my granddaughter refuses to drink from a bottle, help!?

Answer 1

Was she a bottle fed baby before now, or are you trying to teach her to take a bottle? If you are trying to teach her to use a bottle than I think I can help. Babies are so sensitive when it comes to their mouth. Remember, their mouth is their first and most important tool they have in the very beginning in learning about the world around them. Because of this, people often run into trouble when they introduce something new to a baby like this and it can be a very frustrating situation. Remember, just as every adult has likes and dislikes, so do babies. That is why, afterall, they make so many different knids of bottles and nipples. If the baby was previously breastfed, find a bottle that stimulates the mother's breast. Playtex makes a whole line of bottles and nipples for this very pupose, I highly recomment them. Plus, if the baby is reluctant to suck from the nipple, you can push on the bottle liner bag a little to make a drop or two of milk come out so the baby can taste it and know that this new object has the food she wants. If the baby is a newborn and you are trying to introduce the bottle for the first time, she may be having a problem with the texture of the nipple or with its shape. Try a different nipple and see if it helps. Remember not to be constantly changing things around on her though because she will only become confused and that will make it even harder on you. Always give a little time for the baby to attempt to adjust to something new. And also keep in mind that perhaps she doesn't like the formula that is being offered. Don't worry too much though, I've never heard of a baby starving itself because it hates the bottle. Good luck!!!

p.s. NEVER give honey to a child under the age of three, it can cause botulism. Shame on the person who posted that!

Answer 2

DO NOT PUT HONEY ON THE NIPPLE!
NEVER give honey to a baby under one year old. This can cause infant botulism which can be FATAL. I know a little girl who almost DIED of botulism. THIS IS NOT SAFE!!!!!

Someone other than mom needs to offer the bottle. Best if mom is not even in the room. Perferably a bottle of pumped breastmilk so the taste will be familiar. Baby is smart. :-) She knows mom has the real thing fresh from the tap and will hold out if mom is around.

The caregiver should experiment with positions and temperatures. Try holding baby in the nursing position. If that doesn't work, try holding baby with her back to the caregiver's chest, facing out. Try having the caregiver prop his feet up and lay baby facing him with her head at his knees. Try having the caregiver wear the baby in a sling or front carrier and get the bottle started while walking around.

Try the milk at room temperature, cold and warmed close to body temperature.

Try Avent bottles as most breastfed babies do well with this kind of nipple. If baby is 3-4 mos old, you can try an Avent soft-spout sippy cup. You could also try a Rubbermaid "juice box" bottle with a straw for an older baby.

Answer 3

Well if this is true then yes she is very advance. But I have never ever heard of a nine month old doing all this. This would even be advance for 15-18 month old to do this. My daughter is 13 months and says about 15+ words, knows a few signs and can follow simple directions, and she is a little advance. So yes, if your granddaughter really is doing all these things at 9 months (which is a little unbelievable) then she is very very advance. And is very very smart for her age.

Answer 4

first of all i would try putting a tiny bit of something sweet right on the nipple. like sugar, honey, or something like that. sometimes babies need a little bit of an insentive. they can usually still taste sweet which may get her to suck better. if that doesn't work then try a different nipple. there are several styles to choose from. she may like one more than another. it also may be due to the type of formula. you could try a different type of formula and see if that helps her to take the bottle.

i hope this helps!! good luck!!!!

Answer 5

you should try differant nipples, each of my three girls liked differant ones. if not better ask the dr. could be an ear infection. sucking hurts

Answer 6

Maybe she just wants the breast. There's nothing wrong with that... it's what's best for her. I'm assuming she's breastfed. Hopefully.

Answer 7

ok give her a sippy cup you should be happy its not good for there teeth anyways

Answer 8

its normal
keep at it