How to Introduce a Bottle to a Baby

Whether you plan to breast-feed and pump or offer formula, introducing a bottle to a baby is a great way to include others in child care. Fathers, grandparents and siblings will enjoy feeding the baby and mom will enjoy the much needed break!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby Bottle Nipples
• Baby Bottles
• Baby Formulas

1. Warm bottle of breast milk or formula appropriately.

2. Check speed of fluid coming out of nipple by turning bottle upside down. If more than a few drops come out slowly, change the nipple.

3. Offer the first bottle a little earlier than normal feeding time, so hunger does not cause frustration as baby tries to master sucking a bottle nipple.

4. Touch baby's cheek with the nipple of the bottle, stimulating the rooting reflex and helping baby to bring her mouth to the nipple.

5. Tilt bottle with bottom up so that the nipple is completely filled with milk or formula and air swallowing is minimized.

6. Rest baby's head against your arm, so that neck is supported and head is held straight to facilitate swallowing.

7. Watch for fussiness or obvious discomfort while drinking - baby may need burping.

8. Respect baby's appetite and her cues that she has had enough. She will drink as much as her body requires.

9. Include other important caregivers, such as father, grandmother and childcare provider, in the bottle feeding experience.

10. Cuddle baby while feeding, just as when breast-feeding.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of your positioning and your comfort. Switch arms if needed.
• If offering a bottle to a newborn and also breast-feeding, be aware of "nipple confusion." Consult with your child's health care provider or a lactation specialist if you have any concerns about baby's confusion between the bottle nipple and the real thing.
• Avoid propping the bottle or giving baby a bottle while lying in a crib. This poses a choking hazard and may also trigger ear infections.

[amylaine]

on 2/13/2008 My baby nursed naturally within an hour after birth, but has had extreme problems using a bottle. Thanks for the tips, I will try these out.

on 11/22/2005 If you want your breast-fed baby to take a bottle, make sure:
1. To introduce it at 3-4 weeks, no later.
2. To keep offering the bottle at least once every other day. A baby who takes the bottle at 4 weeks may not at 10 weeks if she has not had it regularly in between.
3. If your older (>4 weeks) baby refuses the bottle, offer it as something for the baby to explore. Distractions are helpful: try it in the car, outside, or even in front of the tv. NEVER force it on the baby.

on 11/22/2005 As a mother that has nursed 3 infants and an infant teacher at a day care center, I have found that the best time to introduce the bottle is at 2 weeks. They usually don't care what the milk is delivered in as long as it is delivered.