How to Teach a Nursed Baby to Take a Bottle

Weaning a baby, or teaching a nursed baby to take a bottle can take some effort from you. However, with some preparation, this process can be an easy one for you and your baby.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Start early, if possible. There is a great window of opportunity to introduce a bottle, which is around week six to week eight. At this age, there is no risk of nipple confusion and babies are open to trying something new.
2. Try not to teach your baby to take the bottle if your baby is experiencing other stressors such as daycare, a new bed or a move.
3. Make it fun by singing songs, tickling your baby and making faces. Don't force your nursed baby to take a bottle the first few times you introduce the bottle. The goal should be that baby isn't afraid of the bottle. While weaning, you should avoid suddenly taking the breast away completely.
4. Have someone other than mom introduce the bottle. Many babies equate the smell, touch and sound of their mother with the breast and won't accept a cold plastic nipple from mom. Sometimes moms even need to go into another room or leave the house while someone else offers the bottle.
5. Devote additional time to your baby while weaning your baby. Continue to cuddle with your baby, play with them and replace the breastfeeding time with other fun activities.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, give your baby pumped breast milk in the bottle rather than formula. Breast milk is always better than formula.
• If your baby is less than a year old, you must give your baby formula rather than cow's milk.
• Remember, just because you introduce the bottle, does not mean you are completely done with breastfeeding. You can do both.