Ileana Berrios, MS, IBCLC
With the right approach, introducing a bottle to your breastfed baby can be a smooth transition. Consider these helpful tips and strategies to ensure your baby accepts the bottle without issues.
Start Early: Around 3-4 Weeks
Introducing the bottle to your baby as early as 3-4 weeks old is beneficial. This timing allows your baby to get used to the bottle while still being comfortable with breastfeeding. Introducing the bottle too late might make the transition more challenging.
Practice Daily
Offer your baby one bottle daily. Consistent practice helps your baby become familiar with the bottle, making it less likely they’ll refuse it when needed. This daily practice also ensures that bottle feeding becomes a natural part of their routine.
Paced Bottle Feeding
Paced bottle feeding is an excellent technique to keep bottle feeding similar to breastfeeding. This method involves feeding your baby slowly and allowing them to control the milk flow, just like during breastfeeding. Paced bottle feeding helps prevent overfeeding and mimics the natural rhythm of breastfeeding.
Choose the Right Bottle and Nipple
Selecting a bottle with a wide slope nipple can make a significant difference. Brands like Pigeon, Lansinoh, and Evenflo Wide Neck are ideal because they encourage your baby to open their mouth wider, similar to how they latch onto the breast. This wide-mouth approach helps maintain the baby’s natural feeding habits and reduces the risk of bottle refusal.
Avoid Narrow Nipple Bottles
While some bottles like Avent, Como Tomo, and Tommee Tippee are popular, they might not be the best choice for breastfed babies. These bottles often encourage the baby to keep their mouth closed, leading to difficulties latching both on the bottle and the breast. Choosing bottles with wide-slope nipples helps avoid these issues.
Consult a Lactation Consultant
If you experience difficulty feeding or need your baby to take the bottle soon due to returning to work, don’t hesitate to consult a lactation consultant. They can provide personalized advice and support to ensure your baby transitions smoothly between breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
Following these tips and being patient can help your baby adapt to bottle feeding without resistance. Consistency and the right tools are critical to a successful transition.
Contact your lactation consultant for personalized guidance, who can offer expert support tailored to your baby’s needs.
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