Oh parents, I have been here! You just want to feed your baby and for some reason your baby has decided they want to be on a hunger strike when it comes to the bottle and demand a bottle battle. Your baby may cry, fuss, or push it away which is so frustrating and stressful for both you and your baby. But don’t worry parents, you are not alone! I have supported many parents who struggled to get their baby take a bottle and here are some tips to help your baby feed without the battle!
Let’s chat about some strategies that can help you and your baby overcome this hurdle and accept the bottle. In this blog post, I will share some tips and tricks that can make the bottle feeding experience more pleasant and successful.
Let’s start with the why?
Why do some babies reject the bottle?
There are many reasons why some babies may not take the bottle easily and most can be overcome. Here are some example of why your baby may be rejecting the bottle:
- They prefer the comfort and familiarity of the breast. The nipple is a different shape, texture, and milk temperature is different from the breast, and it may feel strange or unpleasant to them.
- They are used to the natural flow and rhythm of the breast. The bottle may flow too fast or too slow for them, or they may have trouble latching on or sucking from it. Paced feeding is great to help with this!
- They are going through a developmental stage or a growth spurt. Babies may become more clingy, fussy, or distracted during these times, and they may not want to try something new or different.
- They sense your anxiety or stress. Babies are very sensitive to your emotions, and they may pick up on your feelings of frustration or pressure when you offer them the bottle.
- They have a medical issue or a feeding difficulty. Some babies may have allergies, reflux, tongue-tie, or other conditions that may affect their ability or willingness to take the bottle. This is one of the reasons why you may need to contact a specialist for support.
How can you help your baby accept the bottle?
The first thing to remember is that every baby is different, and what works for one baby may not work for another. You may need to try different methods and be patient and flexible until you find what works for your baby.
Here are some general tips that can help you and your baby with the bottle battle:
- Start early and gradually. The best time to introduce the bottle is when your baby is around 4 to 6 weeks old, before they develop a strong preference for the breast. Start with one bottle a day, preferably when your baby is calm and hungry but not starving. Gradually increase the frequency and duration of the feeds as your baby gets used to it. Also, start with a small volume- 1oz- to ensure feelings of accomplishment!
- Choose the right bottle and nipple. There are many types of bottles and nipples available in the market, and you may need to experiment with different ones until you find what suits your baby best. Check out my previous BLOG that I wrote about what to look for when you are choosing a bottle for your baby. You may also want to try different flow rates, depending on your baby’s age and preference.
- Make the bottle feeding comfortable and enjoyable. Try to create a positive association with the bottle by making it a cozy and relaxing time for your baby. Hold your baby close to you, talk to them softly, sing to them, or play some soothing music. You can also try to mimic the breastfeeding position by holding your baby in a cradle hold or a football hold, depending on what they like. You can also try to warm up the bottle slightly by running it under warm water or placing it in a bowl of warm water. Make sure to test the temperature on your wrist before giving it to your baby. For some babies, mimicking breastfeeding actually frustrates them more. I would then suggest laying the baby either on their back or side-lying on your legs to offer the bottle.
- Let someone else offer the bottle. Sometimes, babies may refuse the bottle from their mom because they can smell her milk and they want the real thing. You can try to let someone else offer the bottle to your baby, such as your partner, a family member, or a friend. I have even had older siblings do the bottle feeding to make it a more fun experience for the baby. You can also try to leave the room or go out for a while when someone else is feeding, so that your baby doesn’t see or hear you.
- Don’t force it or give up too soon. If your baby rejects the bottle, don’t force them to take it or get angry with them. This will only make them more resistant and upset. Instead, try to stay calm and positive, and offer them some praise and encouragement. It’s ok if you need to step away and take some deep breaths because you can also try again later when they are in a better mood or more hungry. Go check out my REEL that I did about how to offer a bottle that does involve some patience and practice but works! Don’t give up too soon either; sometimes it may take several days or weeks for your baby to accept the bottle.
What if nothing seems to work?
If you feel like you have tried everything and nothing seems to work, don’t panic or blame yourself. Some babies are just more stubborn than others when it comes to taking the bottle or they need an assessment to figure out if something more is going on. If you feel like you have tried everything and would like to chat with someone, I would love to meet you and your baby to help both of you win in the bottle battle! Check out my website to see how I can support your family and get you feeling confident and empowered in your bottle feeding journey.
Remember, the bottle battle is not a sign of failure or a reflection of your parenting skills. It is a common and temporary challenge that many parents face. With some patience, persistence, and creativity, you and your baby can overcome it and enjoy the benefits of bottle feeding.
You got this parents!
With lots of love,
