When should I start my baby on a bottle?

Question

I have a 3 week, old and would like to be able to bottle feed(with breast milk) about 2-3 times on some days, and still breastfeed. He has had a pacifier for about a week now and still breastfeeds just fine.

When I do start him on a bottle should I/ do i need to keep him on the same schedule(feeding him at the same time with bottle and same time with breastfeeding everyday)?

Answer 1

If you feel that breastfeeding is well-established and going well, you can probably start in the next week or so. Be sure to pump at the same time that you are giving the bottle of expressed breastmilk so that your supply doesn't decrease.

Here is a link with some tips that might be helpful about how to introduce a bottle and how to give bottles to a breastfed baby. It also talks about alternatives to bottles such as cup feeding or finger feeding. Good luck!
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/alternative-feeding.html

Answer 2

It should be ok as long as you have a solid nursing routine established - I would wait at least six weeks if you can. If you are skipping a nursing session, you should still pump to maintain your milk supply. Keep in mind that the morning hours are when your milk supply is at it's peak. Also, pumping is not necessarily the best substitute for actual nursing and you should only do it if you must for work, travel reasons. When the baby nurses, he gets the foremilk (watery) and the hind milk (rich and fatty) both. When you pump, the milk is not as rich and the baby may not be as satisfied and actually require more milk to feel full. This can put you into a position of playing 'catch up' with the milk supply.

I agree, you should try to avoid a pacifier. See if your little one will self-comfort with finger/thumb (our son used a knuckle) before you resort to a pacifier. You will save yourself endless worry of searching for them all over the house, fretting when they drop on the ground, and dealing with taking it away at some point.

Answer 3

you have to do it slowly......and since you are giving him the pacifier AND breastfeeding.....and now the bottle......he might get some nipple confusion.]

Each one requires a different way of sucking......that's why they don't recommend you introduce the pacifier or bottle till 6 weeks old after you have established good breastfeeding.

I don't see why anyone needs a pacifier to begin with........
just created something that is not good for them later on.


and to answer your question.....starting at 6 weeks is recommended.
And keep the same schedule until 6 months old before you start feeding them solids.


http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babyfeeding/1400680.html

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babyfeeding/9195.html

Answer 4

I guess its fine to change to bottle, just keep up the schedule that you have to feed him.

Answer 5

when they are about 1 to 1 1/2 months old

Answer 6

I would keep doing what you are doing but i would also work it more on the bottle every day so he can get used to it

Answer 7

yes same time. but careful, if you start him on the bottle. he may not want to breast feed any more. then your stuck with the breast pump.

Answer 8

start soon before he gets totally attached to the nipple. I breastfed my daughter for 13 months. i bottlefed her during the day. at this point, he might take a minute getting used to the bottle nipple, but just be patient and consistent. he'll get it though.

Answer 9

I would ask your pediatrician or a lactation consultant. Also, try not to give your baby the pacifier...it will save heartaches for both of you down the road.
Good Luck

Answer 10

My son was breast fed and never had a bottle, he was weaned from the boob to the food.