How can I get my 5 month old on a bottle?

Question

I would like to get my 5 month old on a bottle, I have tried several times and nothing has worked, I've tried 4 different types of bottles, I've tried pumping my milk and also 2 different kinds of formula, his gramma and his father and I have all tried to get him to take one, but he refuses. He does not want to take it. We've been trying for 2 months now about once a week. I am having surgery in about a month and it would make life so much easier for everyone if someone else would be able to feed him as I am not supposed to be doing any heavy lifting (he is 5 months and weighs 23lbs). Thanks for the help, any advice is welcomed!

Answer 1

have u tried the natureaire latex.. umm not sure wat its called but my sister used that the nipple is similar to the breast nipple and is easy to sway them to the bottle. u should be able to find these bottles in wal-mart.

Answer 2

I had this problem with my little girl. I went through TONS of bottles. First off, try on a bottle where he is not SO concerned. Like - after a nap. Also, I used PLAYTEX NURSER system. They are kind of a pain in the *** becuas eyou have to use drop ins but after she used those for about two weeks we were able to switch her to another bottle (avent)
Binkies help also. Getting her used to sucking on something other then my nipple helped us out. Dont try to feed when he is overly hungry and aggravated. It will just make things worse. Also try more often then once a week. Everyday at the same time. And then he will get more used to it if he startes to expect it. It probably has nothing to do with the formula. But I would sya that since you have gone this long without introducing a bottle -bm may confuse him a little. He is used to getting that from your breast not a bottle. And formula taste different. My little girl wont drink anything but formula out a bottle but will drink water, juice, formula out of a sippy cup. Wierd.
Hope this helps!! Good luck

Answer 3

I was always told that all water should be boiled for atleast 10 mins before giving it to baby(when its cooled obviously), but i even boiled my bottled water. Until the baby is about 6 months her immune system is still not strong enough to fight off stuff. Sterilizing bottles should be done until about 6 months as well. You can give her tap water just make sure you boil it for 10 minutes first and then cool. I used to have the 18L water cooler and i put that bottled water into a black bowl and the water left calcium lines around the bowl so i would never give it to my babies

Answer 4

I had to try more than 4 types of bottles. I went through about 8. Also, it's the nipple that is the key. Try to find one that mimicks the exact shape of yours. That is what the baby is familiar with and will help him accept it better, even if it is plastic.
Also, sometimes you might have to let him get a little hungry in order for him to really want the milk, then he will eat it just because that's all that is offered.
Sounds mean, but at 23 pounds, he's a chunker. I have a 17 pound 5 month old and he could stand to wait a little for some feedings.
:)
I have found that Dr. Brown's bottles worked best for me, and they also cut down on air in the tummy. The downside is that they take three times as long to wash because of the tube insert. Highly effective for lessening colic and gas.

Answer 5

Well no matter what nipple or bottle or formula you try, you are going to have to offer it more than once a week to get the baby interested in it. Don't push, but don't give up either. Offer it to the baby a couple times a day until he is taking it without a fuss! Good luck!

Answer 6

the have two different kind of nipples for the bottles if not go to the pharmacy and see if they have smaller bottles available or call at the hopital where u gave birth they sure will teach you and the baby to train it

Answer 7

you need to remove yourself from his view and have another family member feed him...I breast fed for a year and had this problem...he will cry and go crazy for like 2 days...but he will eat!!! talk to his peditrician and inform them of what you are trying to do...nothing to this baby will be a good substitute for the breast...so you have to give him no choice. My sister had to come over for two nights and put my daughter to sleep. Either way the problem will solve itself...just as potty training, they decide when to give in.

And give the soft nipple "NUBY" sippy cup a try...it is much closer to a real nipple than most bottle ones.

Answer 8

if you have not tried plytex nursure Then the answer is wait untill he is so hungry that he will take anything this might mean him not eating every few hours, but maby going 8 hours in the day will get him to take it.

Answer 9

Have you tried a soft spout sippy cup instead of a bottle?

What about a Rubbermaid "juice box" bottle with a straw?

If you have someone there to help you care for him, can they just bring him to you so you can nurse him? You can nurse laying down in bed if you need to as well.

EDITED TO ADD:
DO NOT GIVE HIM HONEY!
It can cause botulism in children under 12 months which is SERIOUS. I know a little girl who almost died at 10 mos of age of infant botulism.

Answer 10

apply some honey on the nipple of the bottle.

Answer 11

Try sugar water on the bottle nipple.