Baby Refusing the Bottle

18 Things To Try When Baby Refusing the Bottle

When a Baby Refusing the Bottle, it can be extremely frustrating for any parent. In the absence of the mother, a baby won't be able to get enough nutrition from the bottle if the mother isn't around to breastfeed. When a baby refuses a bottle unexpectedly, it is always smart to be prepared.

A few tips can help ease your baby back into feeding from a bottle if he or she refuses to drink from one.

1.   WHY DOES MY BABY REFUSE TO DRINK?

It is not uncommon for a baby to refuse their bottle. Rejecting a bottle will result in a child avoiding it, refusing to open their mouth, pushing it away, and even screaming. Your child may need to be fed while you are absent, which can be especially challenging.

Changing from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding, as well as babies who have been bottle-fed their entire lives, can result in this problem.

2.   Suddenly refusing to take a bottle:

The milk should still be flowing from the bottle. Your child should have a bottle that fits comfortably in his mouth. A nipple is probably not a good choice if your baby is working hard to make it fit.

In addition to having difficulty eating, a sick or colicky baby may be feeling unwell.

3.   Let Someone Else Feed the Baby:

The baby may refuse the bottle if they know mom is still around the house or in another room, preferring to nurse and breastfeed instead. To allow the baby to accept bottle feeding from someone else, you should remove mom from the house completely.

4.   Bottle Feed When Baby is not Hungry

Bottle feeding may be unfamiliar to the baby. The skill may not be mastered yet. The best time to bottle-feed a baby is when they're not hungry. It may take time and patience for the baby to become accustomed to bottle feeding, and it's best when they are not hungry.

5.   Feeding position must be changed

There are different types of babies, for example, some prefer to bottle-feed in the nursing position on mom's lap, while others prefer to sit in their high chair. You may need to adjust the baby's position until he or she feels comfortable. It may just be that the baby is simply curious about his or her surroundings and is distracted by it.

6.   Avoid forcing a bottle nibble into a baby

The baby may develop a negative attitude toward bottle feeding if you force them to take it. The baby should instead latch on to the nipple on its own. They will eventually take to bottle feeding due to their curiosity.

7.   Put Mom's t-shirt on the bottle

A baby's sense of smell is highly sensitive and will be familiar with how their mother smells. Knowing that mom is nearby may make the baby feel more comfortable. Using this method when the mom is absent can help the baby feel her presence and may be more receptive to the bottle.

8.   Whenever you are swaying or holding a baby, move around

The act of swaddling calms and relaxes a baby. Their receptivity to the bottle may improve as a result. To relieve any boredom that your baby may have, you may want to move around the house. Baby can still drink the milk without feeling so much movement if you sway or walk around the house gently.

9.   Ensure Milk is at The Right Temperature

There is a temperature preference for every baby. See if the baby enjoys warm milk in the bottle. Cold milk may be preferred by some babies, while lukewarm milk may be preferred by others. Check to see if the baby is teething as well. Putting the nipple in the fridge may prevent gum irritation if that is the case.

10. Try using different nips and bottles

Nipples are available in a variety of styles for babies. Rubber and silicon are both used in some. Additionally, some are longer than others and come in different shapes.

Baby Refusing the Bottle and There can also be differences in the size of the nipple hole, which means different levels of milk let down. It is possible that your baby prefers a fast or slow milk letdown.

11. Baby Refusing the Bottle

When a baby refuses to drink a bottle suddenly, here are some things to try

It may be a good idea to try feeding your baby in a different room if you always do it in the same one. In an unfamiliar environment, he may not complain about drinking the bottle.

Outside might be a good place to offer the bottle if the weather permits. It may be enough to draw his curiosity and allow him to finish his milk in a place where he is not normally given bottles.

12. How Does Your Breastmilk Taste or Smell?

May be that the baby doesn't like the taste or smell of your breastmilk. Breastmilk may be affected differently by different diets. The smell of your breastmilk may change as a result of a fish diet, for example. Find out if your baby is refusing the bottle because of a change in diet.

13. Schedule your feedings

Please feed the baby if they are hungry at a time that is not on their regular feeding schedule.

Baby Refusing the Bottle

14. Offer Milk More Frequently

Offer him smaller amounts more frequently rather than one bottle at a time.

Try that schedule Baby Refusing the Bottle if your baby accepts it. Instead of serving the whole amount, you might consider serving half, then reserving the other half for his beverage. The bottle might even need to be kept nearby and offered periodically if he keeps refusing.

Sadly, this won't teach him to eat at a table, but frequent feedings might be a temporary solution if he likes to snack on the go.

15.   Give your child a sippy cup of milk

Consider introducing your baby to sippy cups if your baby continues to fight the bottle. Offer him a sippy cup, regardless of whether he drinks water or milk.

Your child can move from a bottle to a cup with the help of transition sippy cups.

16. How Long Baby Can Go Without Milk

A newborn should not go more than four hours without feeding, depending on their age. Your newborn should eat between 10 and 12 times per day. When a baby is awake, it is recommended that he or she be fed every two to three hours.

Your baby will eventually tell you when he or she is hungry.

17. Other Reasons Why a Baby May Refuse the Bottle

There may be other reasons why the baby suddenly refuses to drink from the bottle, such as:

  • A baby may be uninterested in bottle-feeding because he or she recently ate, so he or she does not want to consume liquid.

  • Whenever you are transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding, consider doing so gradually. Get the baby used to the bottle nipple texture by gradually introducing the bottle while still breastfeeding.

  • A recent weaning has taken place. There is a possibility that your baby may still wish to breastfeed and may not take to bottle feeding right away.

  • It is possible that the baby won't want to be bottle-fed if they are in an uncomfortable position.

  • The texture of the bottle nipple may still be unfamiliar to your baby, therefore preventing him from taking bottles.

  • Find out what your baby likes best by experimenting with different options.

18. Visit the doctor

when all else fails, you may wonder what is wrong with the baby. An illness could sometimes cause a child to refuse to be fed by bottle.

Consult a pediatrician to rule out any issues and evaluate your child. Furthermore, Baby Refusing the Bottle he or she will offer advice on the best course of action. It is possible that the baby has a feeding disorder, which may cause malnutrition if not attended to.

Final Thought

What Can I Do If My Baby Refuses To Take A Bottle? It is always best to use your best judgment as a parent. Baby refusing the bottle can be a concern for most parents. It happens to everyone, so don't let it discourage you. Know when to consult your doctor and do not hesitate to seek help.

Also Read This Article: Playpens and Play Yards: Safe and Fun Spaces 

 

Back to blog