Looking for tips on getting your baby to accept a bottle? Are you having trouble getting your baby to accept a bottle?
The journey from breast to bottle can be both challenging and gratifying for parents. It can be tough getting your baby used to drinking from a bottle, especially if you have to return to work, need a break, or simply want to introduce them to it.
It can be tricky if your baby refuses or is not accustomed to it. However, if your baby is struggling to drink from a bottle, you are not alone.
For many parents, it is a trying process, but in the end, babies get the hang of it and learn how to use a bottle.
Why Do Some Babies Refuse a Bottle?
As we’ve previously stated, babies can be picky and finicky about how and when they feed. Here are some of the most common causes that could be contributing to your baby rejecting a bottle:
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They Enjoy Nursing More Than Bottles: Your baby could be rejecting a bottle simply because they love breastfeeding and the closeness that comes with it more than the bottle. This is more likely to occur if you are an exclusive breastfeeding mother.
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They’re Picky About the Teat or Nipple: The texture, shape, and flow of the bottle nipple may not be similar to the mother’s breast in some cases.
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Your Baby Feels Stressed or Anxious: Babies can feel the mother’s mood. If the parent is stressed, worried, or tense about the whole bottle-feeding process, the baby could pick up on it and refuse the bottle.
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Timing: If you introduce the bottle when your baby is not yet fully breastfeeding, they may get confused or reject it. Similarly, if you wait too long, it could become more difficult for your baby to get used to a bottle.
Related: 7 Signs You’re Overfeeding Your Baby
How to Get Your Baby to Accept a Bottle
1. Start Early, But Not Too Soon
The ideal situation is to offer your baby a bottle while they are still young, perhaps a few weeks old. Keep in mind that you should start slow, as this is new to them as well.
An excellent time to introduce a bottle is once your baby is three to six weeks old. You might also notice that babies are more accepting of a bottle at a younger age than later in life.
The key is to start early but not so early that your baby has not yet learned to breastfeed. Introducing a bottle too early might make it difficult for them to figure out the difference, resulting in nipple confusion. Remember that if you wait too long, your baby will become used to breastfeeding and may not accept a bottle later.
Related: 25 food That Will Increase Your Baby’s Brain Power
2. Choose the Right Bottle and Nipple
Babies often reject bottles because they don’t like the way the bottle nipple feels or because the milk flow is different from what they expect. It is a great idea to research and find the best bottle and nipple for your baby.
The following are some things to think about while looking for a nipple:
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Choose different materials and nipple shapes, such as soft silicone or realistic, breast-like nipples. Some babies prefer wide-necked nipples that seem and feel more like a breast nipple.
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Pick a flow rate that suits your child’s needs. Bottles come in many varieties, including slow, medium, and fast. Pick a nipple with a flow rate that is close to your child’s sucking preferences. A slow-flow nipple, for example, may give your child the impression that they are getting milk at the same rate they would if they were breastfeeding.
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Anti-Colic Options: Some bottles are designed to minimize colic. If your baby is gassy or fussy, this is something you should consider.
Try a few bottles and nipples to see which your baby likes the most. It may take several tries before you get it right, but patience is key.
Related: 7 Things to Do When Your Baby Is Teething
3. Try Feeding When Baby is Calm and Hungry
Timing is crucial when it comes to getting your baby to accept a bottle. A baby is more likely to accept a bottle if they are calm and hungry. This means that if the baby is upset or agitated, they may reject the bottle because they are too distracted.
Offer the bottle when your baby is not too tired or overly hungry. A calm, content, and quiet baby will be less likely to turn down a new bottle. You can also try to offer it following a breastfeeding session since your baby may be more likely to accept the bottle if they are still a little hungry.
4. Have Someone Else Offer the Bottle
It’s also a good idea to have someone else feed your baby if you are breastfeeding. Babies can associate you with the act of breastfeeding; if you offer them a bottle, they could potentially refuse it.
One method to minimize this is to have someone else offer it. Someone else, such as your partner, a grandparent, or even a caregiver, can provide it. This may help detach your name from breastfeeding and make your baby more receptive to the bottle.
In addition to this, the person giving the bottle must remain calm and relaxed. If the baby senses tension or anxiety, it will undoubtedly be more difficult for them to relax and enjoy their bottle.
Related: 15 Fun Things To Do With Your New Born Baby
5. Make the Bottle-Feeding Experience Comfortable
Just as you would do when breastfeeding, try to make the bottle-feeding process as comfortable and pleasant as possible. The following are some of the things you can do to help your baby get used to a bottle:
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Warm the bottle: Many infants, particularly those who are used to breastfeeding, prefer their bottles to be warmed. Warm the milk before offering it to your baby by using a bottle warmer or dipping the bottle in hot water for a few minutes. You can also gently massage their stomach before feeding. Avoid microwaving the milk, as it can heat unevenly.
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Create a Calm Atmosphere: Dim the lights, turn off the radio, and sit in a comfortable chair.
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Familiar Smells: Babies are consoled by familiar smells. Place a favorite blanket or garment close to your baby while they are feeding to help them feel at ease.
6. Take It Slow
Don’t be upset or stressed out if your baby doesn’t take to the bottle right away. If they’ve tried it before, they might take it the next time. Be patient.
Be Persistent and Consistent: Try offering your baby the bottle regularly, but don’t force them. If they don’t take it, simply try again a couple of days later.
Try Varying Things: If they refuse the bottle, attempt new techniques. You could try offering the bottle in different positions, with a different flow nipple, or even have someone else give it to them.
8. Use a Breast Milk or Formula That You Know Your Baby Loves
Consider using breast milk or formula that your child is familiar with when trying to get your baby to accept a bottle. If you’re using formula, don’t introduce anything new; just use one that your baby is accustomed to and loves. The same should go for breast milk if you’re pumping.
If you’re using breast milk, ensure the milk is fresh and warm. Breast milk should be used within four hours of extraction; however, if you’re pumping milk, you can store it in the fridge for three to four days. You should also warm the milk, preferably with a bottle warmer or a bowl of warm water.
9. Consider Offering the Bottle in Different Positions
Another useful tip is to try various bottle-feeding positions. Bottle-feeding, like breastfeeding, can be done in various positions. Here are some of the most common positions you can try:
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Upright: Hold your child upright in your arms as you would if they were breastfeeding.
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Cradle Position: Some babies like to be fed in the traditional cradle position, with their arms held gently in your hands and their head and neck supported.
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Side-Lying Position: This is a great position to try if your baby is having trouble sitting up or doesn’t like being held upright. Simply lay them on their side and feed them in that position.
10. Don’t Worry If It Takes Time
Don’t be concerned if it takes your baby a few days or a few attempts to take a bottle. If it takes a while, keep in mind that it’s not just you. Each child is unique, and some take to bottles naturally and with ease, while others may take longer to get used to it.
Conclusion
Getting your baby to accept a bottle is not an easy process, but with the right techniques and a little time, it can be done.
Make sure to select the right bottle and nipple for your baby, and create a relaxing atmosphere for them to feel safe and secure in. With patience and consistency, your baby will eventually get used to taking the bottle.
If you’re a working parent or just looking for a way to give your baby some flexibility, consider introducing the bottle. With love and consistency, your baby will be on their way to learning how to drink from a bottle in no time.
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