Breast and bottle feeding is a big decision that can be challenging not only for the baby, but for you as well. So how can you get your refusing baby to take a bottle instead?
Babies are smart. They know where the good stuff is, you. So getting your baby to take to a bottle will take a little bit of patience, but can be done!
Though breastfeeding is a great way to bond with your baby, introducing a bottle feeding has its perks too. If you are going back to work or just need a nap and let dad take over, use these tips to get your breastfed baby to take to a bottle quickly.
*Oh and just a heads up, this post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if an item is purchase through that link. For more information, click here.*
5 EASY TIPS TO GET YOUR BREASTFED BABY TO TAKE TO A BOTTLE
The first and foremost tip to remember is that not all babies will take to a bottle right away. Don’t give up and go slowly. With a little bit of persistence and patience, your baby will eventually accept the change.
1 – TASTE
Your breast is incomparable! The taste of the bottle might be off putting for your baby. Try to dribble a few drops of breast milk directly on the nipple before giving it to your newborn. If she is giving push back, try again later.
2 – SMELL
Babies have a remarkable sense of smell. They know when you are in the room. And if your baby has a supersonic nose (like I am certain mine did) then they can even detect that you are in the house!
The biggest challenge that we ran into while introducing my girls to a bottle is that they would never take it from me!
Ask your spouse or family member to give it a try. If your baby does smell you, they will be more open accepting of the bottle.
3 – TEMPERATURE
Since a bottle is cooler to the touch than your breast will be, try warming it up with this bottle warmer to get your breastfed baby to take to a bottle.
4 – FEELING
Your baby is only used to the way your breast feels in her mouth. While you are feeding, have a bottle ready and alternate during her meal. You may need to try this a couple of times and remember to be patient.
It will be strange for you and him at first, but soon he will understand that the bottle also feeds him as well and be more open to the change.
5 – THE RIGHT BOTTLE
There is not a one bottle fits all in the baby world. Try out different ones. Main differences between bottles will be the flow rate and the nipple shape.
I have gathered a list of the top 5 best bottles for breastfed babies. Use that guide to find the right one for your baby.
Whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or want to introduce your baby to a bottle, these tips are sure to help in the transition.
If you have any questions or just want to chat, comment below. I love making new mommy friends!
More Resources:
5 BEST PACIFIERS FOR BREASTFED BABIES
TOP 5 BEST BOTTLES FOR BREASTFED BABIES
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TUMMY TIME
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AMBER TEETHING NECKLACES FOR YOUR BABY
KEEPING HER DRY WITH THE BEST BANDANNA BIBS
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR A TEETHING BABY
Kaitlen D.
