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Introducing Bottles to Babies

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Introducing Bottles to Babies

It is best to introduce the bottle to newborns at approximately 3 weeks of age; by this time, they have typically mastered breastfeeding and can manage going back and forth between mom’s breast and an artificial nipple. For babies who are resistant or refusing to take a bottle the following tips will be helpful:

  • Someone OTHER than Mom introducing the bottle
  • Type of bottle-may need to try several different brands (Avent works well for many)
  • Older babies (after 3 months) use the next level up nipple-has 2 holes for more flow
  • Mom pumps out some FRESH breast milk 1 hour before bottle intro (taste and texture is important-don’t use stored milk)
  • Mom needs to REMOVE herself from the room-better yet, leaves the house!
  • Intro session occurs about an hour before baby’s normal feeding time
  • Dad/Partner or someone other than mom holds baby in cradle hold, with baby facing away (their back is against your tummy) OR put baby in car seat/infant seat
  • Perhaps have one of mom’s shirts with her scent to hold against you while holding baby
  • Run nipple under warm water just prior to intro
  • Intro session goes no longer than 10 minutes- NOT a marathon session lasting an hour!
  • Intro session once a day for a week

It may be helpful for the person introducing the bottle to sit on the edge of the bed and while holding the baby- gently bounce up and down on the bed- motion often assists the baby to be lulled into taking the nipple.

After a week or so, IF the baby still is not taking the bottle-there are OTHER ways to feed the baby-including: sippy cup, spoon, syringes etc…don’t get stuck on the BOTTLE is the only way. Good lactation consultants can assist you!

By |2015-03-07T11:22:37+00:00April 29th, 2010|breastfeeding, Childbirth, newborn care|0 Comments

About the Author:

Labor & Delivery nurse, childbirth educator, author, mom of two, and triathlete!

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