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Refusing to feed via bottle

knottief7904908f449e806knottief7904908f449e806 member
in Babies: 3 - 6 Months
My 4 month old would not feed via bottle. I will have to go back to work soon and am worried if my husband will be able to feed the baby on my absence. I have already tried switching to Brest shaped bottle but it didn’t work. Any suggestions on how to make baby feed via bottle asap?
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Re: Refusing to feed via bottle

  • knottie43a5b05dea39eee1knottie43a5b05dea39eee1 member

    That sounds really stressful — you’re not alone, many babies who are exclusively breastfed can resist the bottle at first. A few things that sometimes help:

    • Have someone else try: Babies often refuse a bottle from mom because they can smell and expect the breast. Sometimes they’ll accept it more easily from dad or another caregiver.

    • Experiment with timing: Offer the bottle when baby is calm and not super hungry or upset — mid-nap wake-ups can work better than when they’re very hungry.

    • Try different temperatures: Some babies prefer milk warmed closer to body temperature.

    • Vary positions: Your husband can try holding the baby in a more upright or playful position, not necessarily a “feeding” hold, so it feels less like breastfeeding.

    • Gradual introduction: Start with very small amounts just to get baby used to the nipple.

    It can take persistence and patience, but many babies do eventually adapt once mom isn’t around. If it stays really difficult, you could also ask your pediatrician or a lactation consultant for support.

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  • mariannie_mariannie_ member
    That's a really common struggle especially for EBF babies.

    We've had the same situation with our first born. We've tried lots of bottle brands and she keeps refusing and then cries - honestly, it's frustrating! Then a friend of mine suggested giving Pigeon Bottles a try and I'm just glad I listened. We're super relieved to see little one finally took it after a few tries. It also helps that we kept offering it to her when she's very sleepy as she likes to feed to sleep before. And don't force it when he/she's already fussy and crying, it would only make it worse.

    Have lots of patience, you'll soon find what works for you and LO.
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