Does anyone have any tips for getting a 7-week old to take a bottle?

Hils713

I am going back to work at the end of October and would like to make sure my little girl is use to a bottle by then. Up until now she has been exclusively breastfeed. We have tried the bottle a few times and have been unsuccessful. Does anyone have any tips for getting a breastfeed baby to take a bottle? How often should we try? Everyday or should we give her a break between attempts? Any advice would be great. Thanks!!

brinbri

Just keep trying. Once a day or every other day. Have someone else do it for you when possible. Maybe even leave for a couple of hours right over a feeding. Sometimes they do best when mommy isn't around.

taranoelle2

What kind of bottles are you using? My LO loves Philips Avent bottles. Also, treat it like its their first time breast feeding...hold the nipple up towards the roof of their mouth and let them take it and get their rhythm going. It definitely takes some practice, but they will get it! Good luck mama!

blovemama

We've had luck with the como tomo bottles.

Miz_Liz

Have whoever is giving it put her in the same position as she nurses in...so if you use the boppy have them use it.

emschmeid

We are struggling with this as well. A lactation consultant told me that babies will not starve themselves, so if push comes to shove, they will accept bottles. I am planning for an extended outing from home this weekend for my husband to try and get the little girl to accept the bottle. Hopefully it works!
We are at 25 consecutive days of trying at least one to two times per day. This is our last resort, and we know it won't be fun for anyone. The LC said she might skip a couple meals and cry herself to sleep, but we will need to be persistent. DH will call if she refuses the bottle for more than three feedings, otherwise, I am out of the house completely until she takes it.

Knottie1453843914

If your little one loves binkies try the same brand bottles. That's what i did. My daughter loved the mam brand binkies and I gave her the same brand bottles and she took right away. But that's just her but now she won't take a binkie. I guess she found out nothing is coming out if it ha. Oh well.

Hils713

Thanks everyone! So far she takes the nipple in her mouth and kind of chews on it but doesn't suck on it. I'm taking this as a sign that with more practice she will be sucking before I got back to work in a month.

ltaylorharris

Try having someone else give her the bottle. Also have them give it to her before she gets too hungry. You want to try when she's nice and calm. One thing that helped DD with taking the bottle was to have grandma give her the bottle while we were out of the house. Being away from home really made a huge difference.