle feeding much smoother. Below are our must-haves when it comes to baby bottles: If your breastfed baby won’t take a bottle, it could be that you haven’t found the right bottle or nipple. You could consider this natural glass baby bottle – its ultra-soft nipples resemble the breast to help make bottle feeding a more natural experience for you and your baby. The wide breast-shaped nipple also helps your baby achieve a natural latch, making it easy to combine breast and bottle feeding. If your baby is fussy during bottle feedings, it may be helpful to try to relieve any gassiness or reflux that he or she may be experiencing. One option is this anti-colic bottle that has a unique AirFree vent to help reduce colic, gas and reflux. By keeping the nipple full of milk, rather than air, this bottle is designed to help your baby swallow less air as they feed. Both bottles are great options for when you want to combine or transition from breast to bottle feeding.
The most natural way to bottle feed
Our Natural bottle with an ultra soft nipple more closely resembles the breast. The wide breast-shaped nipple with flexible spiral design and comfort petals allows natural latch on and makes it easy to combine breast and bottle feeding. See all benefits
The most natural way to bottle feed
Our Natural bottle with an ultra soft nipple more closely resembles the breast. The wide breast-shaped nipple with flexible spiral design and comfort petals allows natural latch on and makes it easy to combine breast and bottle feeding. See all benefits
Sometimes, a breastfed baby becomes accustomed to bottle feeding and begins refusing the breast. If your baby was refusing a bottle and is now refusing to breastfeed, try not to be too upset. We understand this can be a bit frustrating for moms who wish to combine the two, but there are options you can try. A nipple shield could help if you wish to both breastfeed and bottle feed your baby. 3 You might consider these ultra-thin, butterfly-shaped nipple shields that help you breastfeed longer and more comfortably. They’re designed to help your baby latch easily and encourage breast contact for a more natural experience. Remember, if you do want to combine breast and bottle, it’s recommended that you wait three to four weeks before introducing the bottle so that your baby is well-established with breastfeeding.
Rest assured that it’s quite normal for your baby to take some time when adjusting from breast to bottle. If you’re returning to work, give yourself enough time to establish a good bottle-feeding routine before you go back. Remember that every baby is different, so what works for one may not work for another. With a little time and patience, you will discover what works best for when your baby is refusing a bottle. You’ll know your infant’s unique needs, but if baby won’t take a bottle after you’ve tried these steps, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
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1 kidshealth.org - Formula Feeding FAQs: Getting Started 2 LA LECHE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL - Bottles and Other Tools 3 LA LECHE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL - Back to Breast & LA LECHE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL - Introducing a Bottle to a Breastfed Baby
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