Eight steps to try with nursing babies.
Babyology recommends introducing your baby to a bottle between six and 12 weeks, if you need to supplement nursing.
If you offer the bottle too soon, it may interfere with breastfeeding. After 12 weeks, the baby may refuse the bottle. If your baby needs encouraging, try some or all of the following.
- Have someone else give the bottle. Many nursing babies won’t take a bottle from mother.
- Tease the baby with the nipple to stimulate a suck reflex. Gently stimulate the mouth with the nipple similar to the first nursing at the breast. Let the baby “mouth” the bottle nipple and become familiar with it.
- Try varying the nipple temperature. Put it in the refrigerator (teething babies may like this), or run warm water over it.
- Use lots of cuddling.
- Try different positions. Some babies take a bottle better in the nursing position while others prefer a totally different position. Try propping the baby in your lap with his/her back to your chest. The baby will see the room while drinking the bottle (don’t forget eye contact later). Prop the baby on your slanted forelegs, like in an infant seat, and give the bottle while looking at him.
- Anticipate baby’s feeding and offer the bottle before baby is too hungry.
- Feed while moving rhythmically. This calms and distracts the baby from the different nipple. A rocking action, back and forth, also helps give the baby liquid in this way.
- Use a training cup, eyedropper, medicine spoon, or regular cup—as a last resort. Then, when mother and baby are together, frequent nursing helps satisfy baby’s sucking need.
- Offer the bottle at least twice a week. Once your baby learns to take the bottle, help him/her remember by continuing to consistently offer the bottle.
References
The Nursing Mother’s Companion, Kathleen Higgins, 2005.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Seventh Revised Edition, 2003.