WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BABY WON'T TAKE A BOTTLE!

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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.

[@elainesilvas5832]

Great video. My baby boy refuse the bottle. I have breast freed my baby now for 4 months now and I going back to work soon. I have a month to get him to take the bottle. I don't want to traumatize him with the bottle. I want to take it slow, It makes me upset because it was a challenge to breastfeed, now I have to get him use to the bottle because I have to go back to work soon. It makes me sad. Why can't we stay out for 1year from work to breastfeed my son. I would love the chance to stay home without losing my job. Difficult choices for mothers...

[@emmacowley536]

Elaine Silvas try the Lansinoh bottle, it worked for us and my girl was exclusively breastfed. I know having to go back to work feels awful to start with but it does get easier 😊

[@naviarex101]

Elaine I was in the same situation as you. And my baby never became a pro at the bottle. However the Lansinoh momma (just like Emma) worked best for me. With a patient nanny she will take a small amount of milk while I'm away (10.5 hours). The first couple of months she took 6oz or less. Now she is 10 months and takes a bit more. I completely feel you about inadequate maternity leave, but you will get through this. My baby thrived even though I had to be away from her. I tried all of the tricks mentioned in this video. They are good tricks but don't expect them to work right away. Just try your best!

[@louisegersamio4753]

Here in alberta we have 1 year maternity leave.. but in his 8 months i have to give him bottle... its really a struggle but i know i can make tricks i have started at this time hopefully it will work better...

[@happymomchristina8211]

Omg..we have the same story. I'm panicking as well. I have to leave my baby girl for over a month to attend an inportant exam . I don't know how to make her take bottle..

[@wend13]

Hi! Hows your baby now? Did she took the bottle? May i know how did you do it? Thank you!

[@SiegeX1]

Daddy here. My two older kids took the bottle in the cradle position, #3 refused bottle and would gag. Watched this vid, tried the football hold which is how mommy feeds her. She took the bottle like a champ!

[@lizzyberg1082]

Thanks for this

[@miked9986]

My wife and I have been struggling to find information to help our baby’s bottle regression. This 6 minute video has more helpful information than anything else we’ve found. Thank you!

[@emmacowley536]

After watching this and many other videos to try and get my 7 month old to take a bottle we have finally cracked it. Luckily it was a fairly cheap bottle that she accepted on the first try, I'm not sure if you can get it in the U.S but definately here in the U.K. The Lansinoh Momma bottle just worked first time, I couldn't believe it to start with so I tried again with breast milk and she took it. She didn't seem bothered about what position or who was giving it to her although it always goes better now with less distraction. If you're having that stressful bottle battle, which went on for 2 weeks for us before we tried this bottle, give it a try. I think it was more comfortable for her because it's quite soft and my nipples aren't very long so I think the teat was similar for her. Also it's shaped in a way that automatically gets her mouth in a latch position. If you are stressing I would definately recommend trying the Lansinoh bottle and I'm only writing this because I guess only parents desperate for a solution will be reading these comments. Good luck x

[@HorrorFanatic666]

Emma Cowley thank you so much I’m battling with this so bad and I have those bottles as well as the NUK simply natural ones. This is super stressful

[@jesusislord9447]

Emma Cowley Tnx, so much

[@fatimasyed]

From where I can get it in Pakistan..?

[@lizzyberg1082]

Did anyone else try it cuz I’m desperate I’m probably gonna buy this one to ty

[@annhiggs1983]

This gave me so much hope. My baby isn’t even 4 months yet and everyone is saying to give up bottles because she’s “too smart to differentiate now” but her dad desperately wants to feed her and seeing that your 7 month old at the time took one gave me so much hope

[@HorrorFanatic666]

Omg I will be trying these tips thank you so very much my baby boy is 7 months old and fights taking a bottle. This is so stressful and I break down a lot.

[@trykris]

It will be great to know if it has worked for you and any tips?

[@TiffanyChantee]

This is one of the BEST videos I’ve ever seen!!! It puts me so much at ease because I wanted to cry 😢😞 Thank you so much!!!

[@TiffanyChantee]

My fiancé gave our daughter a bottle today after trying 3 different brands and she finally took it from her car seat lol. She didn’t stay in there the whole time taking it. She also took it from her pillow. We have to keep working on it everyday but I am a happy mommy!!! 😊❤️

[@aubriehamon722]

My daughter likes to cluster feed and refuses the bottle most of the time. She always gags herself on it or makes a disgusted look while pushing it away with her tongue. I’ve tried everything to get her to take a bottle. We have noticed she will take it once in a blue moon as long as I’m not in the room at all. But how can I get her comfortable enough to take the bottle while I’m still present in the room? Or should I just let it be?

[@ozmarie]

Which bottle has a slow flow? Moms which ones do you recommend?

[@anajovel64]

My baby is 9 months now and I’m trying so hard to get her on bottle because she’s starting to sprout her first tooth 😬

[@jamiemaclean3806]

I feel better...it takes time, just keep trying. Thank you for posting this.

[@danicamarais2435]

Thank you for this helpful video

[@lesliejane6959]

Any succesful attempts?

[@bioncabanks3639]

This video was super helpful ‼️‼️‼️

[@louisegersamio4753]

Youre Right!... this so helpful vedio...

[@handstitch6039]

very nice tricks... i hop these tricks work for me. .

[@jezelmiah1849]

I’ll Ive this a try I am struggling so hard to get him bottle fed

[@trinxy314]

Extremely helpful tips. Thank you!!

[@Milkology]

You're so welcome!

[@mildnessmutoiwa3948]

My baby refuses bottle milk she's just 4 months and next month I have to go back to school I'm so stressed, I've been trying my best to bottle feed her but she refuses

[@heartz500]

I'm in the same boat! My baby won't take pacifier or bottle. How is it going for u now?

[@alesia2372]

Same here..so frustrating and stessful. I cant even go anywhere because all she wants is my breast. Grocery shopping is especially hard.

[@ganerdenedavaarentsen2394]

Looks like it’s been a months since you left a comment. Does your baby take the bottle now? What worked for you? My little one is 3 months old and we have been trying for a month now and nothing works... I’m going back to work in couple of weeks and super stressed...

[@sheilamaereplagao2008]

How are you now? This is my concern too and I have to go back to work already in a few weeks time.. it’s stressing me out.. 😭😭😭

[@fiametaferede7428]

@@alesia2372 same here, I cant go anywhere

[@telmaekokobeoma6825]

Thanks

[@natlee940]

The baby in the beginning looks like he is wearing a wig. Is that his real hair?