Things You'll Need:
- Patience! A bottle and formula.
-
Step 1
To help your baby switch from breast to bottle (or take both) you will want to take one of two paths.
When your baby is hungry give him the bottle rather than the breast. They will probably not want it yet. Keep trying. Give them a pacifier and wait a moment. A few minutes later try again. Eventually they will be hungry enough that they will take the bottle. This may have to be repeated a few times until they realize the bottle (with it's different nipple) is not attacking them, but rather is food. -
Step 2
If you can't stand the crying and would rather you can try offering the bottle in between feedings, when they are hungry but not frantic. Most babies will take a bottle better from someone other than mom, although my daughter only took it from me for the first three days. Do whatever feels best for you and your baby. You will eventually help them realize that the bottle and the breast both have food.
-
Step 3
If you began bottle-feeding and are content to continue, more power to you. But if you are trying to switch to breast-feeding be prepared for some issues. Most bottles are easier to get milk from than Mom is, and many babies will give up quickly trying to suck when they don't seem to be getting much immediately. But it is possible. Use the same techniques as going from breast to bottle and eventually Baby will be ready to take the breast.
