5 Month Old Refuses Bottle

I had the same problem with my second son. You might try a sippy cup. However, I was never able to get my son to drink my breastmilk from a bottle or cup (even when I wasn't there). Some of these babies are very smart and very particular and really want the breastmilk straight from mama. One thing you might consider is bringing the baby and a babysitter with you to the conference. They can then bring the baby to you when they need to be fed or you can slip out of the conference for a brief time.

The good thing about this situation is that you are very close to being able to add solids, so the problem gets so much easier. I ended up reserving the solids for when the baby and I were separated and then breastfed all other times until he was 9 mos. old. Following this approach, he breastfed for a very long time. The good thing is that there never was an issue of weaning him from the bottle.

Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

My youngest was the same way! At 5 months I gave her a soft spout Nuby sippy cup and she took it well, so when I had to leave her with my husband, I would just put breastmilk in it. It was messy, but she took it and that's what I cared about.
Also, she is old enough for rice cereal mixed with breastmilk or applesauce. So, if you want a filler, use that.

I used the Breastflow bottles. Also, make sure it is someone beside yourslef giving her the bottle.

Who is giving her the bottles? Babies usually won't take them from a breastfeeding Mom but will from people that they don't associate with the breast.

My sister had the same problem with her daughter not taking any bottles and freaked out about it when the time to go to Day Care came @ 11 weeks. They ended up having to use the old latex Platex drop-ins exclusively.

I think it's just going to have to be a trial and error approach until you find something that works. It will likely be expensive. Good luck.

We had the exact same problem with my daughter. She NEVER took a bottle. She would rather scream herself to sleep than take a bottle. It was pretty aggravating and stressful at times. At five months we introduced a sippy cup (the Gerber soft spout). She took to it really fast, within days. And she would take breast milk from it. It's worth a shot. GL!

We used the breastflow bottles by first year - they simulate breastfeeding by using two nipples that requires the baby to use the same motion as nursing. My daughter went back and forth easily.

my son jax did that dont worry when she is hungry enough she will eat i know it sounds harsh but it works and its harder on you then it is on her. corie

I had a similar problem. My daughter wouldn't take ANY milk products from any source but me. She never did take a bottle. We finally got her to start using a sippee cup with propel. If you've already introduced food, see what other drinks she may accept instead of milk, like diluted juices (V-Fusion is a personal favorite). The hard part will be bedtime, but she'll eventually get tired enough to fall asleep. Biggest thing to remember - however unhappy she will be, she will survive and learn to adapt. It will be hard on you, but just know how wonderful it will be when you return!

You said she will take 2-3 ounces during the day. My guess is she will also take that much or more when you are not there to nurse her. We also had problems with taking bottle and I would have been thrilled for both mine to take any milk from a bottle. We had the best luck starting with the laxex platex drop-in (maybe the laxtex feels more real) and then the advent. Also your daughter will be almost 6 months. Talk to your pedi about introducing solids.
I this is very stressful. She is eating a little from the bottle which is great. And 3 days is not long. I am sure she will be fine and your short trip will be a big milestone for the both of you.
Best of luck.

Something to remember...she won't starve herself, even though it may seem that way. She will eat when she needs to.

It took my Mary Beth a while to take to the bottle as well, but you have to keep trying and be patient. Instead of breastfeeding her in the morning or at night, keep trying the bottle then so she will recognize it as a source of nourishment. You have to remain strong. If she takes 2-3 ounces while you're at work, she will do it before and after as well -- you just have to train her and be firm.

Can't help with the type of bottle - - my kids were born in the '80s and a lot has changed since then. But one piece of advice I can give - - don't forget to pack a breast pump with! (And an electrical adapter, if going overseas.) Give yourself plenty of extra time in the mornings before conference sessions begin, say between showering and blow-drying hair, to sit, breath deep, relax, and pump. The mom below was right. It will be harder on you than your baby.