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Here are some tips and tricks that can help your baby accept a bottle.
Every baby is different. It may take a magic combination of variables to convince your baby to take a bottle so The key is to keep trying different things and if one thing doesn’t work, try another. What works for one baby may not work for another.
A strong association between the spot where you usually breastfeed can work for you or against you. Some babies prefer to take a bottle in a place that they’ve NEVER associated with breastfeeding while others prefer the same exact environment. Try different rooms. Go outside. Try the car seat, a bath, bouncy seat, glider, any place that’s different. Sometimes lower lights with relaxing music or a sound machine will do the trick. Get creative.
Experiment with different positions. Some babies may only take a bottle in a breastfeeding-like position, while others may prefer to do the total opposite, sitting upright, facing outward. Change things up to see what your baby prefers for bottle feeding.
Some babies won’t accept a bottle from you, because they associate you too much with breastfeeding. Sometimes you can’t even be in the same room! On the other end of the spectrum, other babies decide that ONLY mom can feed them and they don’t care how, whether it be breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
Some babies are just particular about their milk temperature. First aim for body temperature and then adjust up and down and see if it makes a difference. Some babies prefer milk at higher or colder temps.
Try with a bottle that has a wide base that gradually tapers down to the nipple. The best bottles require the baby to keep his mouth open wide while sucking, just like they do during breastfeeding. See if any of your mom friends have extra bottles you could borrow, sterilize and experiment with so you don’t have to spend a fortune buying bottles that your baby won’t take.
A slow flow nipple is usually recommended for breastfed babies because it most closely mimics the output of breastfeeding. BUT if you have a strong let down you may want to experiment with different nipple flows. Your baby may accept a bottle better if the flow is faster.
Offer the bottle for no more than 10 minutes at a time. If your baby is still refusing the bottle and becoming more upset, it’s best to back off and try again later.
Use a pacifier - if your baby seems bothered by the feeling of a bottle, a pacifier may help get them used to having something different than a breast being in their milk.
Distraction sometimes works. Try to distract the baby with something else as someone offers the bottle.
Let your baby play with the bottle between feedings so they get used to the feeling and look of it.
Offer the bottle before baby gets too hungry. New experiences are usually easier to handle when they’re well rested, not starving, and not anxious.
Bait and switch! Try putting breastfeeding first and, then quickly slip the bottle in.
Try offering the bottle when they’re sleepy, already asleep, or just waking up. Many babies will instinctively suckle at these times.
There’s a possibility the milk you’re giving your baby doesn’t taste quite right to them. Some babies don’t like milk that’s been previously frozen. Try pumping fresh milk and offering it to your baby immediately. Also, make sure your breast milk doesn’t have a high lipase level which can affect the taste of stored milk. If your frozen breast milk has a rancid smell when thawed, you likely have high lipase. The way to deal with it is to scald the milk before freezing it.
Try thinking outside the BOTTLE! Under 4 months old - You could use a spoon, cup, syringe, or a finger-feeder. 4 months+ - really no need to introduce bottle at this point if they’re not accepting it. Babies can generally handle a cup just fine but expect to help out in the beginning. 6 months + - mix solids with lots of breast milk. 9 months - try teaching baby to drink from a straw and use a straw cup!
Reverse cycling. If your baby REALLY prefers the breast, many babies will even reverse cycle somewhat. This is when the baby will only take small amounts of milk while away from mom and then make up for it once she returns with more frequent nursing. This is perfectly fine for the baby as he will still take in the same number of calories in a 24-hour period. You’ll know baby is still getting enough if he/she is still having plenty of light colored, mild smelling, wet diapers each day, and if weight gain stays on track.
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