Bottle-Feeding a Breastfed Baby: How to Get Newborns to Accept a Bottle

Is your breastfed baby refusing to take a bottle? Perhaps you even found one of the best bottles for breastfed babies and they do not want it. We can tell you that is most probably because they are struggling to adapt to new ways of getting their food or dislike the foreign object.

They may not realize it at the time that sucking from a bottle is much easier.

In all likelihood, a breastfed baby refuses to take a bottle because of one of the following factors:

  • Dislike the artificial nipple in their mouth.
  • Associate feeding time with you only and do not favor the idea of a bottle as a substitute for breastfeeding.
  • Had a negative experience when trying to drink from the bottle, which rarely happens.

It may even be a combination of these why your little one refuses to drink from the bottle.

The reason we’re telling you this is that knowing the why of a particular problem often spark solutions in your head on how to solve your predicament.

So, here we are. Let’s consider a few warning signs you can look out for while you’re trying to figure out something that will get them to take the bottle.

What to Look Out For

One sure sign your baby is not up to it is when they spit it out the minute the teat touches their mouth. They may gag during the first few months.

You will know your little one had a negative experience when they are okay with feeding on the bottle initially, but then stop suddenly.

The most common culprit why your baby refuses the bottle is that just want you.

Even if you are not entirely sure as to the reason for their refusal, it is worth giving it some thought as it will help you assess the situation and come up with a solution.

Some Thoughts on What Will Work When Baby Refuses the Bottle

The best way to tackle this issue is to start early. If you are reading this article in advance, then we can tell you that is would be in your best interest to offer the bottle to your little one within the first or second week.

Lactation experts reckon that one should wait until your baby is a month old when breastfeeding is part of their routine before you introduce them to the bottle. Start safe bottle feeding two weeks before you need to start working so it gives your baby time to adjust.

Some of you may have learned your lesson the hard way. For most babies, a bottle is a foreign object, and it confuses them to the extent where they won’t budge. Therefore, the earlier you can get them used to the bottle the better. If they refuse at first, then try again the next day.

Have you thought of letting someone else give them the bottle?

It may sound silly, but it will make a difference. The thing is that your baby can smell you and will not see why they should drink from something foreign when there is no need to do so. Getting someone else to feed them with a bottle may just work out well.

What about trying to feed them where it is quiet?

When you go to a quieter and more relaxing location where no one distracts your baby, it will make a huge difference. Before you give your baby a bottle when you go to a quieter location, rock or sway them for a bit for a few minutes to help them feel more relaxed. Only then should you offer the bottle.

Have you tried different bottles?

Most moms will unanimously agree that you should offer different baby bottles as not all teats are the same. Our suggestion to you is to try the other methods before you spend money on feeding-bottles.

Using a cup, syringe, or spoon

When nothing you try works, and you are desperate for your baby to take to the bottle, you can try feeding them the baby formula with a spoon, syringe, or cup. One should only do this as a last resort.

There are countless bottle options on the market, which can be very overwhelming. While the best bottles for breastfeeding all do a sterling job, some get the job done better than others. At times, you have no other alternative but to experiment with a variety of bottles. But don't worry — once you find the right one, any caregiver will be able to easily feed your baby by bringing a prepared bottle along in the diaper bag or quickly making one at home.

Resources— Your Kids Table, Baby Center

About The Author