My baby is refusing the bottle. How do I get them used to it?
⚡ Short answer: Dealing with a baby who only sucks on the breast can be really frustrating.
Anonymous
bir anne · Feeding
My baby only sucks on the breast and refuses the bottle altogether. How can I get them to accept a bottle?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
Dealing with a baby who only sucks on the breast can be really frustrating. First, know that this is a very common situation — breastfed babies often have trouble adjusting to the bottle's different flow rate and how the nipple feels.
Here are a few things you can try: Having someone else give the bottle (not you) can help because your baby won't smell your milk or expect the breast. Lightly warming the bottle nipple with warm water or rubbing a few drops of breast milk on the tip can make the transition easier. Using a slow-flow bottle nipple can help because the flow rate is closer to the breast and your baby might accept it more easily.
Trying the bottle when your baby isn't too hungry is also important — a very hungry baby is more likely to refuse the bottle. Gently touching the bottle to their lip and letting them search for it on their own is more effective than pushing it into their mouth.
If there's no improvement after a few weeks or your baby's weight gain is affected, getting help from a pediatrician or lactation consultant is a good idea.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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