My breastfed 6 week old wont take a bottle?

Question

He took one for a week and now won't take one at all.

Answer 1

Bottles are tricky with newborn breastfed babies. He may be showing a preference for your naturally softer and more pleasant nipple, or he may just be a little confused by trying to switch back and forth between the two. If he is still having trouble or any issues with nursing, it may be best to put off bottle feeds for a while, until things are sorted out *completely* with breastfeeding.

If nursing is going fine, and there is no immediate need for him to drink his milk from a bottle, try not to push the issue too aggressively, but continue to offer it regularly. Try different things, like someone else feeding the baby with mom in the room, *and* with mom completely gone, facing him away from your body while feeding, so he can't see who is feeding him (not recommended for all feedings, since mealtimes should be social with lots of eye contact, etc.), giving the baby something of mom's to smell/snuggle (worn shirt or pillowcase) during feedings, etc.

If he needs to take the bottle because you'll be gone, try not to worry-- he *will* take it eventually when he gets hungry once he realizes you aren't around. It may be a tough couple of days' adjustment, but if it's necessary, there isn't much you can do but have the caregiver keep offering and above all, remain patient.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

There is a special type of nipple you can get at Babiesrus that is really close to the breast. It's a little expensive but I would def try it. I also breastfeed and use a bottle. My 7 week old has a preference to which bottle we use. She likes a kind called a Soothie which is a big bottle or Dr Brown's bottle. Try them out. She's even picky on her pacifier. The little person will tell you in their own little ways what they like and don't like. Best of luck!

Answer 3

Breastfeeding and bottlefeeding use a different technique. With the breast its more of a jaw action (which is how it prevents glue ear etc) and bottle is more basic sucking. It is just going to take your little one a while to make the switch and it is going to be difficult but keep persevering.You need to be patient whilst he learns how a bottle works and its not going to be easy but he will get there in the end. There are bottles shaped like a breast but i dont know if they work or not. You could try a teats with different flows and shapes too. Good luck x

Answer 4

You could try a different nipple some are shaped to feel like yours. I breastfed my son for almost 5 mos. and also bottle fed breast milk. He decided he preferred the breast and refused a bottle. The main problem was I had to go back to work, so I needed to ween him quickly. His pediatrician told me to offer him the bottle only, that he would not go hungry. It took about 15 minutes for him to finally give in. It broke my heart, and I almost gave in but it worked.

Answer 5

My little girl was the same way and she did fine with the bottle then all the sudden she just wouldnt! I couldnt get her to take a bottle till she was 6 months old! I tried different nipples, breast milk, everything, then i didnt have enough milk to fill her up and she just got so hungry she just took it and would take the breast! So if you dont want to nurse anymore i would get the pills that dry you up or just keep nursing till he will take the bottle! Good luck!!

Answer 6

She prefers the bottle it truly is extra reachable for her to suck. She is weaning herself off the breast (which occurs after six months). Our son did that at 7 months. that is not the breastmilk, merely the breastfeeding section. you could pump and promises her breastmilk in a bottle, and she will be able to probable take it for most extra months. We did that for some months yet were given drained of pumping each of the time, so switched to formulation. Wait until eventually eventually they grow to be bored of the bottle as well (too distracted with each little thing that is going round him) - it truly is at the same time as it receives fairly difficult - our son is starting up to attempt this now. sturdy luck.

Answer 7

Maybe you should considering trying different types of bottles and bottle nipples, some brands and types are more closely matched to match the feel of the breast. I suggest you try Avent brand of Parent's choice health check Bottles.

Answer 8

Try to feed your breast milk in the bottle....and some bottle nipples are better than others.....sometimes the playtex bottle nipple that is touching the baby's face feels more like a nipple. Also rub baby's face as bottle feeding can make him feel like mothers breast.

Answer 9

Have someone else try to give it to him-- and have them tease him a little with it, by that I mean tell the person feeding him to put it in and out of his mouth till he grabs it.. this worked for my god-daughter and I gave her her first bottle! :) After that she had no problem feeding with a bottle! good luck!

Answer 10

Have someone besides you try to give it to him. He might just associate you with breastfeeding and be confused.