What to Do When Your Baby Refuses the Bottle: Practical Solutions for Breastfed Babies

Quick answer

If your baby refuses the bottle, start by adjusting the timing and having someone else offer it, then try a bottle with a nipple that mimics breastfeeding, like the NaturalWave® nipple. If your baby still refuses after several attempts, take a break and consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician to rule out underlying issues.

It's a familiar scenario: you're preparing to return to work or just want a few hours away, but your breastfed baby flat-out refuses the bottle. You've warmed the milk, tried different positions, and even left the room, yet your baby screams, turns away, or just chews on the nipple. You're not alone, and it's not a reflection of your parenting.

Bottle refusal is common among breastfed babies, but it's usually a phase you can work through with patience and the right approach. This guide breaks down the likely causes and offers practical solutions, so you can find what works for your baby.

Understand Why Your Baby Might Refuse the Bottle

Breastfed babies are used to the warmth, smell, and feel of their mother, not just the milk. When offered a bottle, they may reject it because the nipple feels different, the milk flows at a different rate, or they simply prefer the comfort of nursing. Some babies also go through a 'nursing strike' or a developmental phase where they become more aware of their surroundings and easily distracted.

Another common reason is that the milk is offered when the baby isn't hungry enough or is too upset to eat. If you're trying to introduce a bottle during a growth spurt or when your baby is overtired, they may be less receptive. Recognizing these triggers can help you choose the right time and technique.

• Try offering the bottle when your baby is calm but slightly hungry, not starving.
• Have a partner or caregiver offer the bottle while you're out of the room.
• Use a bottle with a slow-flow nipple to mimic breastfeeding.

Practical Bottle-Feeding Techniques to Try

Sometimes, the issue is more about how the bottle is offered than the bottle itself. Start by using expressed milk that's freshly pumped or properly warmed to body temperature. Hold your baby in a more upright position, and gently touch the nipple to their lips, letting them open wide rather than pushing it in. You can also try a technique called 'paced feeding,' where you hold the bottle horizontally and let the baby suck, then tilt it slightly to control the flow.

If your baby is used to your scent, wearing one of your shirts or placing a cloth with your scent on your baby can help. Some babies do better when they are sleepy, so offering the bottle right after a nap or during a drowsy state can increase the chances of acceptance. Be patient and don't force it; if your baby becomes distressed, stop and try again later.

• Try offering the bottle when your baby is calm but slightly hungry, not starving.
• Have a partner or caregiver offer the bottle while you're out of the room.
• Use a bottle with a slow-flow nipple to mimic breastfeeding.

Choosing the Right Bottle and Nipple

The bottle and nipple you choose can make a big difference. Look for a nipple that mimics the shape and feel of a breast, and that allows your baby to use the same sucking action they use at the breast. A nipple that is too fast or too slow can frustrate your baby and lead to refusal.

Some bottles have features like an air ventilation system to reduce gas and colic, which can also make feeding more comfortable. It may take a few tries to find a bottle your baby likes, so don't be afraid to experiment. However, avoid switching bottles too frequently, as your baby may need time to get used to one.

• Look for a nipple that mimics the breast's shape and allows a similar sucking action.
• Consider a bottle with an air ventilation system to reduce gas.
• Stick with one bottle for at least a few days before trying another.

Diagnosing Bottle Refusal: Symptom, Cause, and Action

• Symptom: Your baby cries, turns away, or chews on the nipple when offered a bottle, even when hungry. This is a common response, not a rejection of you.
• Likely cause: The bottle nipple feels or flows differently than the breast, or the baby is not in the right state to feed (too upset, too full, or too distracted). Identify which factor is most likely by observing your baby's behavior.
• Corrective action: Adjust the timing, have someone else offer the bottle, try paced feeding, and use a bottle with a nipple that mimics breastfeeding, like the NaturalWave® nipple. Give each strategy a few days before moving on.
• When to stop or seek help: If your baby consistently refuses the bottle for more than a few days, is losing weight, or seems distressed during feeding, stop trying and consult a pediatrician or lactation consultant. Your baby's health and your peace of mind come first.

Bottles That Mimic the Breast

• Glass Baby Bottles 5oz (4 pack): These bottles feature Lansinoh's NaturalWave® Nipple, which is clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion and enables the baby to use the same natural sucking actions learned at the breast. If your baby refuses a bottle because the nipple feels different, a NaturalWave® nipple can help them transition more smoothly from breast to bottle and back again.
• Baby Bottles 8oz: This bottle also features the NaturalWave® Nipple and an Air Ventilation System (AVS) that reduces intake of gas, a potential cause of colic or spit up. It has fewer parts, making it easy to assemble and clean. A bottle that reduces gas and is easy to clean can make bottle feeding more comfortable for your baby and more convenient for you, which can help during the transition.

Bottle refusal is a hurdle many breastfeeding families face, but with patience, the right techniques, and a bottle that feels familiar, you can often overcome it. Remember to take breaks when needed and reach out to a professional if you're concerned about your baby's intake. You're doing a great job, and this phase will pass.