Breastfed babies often have a hard time transitioning from breast to bottle.  You can’t really blame them for wanting the warmth and comfort of being fed directly from mom’s breast as opposed to a bottle.  However, for most families it is necessary to introduce a bottle at some point as mom will return to work, or at the very least need to be away from the home for short periods of time.

Whether your baby will be taking a from a bottle after you return to work or you simply want them to be able to take a bottle occasionally when you are away from the home it is important to make sure that breastfeeding is firmly established prior to introducing the bottle.  Most lactation consultants recommend waiting 3-4 weeks before introducing a bottle to make sure that breastfeeding is well established and the baby is less likely to suffer from nipple confusion.  Since it is important to have the baby comfortable with the bottle well before you return to work you should begin to introduce the bottle 2 weeks prior to returning to work so that all the wrinkles can be ironed out well before you need her to take the bottle.

Here are a few tips for successfully introducing your breastfed baby to a bottle.

  • When you first begin to offer the bottle do so a little earlier than the baby’s regular feeding time.  The baby will be hungry and interested in eating but not so hungry that he will get easily frustrated.
  • Let someone else give her the first couple of bottles.  If you attempt to give her the bottle she will wonder why she is being given a cold bottle nipple instead of the warm (and familiar) breast nipple.  If possible consider having the person that will care for your baby while you are away from the home give her the bottle.
  • If your baby is having trouble taking to the bottle consider being away from the home when she is given her first few bottles.  A baby can smell her mother from up to 20 feet away which can cause confusion when you are trying to get her to take a bottle.
  • If you have been using a pacifier purchase a bottle nipple with a similar shape and feel to help him feel comfortable with the nipple and less likely to refuse it.
  • Hold your baby in a different position than you do for breastfeeding.  If someone else is giving him the bottle they may be able to hold him like you do for breastfeeding, but you may find you have to use a different hold so he doesn’t get confused.
  • Let your baby play with and become familiar with the bottle nipple prior to introducing the actual bottle so it isn’t so foreign to her.

The introduction of a bottle to a breastfed baby can be a challenge.  Take it slow.  Give yourself and the baby plenty of time to get familiar with the new process prior to it being necessary.  If the baby gets overly frustrated return to breastfeeding for that feeding and try again at the next feeding.  It won’t help anyone if the baby (and you) are frustrated.

Talk to your pediatrician about any questions or concerns you have.  Also, talk to other moms for tips and suggestions of things that worked for them.

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