C.M. asks from Huntington Beach, CA on December 08, 2008
Gettng Child to Take a Bottle
I have 7 1/2 month old b/g twins. My daughter has no issue taking a bottle from someone else, but by son refuses. He will not take formula or breastmilk from a bottle. He just wants mommy. Last night my husband and I had date night and he cried from 8:30pm until 10pm when we returned and I fed him. How can I encourage him to take a bottle?
Featured Answers
More Answers
D.M. answers from Los Angeles on December 08, 2008
Greetings!
Have you tried different kinds of bottles? It took me three different kinds before we ended up with Playtex Drop-ins.
I wouldn't start him on a cup just yet, he needs to be on something that he can get sustained amounts from. Try working with different kinds of nipples/bottles that feel more natural and less like a bottle.
Also, have you tried feeding him with the bottle? He may just be needing Mommy's scent nearby and warmth. So, if that's it then try tricking him with a blanket that you've slept with and has grabbed your scent.
Good Luck.
1 mom found this helpful
M.R. answers from Los Angeles on December 09, 2008
Every child is different. I think you should be glad your son wants to nurse. That's a very good thing. He may need more nurturing. You may start seeing his love language. Have you read the five love languages of children. I bet his may be touch. Seems he likes to be close to you. Your daughter must have a different love language. Maybe praise or one of the other ones. Look at the book next time your on line or at a book store. M. R
1 mom found this helpful
S.H. answers from Honolulu on December 08, 2008
I had great success with the "MAM" brand. My son LOVED these bottles.
You can get it from www.amazon.com
It is also BPA free.
Maybe he is having a growth spurt and just needs you more as their intake naturally increases at these periods. Or, if a baby is ill or getting sick, sometimes they just get more clingy. ALSO, this is also a time where "separation anxiety" crops up in some babies. My kids, got separation anxiety from about 6 months old.
Good luck,
Susan
L.S. answers from Los Angeles on December 09, 2008
OH, I do feel for you. I had the exact same issue w/ my daughter. I breasfed exclusively and went back to work after four months. My mother-in-law watched her while I worked and my daughter would absolutely refuse the pumped breastmilk bottle. We tried everything. I read up on it, it's quite common for baby to refuse the bottle until mom gets home. Then, of course, they power-nurse! So, I had a little nighttime power nurser. We shared a family bed to make it easier on me, but I often went into work groggy. It's not for everyone, but it worked for us. Best of luck!
H.S. answers from Los Angeles on December 09, 2008
Dear C M,
Some children do not take nipples...other than mom's. My second son was like this and we tried all kinds of different nipples. He also would not take a pacifier. He knew what he wanted and was strong willed...still is:)
I know it is hard, but he should start eating solid foods soon and will drink from a tippy cup and then nursing can be postponed when someone is caring for him by feeding him other things. This is the only thing that ever worked for me. I always had to nurse him...nobody else could give him a bottle. He is very smart and knew what he wanted. Apparently you have on like this and you will have to adjust to it until he gets a little older.
Have a blessed Christmas and enjoy those beautiful gifts of God.
H.
A.A. answers from Las Vegas on December 19, 2008
Try those new sothie niples..or any niples that are similar to your niple on your breast!
D.D. answers from Los Angeles on December 09, 2008
put a faster flow nipple on it so it's easier to the milk out also add a little chocolate ovalteen to it to give it a tastier flavor.
S.F. answers from Los Angeles on December 22, 2008
I wish I had better news for you. We had the same problem with our first son. My husband went through all kinds of unhappiness trying to get him to take a bottle -- I had to go back to work.
First piece of advice: you can't be there. If the baby knows that the "goods" are available he'll hold out for the real thing.
Get some dental syringes -- you can shoot BM or formula into his mouth to make sure he's not starving. Small
Keep trying different bottles until you find the one he likes. I think we tried EVERYTHING. Seriously. He finally settled on Dr. Browns bottles. Have your spouse hang in there and eventually it will work.
I hope someone has some better advice; I do have a lot of commiseration, however. I know what you're going through and I don't think you're doing anything wrong.
Email