Breastfed Baby Who Refuses Bottle
Best Bottle for Breastfed Baby Who Refuses Bottle. If you’re breastfeeding, there may come a time when you have to introduce your baby to the bottle. This can be a big milestone, and it’s often nerve-wracking.
Luckily, there are plenty of bottle brands that were specifically designed with breastfed babies in mind. Here are some of our favorites:[1]
Breastfeeding Advantages
Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to protect your child’s health. Studies show that breastfeeding babies have less colds, ear infections and digestive issues, and are healthier than bottle-fed infants. They are also much more likely to be healthy throughout their life, and they have a lower chance of being overweight.
Breastfed babies also have better cognitive and behavioral development. They are often more attentive and alert, and they have higher IQ scores than children who are not breastfed.[2]
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and then continuing to nurse until your baby is no longer dependent on milk. For some babies, this may be as long as two years or more.
When you introduce bottles to a baby who is nursing, there are some things you can do to make it easier for them to switch.
Try replacing a few breastfeeds with bottle feeds to help your baby transition to the bottle. It will take some time and practice, but if you do this, your baby will learn that the bottle is not as good for them, and they’ll want to switch back to breastfeeding as soon as possible.
You can use a slow flow nipple on your bottle so that your baby has to move their tongue and jaws in a special way to get the milk they need. You can find a special nipple at a baby store or ask a lactation consultant for help.
Another great option is to replace a few breastfeeding sessions with pumping. This will allow you to keep producing the milk that your baby needs while at home or away from the house.[3]
Then when you’re ready to switch to formula, you can do this as well. Just be aware that if you switch to formula, your baby will still have a smaller amount of breastmilk and they’ll have fewer bowel movements than before. These physical changes can be confusing for some babies, but they’re normal, says Aponte.
How to Prevent Bottle Refusal
Baby bottle refusal is a common problem. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but one of the most frequent reasons is that it’s a new skill and baby isn’t quite sure how to do it.
Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to prevent this from happening. These tips can help your baby learn to accept a bottle, and they’ll make your life much easier.[4]
First, make sure you’re choosing the right bottle for your baby. There are a variety of bottles out there, but you want to pick one that mimics the shape and feel of the mother’s nipple. This will minimize so-called “nipple confusion” and make the switch between bottles and breasts as smooth as possible.
Another thing to consider is how quickly your baby can suck on the nipple. If your baby can’t suck on the nipple fast enough, they may start getting frustrated quickly.
If you can see that your baby is struggling to suck, try using a faster flow bottle nipple. The quicker the flow, the less time they have to suck before the milk is released.
Also, check the temperature of the bottle. Some babies like their milk warm, while others prefer a cooler temperature. You can play around with the temperature and try different bottles to find out what works best for your little one.[5]
Finally, if you’re breastfeeding, make sure you’re giving your baby skin-to-skin contact while they drink from the bottle. This can make the transition to bottle feeding more comfortable for them, according to lactation consultant Leigh Anne O’Connor.
While most babies will take to the bottle in the end, it’s always a good idea to give it a few weeks of practice before trying to use a bottle for the first time. This way, you can make sure you’re offering the bottle in a position that’s comfortable for your baby and that the bottle is the right size for them.
Once you’ve found a bottle that works for your baby, it’s time to get your baby to try it. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a bottle-feeding rockstar in no time![6]
Why do babies refuse bottles?
There are a number of reasons why a baby might refuse a bottle. They might be teething, have an ear infection, are uncomfortable with their nipple or simply want to nurse more often than they have been.
For some babies, this resistance may happen as early as two weeks after birth. It can be a little frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be permanent.
One of the biggest reasons that babies prefer the bottle is that it’s easier for them to get their milk from a bottle than it is to breastfeed. This is because the nipple on a bottle doesn’t have to work as hard for the baby to get their milk, and it can flow more quickly than the breast.[7]
Another reason a baby might prefer the bottle is that they have developed a suck reflex, according to Marielle Marquez, OTR/L, SWC, a pediatric occupational therapist, feeding specialist and lactation educator. Babies start developing these sucking pads inside their cheeks at around 37 weeks gestation.
These sucking pads stabilize their mouths, allowing them to more easily get milk out of the nipple. They also allow them to coordinate their suction, swallowing and breathing better so that they can pull the milk from the nipple into their mouth without sucking too much or causing any pain.
Until these sucking reflexes are fully developed, it’s a good idea to use the slowest flow nipple you have on your bottle. This will help your baby adapt to the difference in milk flow and make them feel more comfortable with using a bottle for the long haul.
Many mothers also find that a change in nipple shape, size or material can make a difference. For example, some babies are more comfortable with a smaller or thicker nipple.[8]
Once a baby gets used to the change in nipple, it’s usually pretty easy to switch back to a more comfortable nipple once their suck reflex is stronger.
However, if your baby is still refusing the bottle despite a good transition, it’s time to seek out professional help. A trained feeding therapist can help you figure out why your baby is rejecting the bottle and lead you to other helpful specialists who can help.
Best Bottle For Breastfed Baby Who Refuses Bottle
Breastfeeding is the preferred method of feeding babies, but sometimes they can refuse bottles. If you have a baby who is refusing to take their bottle, there are several things you can try.[9]
One of the first things you should do is try a bottle nipple that is designed to encourage a good latch. This can make a big difference to the success of your breastfeeding relationship!
Nanobebe Bottle
Nanobebe is a breastmilk bottle that has a unique geometry to mimic the shape of the human breast. This can reduce the risk of your baby refusing the bottle, as they will naturally connect with it and latch on. It has been developed by a team of pediatricians and lactation consultants with a mission to protect babies’ health by providing specialized, healthy feeding products.
Nanobebe bottles are specially designed to cool and warm breast milk faster than standard bottles, preserving its immunological and nutritional properties. This helps prevent bacterial growth and preserves the antibodies that help fight illness. It also helps keep the breast milk at a safe temperature, which is essential to breastfeeding success.[10]
The bottle is also made from a safe silicone material, so there is no concern about toxic chemicals coming into contact with your baby’s milk. Its wide-neck design makes it easy to clean and it’s top-rack safe for dishwashers as well.
Its shape is also great for encouraging self-feeding as your baby will instinctively connect with the bottle and feed themselves. They can do so with a lot of confidence, especially if they’ve been holding and using the bottle for a while.
To ensure a safe and effective breast-feeding experience, Nanobebe uses a specially designed slow-flow nipple that is anti-colic. This helps to prevent colic and gas in your baby by spreading the milk evenly in the bottle, which can make it easier for them to hold.
Another important feature of this bottle is the indentation that spreads the milk in a thin layer, allowing it to cool down much faster than in a regular bottle. This allows your baby’s breast milk to cool to ideal refrigerator temperatures two times faster, which will stop bacterial growth and keep the immunological and nutritional properties of the breast milk intact.[11]
To ensure that your baby’s milk is kept at a healthy, safe temperature and to prevent the risk of bacteria from growing on your bottle, it’s important to sterilize your Nanobebe bottle after every use. You can do this with a Nanobebe steam sterilizer or with boiling water in the microwave.
Lansinoh Breastmilk Bottle With NaturalWave Nipple
Designed by a breastfeeding mom, Lansinoh is committed to helping mothers breastfeed their babies for as long as possible. They offer a wide range of products to support nursing including award winning breast pumps, nipple creams, and breast milk storage bags.
Lansinoh bottles are made of BPA-free plastic that does not leach or absorb chemicals and are oven and microwave safe. They also come with a lid that does not leak and are easy to clean.[12]
The Natural Wave nipple is clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion, so it’s easier for your baby to switch between bottle and breast and back again. It also allows your baby to engage in the same sucking actions learned at the breast – helping to establish established feeding patterns.
This bottle is pacified feedable (meaning you can use it with a pump or other device), so your baby can learn to self-feed in order to control the amount of milk they get, and it’s compatible with a range of nipples (sold separately). The NaturalWave teat’s sweeping upward slope promotes smooth peristaltic tongue movement and an easy latch.
It also includes an anti-colic vent system which helps prevent spitting up and gas. The nipple can be cleaned with a nipple brush and a bit of warm water.
The wide-necked bottle is easy to grip and is slim enough to fit into changing bag pockets. The lid does not slip off easily and the clear, accessible volume markings make it easy to track how much your baby has used.[13]
This glass bottle is the strongest glass bottle available, and thermal shock resistant to withstand temperature changes. Its nipple is also designed to promote a healthy, wide latch, and the rounded design ensures a secure seal.
These bottles are easy to clean, with a soft grip surface for easier handling and a unique design that makes them suitable for babies from birth to six months. They also have three different sized nipples so you can adapt them to your baby’s growth.
Lansinoh bottle nipples are made with a soft silicone material and are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and phthalate free. They are also dishwasher safe and can be reassembled as often as necessary.[14]
Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Baby Bottle
If you’re looking for a bottle that will make breastfeeding your baby easier, the Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature bottle is a good choice. It’s designed to mimic the shape and size of a mother’s breast, which makes it easier for your baby to latch on. It also features a super-sensitive anti-colic valve that reduces symptoms of colic.
TT bottles are made from glass which is free from phthalates, toxins and BPA, so they’re safe to use on babies. The nipples are also large and wide, which helps babies to latch on easily. They’re easy to clean and come with a travel cap so you can feed your baby anywhere without worrying about them breaking.
In addition to these features, the bottles come in several different flow rates to help you match them to your child’s needs. The slow-flow nipples are great for four-week old babies who need a slower flow of milk, while the faster-flow nipples are ideal for older children.[15]
To ensure your baby’s safety, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the nipple and bottle to ensure you are properly sanitizing it. Many bottles and nipples can be sanitized in the dishwasher, while others are best sanitized with boiling water or a microwave steam bag.
The nipples on the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature baby bottle mimic the natural shape and feel of a mother’s breast, making it easier for your baby to latch on. They’re also available in a variety of sizes to ensure your baby has the right size for their needs.
Another benefit of using a Closer to Nature baby bottle is that it’s compact, which allows your baby to be closer to you during feeding. It also has a wide neck that makes cleaning easier and it’s suitable for dishwasher, microwave and steam sterilisers.
Tommee Tippee has been dedicated to helping parents since the 1950s and they have a lot to offer, from bottle feeding accessories to sterilisers and nappy disposal systems. Their mission is to make your life easier so you can focus on enjoying every moment with your baby.[16]
What Bottle Nipples Are Best For Breastfed Babies?
Breastfed babies typically like the way they feel on their mother’s chest, and some bottle nibbles are designed to mimic this feeling. These bottle nibbles also have realistic shaped nipples that encourage a good latch, which can help baby accept the bottle.
Bottle nipples are available in many shapes and sizes, and it’s important to choose the right bottle nibble for your baby. The best nipple for breastfed babies will be shaped and sized to promote a good latch, and will help ensure your baby doesn’t choke on air bubbles.
It’s also important to choose a bottle nibble that’s easy to clean and won’t break easily. Some nipples are more prone to leaking than others, so look for one with an easy-vent valve that prevents a nipple from collapsing.[17]
A slow flow nipple is recommended for newborns until they’re ready to use a faster flow nipple. There are several different types of nipples with slow, medium, and fast flow, and you can always replace your nipple when it becomes damaged.
You can choose a nipple that’s similar in shape to a real breast, such as the MAM Paci or the Nanobebe Breast Milk Bottle. This nipple features skin-soft textured silicone for a solid latch and is designed to look and feel like a real breast, so it’s ideal for those picky babies.
The nipple also has flow control, which is helpful for preventing colic symptoms in feeding. It’s also free from BPA, BPS, PVC, and lead, so you can feel good about using it on your baby.
Choosing the right bottle is a crucial step to successfully transition your baby from breast to bottle, so it’s worth doing your research and trying out multiple bottles before you decide. It’s also a good idea to consider what your baby will like in terms of the nipple and flow rate, since you don’t want to change nipples too often as they grow.
The best bottles for breastfed babies have realistically shaped nipples and are wide-necked. They also have soft silicone nibbles and flow control features that help your baby feel confident and comfortable with the bottle.[18]
