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Tips
on Offering Bottles
When offering the bottle, it's often best to offer a small amount,
1/2 to 1 oz of breastmilk, at a time when the baby isn't too hungry.
Offer the bottle in a low key way. Encourage baby to open wide for
the bottle like he should be for the breast by stroking his lips from
nose to chin with the nipple, until he opens, then gently allow him
to accept the bottle into his mouth and allow the milk to flow into
the nipple.
Here are things that have worked for other moms:
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Let someone
else besides mom give the bottle. Baby associates mom with the
pleasure of nursing, and will often hold out for the real thing.
Mom may need to be out of the room, or even out of the house.
-
Try offering
the bottle when baby is not very hungry.
-
Wrap the
bottle in a piece of mom's clothing (or a diaper, men's hankie,
or hand towel that you have slept with ), so that it smells
like mom.
-
Instead
of pushing the bottle into baby's mouth, try laying it near
his mouth and allow him to pull it in himself. Or, tickle baby's
mouth with the bottle nipple to get him to draw it in.
-
Try using
different temperatures when offering the milk - some babies
will take it cold, others barely warm, and still others prefer
it VERY warm (but not hot of course)
-
Run warm
water over the bottle nipple to bring it up to body temperature.
If baby is teething, cooling the nipple in the refrigerator
may help.
-
Try different
bottle nipples to find a shape and substance (rubber or silicone)
baby will accept.
-
Try different
feeding positions. Different babies prefer the nursing position,
sitting propped up on caregiver's legs (like sitting in an infant
seat), or being held facing out with baby's back against caregiver's
chest.
-
Try giving
the bottle while moving rhythmically: rocking, walking or swaying
side to side. Some babies who refuse a bottle at other times
will take one when riding in a car seat.
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Try giving
bottle to baby when he's sleeping.
-
Continue
to try other methods of feeding: sippy cup, regular cup, spoon,
eyedropper.
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Copyright © 2000 - 2006 Jim Yount
Send email to Paula Yount for any questions or comments about this site.
Disclaimer:
The pages contained herein are meant purely for informational purposes
and every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
This information, however, is not meant to take the place of your doctor,
nor should the information contained on this web site be considered specific
medical advice with respect to any specific person and/or any specific
condition. The author, therefore respectfully but specifically disclaims
any liability, loss or risk - personal or otherwise - that is, or may
be, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from use or application
of any of the information provided on this web site.
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