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Introducing Bottle Feeding

Question

I'd like to occasionally feed my baby breastmilk from a bottle. Do you have suggestions?

Answer

The right time to introduce your little one to a bottle is only after breastfeeding is going well and your baby is around 4 weeks old. If your baby is having feeding problems, particularly with latching-on, it’s best to avoid any bottle-feeding until she’s breastfeeding easily. Switching from breast to bottle too early may confuse a young baby because bottle-feeding requires a completely different sucking pattern.

Give the bottle

Feed your baby expressed breastmilk in a bottle once a day or every other day. If your baby is 2 months and older, it may be difficult for her to accept bottle-feeding because she has become used to breastfeeding.

In this case, another person such as Dad or a relative may need to lend a hand. Your baby knows you and can easily sense your skin and touch as well as your presence. Some mothers may need to leave the room while another person bottle-feeds the baby. Be patient and calm. Try bottle-feeding your baby when she’s not hungry and somewhat sleepy so she will be more apt to take a bottle.

MEET OUR EXPERTS

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Meet Our Experts

The START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center panel of experts offers practical advice, answering many questions typically asked by parents and expecting parents.

Lillian M. Beard, M.D. Pediatric Health

Lillian M. Beard, M.D., is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national TV programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in the Washington, D.C., area.

José M. Saavedra, M.D., FAAP Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

José M. Saavedra, M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a pediatric gastroenterologist with long-term experience and expertise in nutrition. Medical and Scientific Director of Nestlé Nutrition North America, Dr. Saavedra is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, the Sub-board of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and the American Board of Nutrition. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins-Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. Prenatal Health

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. is professor of obstetrics and gynecology and is former chairperson of the ob/gyn department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor to national health agencies concerned with women's health issues and has received numerous international honors for this work.

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. Food Intolerances

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. is professor of pediatrics emeritus and former head of the pediatric immunology and allergy division at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla, California. Professor Hamburger is a consultant and continues as an educator and clinician in the UCSD Free Clinics in San Diego and Tijuana, Baja California.

Sharing feeding time Tips for introducing the bottle Introducing a bottle