From Nursing to Bottles

Transitioning a baby from nursing to bottles can be a tough task! While some babies transition beautifully, others do not. Many do it because they do not want to nurse anymore, cannot nurse anymore, or have to go back to work. Here are a few tips to try and help the transition easier!

 

Tip #1: Start trying to use bottles somewhere between 2-6 weeks of age. This could just be one bottle a day. This will hopefully prevent the baby from getting so used to nursing and so good at it that they hate bottles and refused to use them. You can still pump and put your breastmilk in the bottle, in fact this is recommended. Even put some in the very bottom of the nipple so they taste it as soon as they suck.
 

Tip #2: Take it slow. Don't only nurse one day and then try all bottles the next. This is a transition and your baby needs to be able to adapt. Slowly introduce more and more bottles over time.

 

Tip #3: Have daddy or someone else give them the bottles (until they are used to it). If the baby sees or smells mommy (Yes, they know your smell!) they may refuse to take the bottle knowing you are near! Try to be out of the room when this happens!

 

Tip #4: Stick with it! Your baby may really have a hard time transitioning to a bottle. Don't give up! I know it is hard on you both, but they will get it!
 

Tip #5: Try different bottles/nipples. I did a review on bottles here. Check it out. We used Playtex VentAire and loved them! However, your baby may not. You may have to try several bottles before they find one that makes them happy and most "resembles" you. Also, make sure the nipple is the right size and flow (it should be slow.)


Tip #6: Try different temperatures of the milk. You obviously want it warm and not hot, but you can try different temperatures of warmth. If you are really need to, pump your milk and measure the temperature right away and try to get it as close to that as possible.

Tip #7: Try holding your baby in different positions when getting the bottle. It may not be the bottle itself. It is possible when they drink from a bottle they get more gas or have a hard time eating in that position. Some examples you can look up would be the following: Cradle hold, Cross-over hold, Football hold, and Reclining Position. These are especially good for nursing but can be used with bottles. Also, you may need to sit them up a lot to feed the bottle to help reduce gas and improve digestion.



That is it for now! Good luck!
Email me with any questions you would like me to address!!

Until next time,