Sometimes a baby won't take a bottle; it may happen all of a sudden or he may refuse it from the start. There are different reasons why your baby will refuse a bottle. Perhaps he has been exclusively breast fed and isn't ready to make the switch. Or there could be something about a new bottle that your baby has decided he doesn't like. Regardless, there are things you can do if your baby won't take a bottle.
Have Someone Else Offer the Bottle
If your baby is used to breastfeeding, she may have trouble accepting a bottle from you-especially at first. Have your partner or a family member try giving her the bottle. If she still resists, you may have to leave the house. Babies are well aware of when mom is nearby and may be reluctant to take a bottle when she knows her usual food source is right in the next room.
Don't Wait Until She's Starving
Although it may be tempting to wait until your baby is so hungry he'll eat anything, this can actually backfire. Offer him the bottle at the first sign of hunger. This will give him a chance to accept the bottle before he becomes hysterical.
Change Scenery
Your baby is probably used to being held a certain way when you breastfeed her. Try feeding her in a different way; for example, in her chair or car seat, until she's accustomed to bottle feeding. On the same note, a change in scenery can help. If you normally feed her in the glider in her nursery, try giving her the bottle in the living room. You can also try walking around with her as you give her the bottle.
Keep It Similar
When buying bottles, look for nipples that resemble breast nipples. This can make the transition from breast to bottle easier for a baby to handle. Also check the flow from the nipple; if it's too fast, your baby may get overwhelmed by the amount of milk suddenly being allowed into his mouth. Too slow and he may get frustrated that he can't get all he wants.
When to Worry
Most of the time a baby's refusal to accept a bottle is perfectly normal and will eventually go away. You should contact your child's pediatrician if your child will not eat at all, isn't gaining weight, has less than six to eight wet diapers per day and one bowel movement per day or if you believe there is something else wrong.
 | Get the facts on bottle feeding and how to properly use a baby bottle with your newborn. |
 | Veteran pediatricians like T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., and William Sears, M.D., say babies and toddlers can become attached to their bottles as comfort objects. And that can make weaning to a cup doubly hard. |
 | The type of BPA plastics, polycarbonate plastics, are said to leach small amounts of this chemical into milk that may be harmful to babies. |
Infant finger foods encourage your child to develop motor skills while she learns to feed herself. Use these tried-and-true foods to help your baby adjust to solids. |
A baby bottle warmer might be a smart investment for new parents who are always on the go. |
