Bottle Refusal

Give the baby a bottle, they say, as if it were the easiest thing to do. Have you seen mothers struggle to get their baby to switch over from direct breastfeeding to a bottle? Is your baby refusing to take a bottle? If you are a struggling parent, then this is for you.

Bottle refusal is when a baby refuses to feed from a bottle. A breastfed baby can reject a bottle for various reasons. While some babies may take to a bottle very easily and may, in fact, even prefer the bottle over breastfeeding, some babies would rather go hungry than drink from a bottle.

Reasons for Bottle Refusal

A baby can refuse a bottle for any of the following reasons –

Physical Feel – A bottle is firm and has a solid texture, unlike the soft, warm breasts. Babies can reject a bottle due to the lack of warmth and softness.
Different Flow – The flow of liquid from a feeding bottle will be very different from that of a breast. It can be faster, slower, or more forceful than the breast. This will make it difficult for a baby to suck and swallow.
Change in Mouth Mechanics – A baby will use a different set of muscles to suck from the breast and from a bottle. Not all babies can adapt to this change in mechanism or alternate between both easily.
Comfort – For a baby, breastfeeding from their mother is comfort and security. A bottle cannot offer the same, which can make them reject the bottle.
Reflex – The sucking reflex required for a bottle is very different from what breastfeeding requires. This can make it very confusing or challenging, thus making them reject the bottle or prefer chewing instead.
Not Hungry – Many parents miss this basic possibility. Maybe you are offering the bottle much before their feeding time or after they have breastfed, just to familiarise them with the bottle. When not hungry, they will refuse the bottle.
Don’t Like the Milk – They may not like the temperature, texture, and flavour of the milk, in case you are offering anything other than breastmilk. Try giving them breastmilk in the bottle until they get used to it, and slowly try formula and other liquids.

How to Fix Bottle Refusal

So, what can you do when your baby refuses a bottle? You may not be able to breastfeed them forever. You need to gradually reduce breastfeeding so that they will start eating other foods and drinking from a bottle. These are crucial for their growth and development.

Here are some tips to try when the baby refuses to take a bottle.

Change Bottle – The teat can vary from bottle to bottle. Some may be firmer than others, and some come with a slight curve. Experiment with different bottles to see which one your baby likes better.
Change Caregiver – When the mother tries to give the bottle, most babies will refuse it because they want to breastfeed directly. They are familiar with the mother’s touch and the milk’s smell emanating from her. Let the father or someone else offer the bottle.
Keep the Mother Out of Sight – Yes, you read that right. When the baby can see their mother, they will want only their mother and prefer to breastfeed. Offer the bottle to the baby when the mother is not home or in a different room. When they can’t see their mother, they may be more open to trying.
Vary Position – Try different positions. Try to make the baby lie on their back with the head on a pillow. If they can sit up, let them sit upright, or let them hold the bottle. For small babies, you can try the cradle hold, sway them, or let them lie on the feeding pillow. The caregiver can then give the bottle in a position similar to breastfeeding.
Let Baby Set the Pace – Hold the bottle at an angle and give small amounts first. Let the baby set the pace, and you can change the angle to increase the flow if the baby gestures for it.
Make the Bottle a Friend – Let the baby get familiar with the bottle. Let them play or fiddle with it and mouth it on their own. When they are comfortable with the bottle, they can be more receptive to drinking from it.
Time It Right – Offer the bottle when the baby is hungry or sleepy. The resistance will be less at such times, making it easier to bottle-feed.

Offer the bottle when the baby is hungry or sleepy

Stay Calm – When the baby keeps refusing the bottle or pushing it away and crying non-stop, it can be quite frustrating and overwhelming for the parents. Be patient and stay calm. When you are agitated, the baby can feel your mood shift, and they will reciprocate accordingly. When you are calm, they are more confident about the change.
Try Again – If the baby refuses all attempts and drinks just a little before pushing the bottle away, it is okay. Keep trying, and over time, the baby will start drinking more from the bottle and reduce their demand for the breast.
Seek Help – If nothing works and the baby is not getting enough feeds, consult a professional lactation specialist. They can help you with lactation, check for a tongue-tie, and rule out other issues that could be triggering the bottle refusal. They can also help you find alternatives to bottle feeding, so that the baby gets the nutrition they require.

Conclusion

Bottle refusal is very common, especially among breastfed babies. With a little time, effort, and a lot of patience, parents can find ways to help the babyaccept the bottle or come up with alternatives to bottle feeding. Seek help if necessary, as there is nothing wrong with it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is bottle refusal in babies?

When a baby refuses to drink from a feeding bottle, it is known as bottle refusal. This can be due to changes in feeding position, milk flavour, temperature, the feel of the bottle, or the flow of the liquid. As a bottle is not the breast, the comfort level differs, causing many babies to reject bottles.

Is bottle refusal normal?

Yes, bottle refusal is very normal, especially in breastfed babies. Breastfed babies are used to the warmth, softness, and comfort of their mother’s breast. It is not easy to replace that with a hard and firm bottle with rubbery teats.

When should I be concerned about bottle refusal?

If your baby is not getting the nutrition they require due to the bottle refusal, it is time to seek help and find alternatives. Not getting the milk or nutrition they need can lead to many complications, including dehydration in young babies.

Can switching bottle brands help?

Yes, it can. Different bottles have different sizes, feels, and teats. Babies may not like every bottle, as the comfort level varies. Once your baby gets comfortable with bottle feeding, you can try switching brands, shapes, or sizes.