Bottle Refusal Tips + FAQ for Breastfed Babies

Every baby is different. These ideas are best approached flexibly rather than as rigid rules. Try one or two at a time and notice what your baby responds to.

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1. Have someone else offer the bottle
   Many babies strongly associate their nursing parent with breastfeeding. Some will refuse a bottle if the nursing parent is nearby - even in another room.
   Try this: Have another caregiver offer the bottle while the nursing parent goes for a walk, runs an errand, or does something completely out of the house.
    

2. Offer the bottle before your baby is very hungry
   A ravenous baby is rarely open to trying something new.
   Try this: Aim for a calm, early hunger window rather than waiting until your baby is upset and frantic.
    

3. Keep early bottle attempts short and low-pressure
   If your baby resists, it's okay to stop. Continuing to push can create a negative association.
   Try this: Let your baby explore the bottle with their hands and mouth. If they become upset, put the bottle away and try again later.
    

4. Experiment with different positions
   Some babies dislike bottle feeding in their usual nursing position.
   Try this: Holding your baby facing outward, with their back against your chest.
    

5. Use the nursing parent's scent
   Your scent can be very comforting for your baby. If your baby refuses a bottle from other caregivers, they can try this tip.
   Try this: Wrap the baby in a shirt or sweater recently worn by the nursing parent while offering the bottle.
    

6. Pay attention to bottle nipple temperature
   Temperature matters more than many people realize.
   Try this: Warming the nipple to body temperature with warm water, or dipping the nipple in warm expressed milk. If your baby is teething, try a chilled nipple from the refrigerator.
    

7. Let your baby lead the latch
   Avoid pushing the bottle into your baby's mouth.
   Try this: Gently place the nipple on your baby's lips, wait for them to open wide, and allow them to draw the nipple in themselves - similar to how they latch at the breast.
    

8. Add gentle movement
   Movement can be very regulating for babies
   Try this: Walking, rocking, or swaying while offering the bottle to help your baby relax.
    

9. Try different bottles and nipples
   There is no single "best" bottle for breastfed babies.
   Try this: Experiment with different nipple shapes, flows, and bottle styles. Some babies are surprisingly specific about what they'll accept.
    

10. Offer the bottle when your baby is drowsy
    Some babies are more open to new experiences when they're sleepy.
    Try this: Offer the bottle during a light sleep, just before a nap, or during a nighttime feeding.
     

11. Let older babies play with the bottle first
    For older babies, introduce the bottle first like a toy.
    Try this: Let your baby hold, mouth, and explore an empty bottle or bottle nipple for a few days before attempting a feeding.
     

12. Use a gentle "bait and switch"
    Sometimes a gentle transition to the bottle helps.
    Try this: Offer a small amount by spoon first, then offer the bottle, or let your baby suck on your clean finger, then gently slide the bottle nipple in alongside.

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