How do I get my five month old to take something other than the breast and my milk?

Question

I have tried almost every kind of bottle out there and sippy cips but I can't seem to get her to take anything but my breast. She also wants nothing to do with formula. I don't have a big milk supply so I am unable to pump and I was hoping to get her to take at least one bottle of formula a day incase someone needed to watch her. Any ideas or suggestions?

I was also hoping if I could get her to take some formula she would sleep through the night better. Now she goes to bed between 10-11pm after eating. She wakes back up twice to eat and then wakes up for good between 7-8am. She is already eating some baby food and rice cereal during the day also.

Answer 1

If this is just an "in case", I wouldn't worry to hard about it. For one, your baby at 5 months can do just fine for several hours without eating if it comes to it (especially if you nurse alot when you get back to make up for it). So, if you need someone to watch her while you get your hair cut or whatever, you should be fine without leaving a bottle.

As far as trying to get her to take something not the breast, there's a few things you can try:
-Have someone who is not you try to give her the bottle. Try this when you're not in the room, or even in the house. If she knows she can get it from the tap, why would she settle for the bottle?

-Try alternative feeding methods (link attached), like cup feeding, etc. Although, who knows how well that'll work, given you've tried sippies.

But mostly, don't worry about it too hard. Your baby can be fine for quite a long time, several hours, without eating if necessary for small things. Unless you're going back to work, or otherwise need to routinely be away for long periods of time, trying to get her to take formula is probably not worth the effort.

Side note: I *definitely* wouldn't stop offering the breast in an attempt to starve her into taking the bottle. This won't necessarily work (people who say "if she gets hungry enough, she'll take it" are wrong) and it will hurt your supply, especially if your supply is already kinda low.

Answer 2

Have you tried the liquid formula? My son would not take powdered formula but he would take the liquid. Also the only bottle he would take is the platex drop ins bottle. (they are the ones with the disposable liner) I think he liked them because they were softer like the breast. try giving it to her before bed when she is sleepy, Good Luck!

Answer 3

i know that this is going to be difficult for you but if you persevere stop Brest and keep offering your baby a bottle first dip a dummy into formula pop it in the mouth when he spits the dummy out put the bottle in his mouth but DONT offer him the Brest if you keep this up you will win but do not offer the baby the Brest

Answer 4

Most likely she will not take a bottle from you. You should leave and have your husband or other adult try...hang in there it might take awile for her to take it. Try Avent bottles,step 3 nipples,

Good Luck