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The situation where a newborn refuses the bottle is not uncommon. If you're part of parenting forums or communities, you've likely come across posts expressing frustration because their baby won't take the bottle, no matter what. So, what solutions can help babies bottle-feed better while relieving mothers' stress and tension on this issue?
When a baby refuses the bottle, mothers should first avoid getting overly stressed and tired. Forcing the bottle on the baby can increase their anxiety. Babies are accustomed to breastfeeding, feeling the warmth of their mother's touch and the deep emotional connection. Abruptly switching to bottle feeding can be challenging. Some babies may take to the bottle right away, but most require time to get used to it. There are cases where babies adamantly refuse the bottle.
1. Choose the Right Bottle and Nipple.
– The first thing mothers should do when introducing bottle feeding is choosing a soft, high-quality bottle. The nipple's flow rate should match the baby's sucking strength, and the bottle should have an anti-colic system to prevent gas and discomfort. There are various bottle options on the market. If the nipple is too hard, the baby may not enjoy feeding and may struggle during the process. This is a significant reason why babies resist bottle feeding.
– Some bottles are made from safe, BPA-free materials. Soft nipples recommended by experienced mothers include:
+ Pigeon Baby Bottle: known as the 'miracle' bottle with a soft nipple and a wide neck design, made from safe PPSU material.
+ Comotomo Baby Bottle: designed for babies who resist bottle feeding, made of 90% soft silicone, mimicking the mother's nipple for a more natural feel.
+ Dr. Brown's Baby Bottle: a top-rated bottle in the US, recommended by doctors. It features a unique anti-colic vent system that eliminates excess air in the bottle, preventing gas and discomfort for the baby.
+ Nuk Baby Bottle:
2. Combine Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding.
– To train your baby to bottle-feed, seamlessly integrate breastfeeding and bottle feeding. For each breastfeeding session, mirror it with a bottle-feeding one; express breast milk and fill the bottle for the baby to feed. This way, the baby becomes familiar with bottle feeding and won't feel unfamiliar with the bottle anymore. This approach helps prevent the baby from becoming dependent on a specific feeding method.
3. Practice Bottle Feeding with Breast Milk.
– When introducing bottle feeding, it's best to express breast milk and use it in the bottle for the baby to get used to. Avoid using formula right away, as it differs from breast milk, and the baby will notice, possibly refusing the bottle.
Regardless of the method chosen, mothers need patience, gently guiding the baby to bottle feed with love. The more stressed and forceful the mother is, the more likely the baby will resist. Therefore, a relaxed mindset is the most comfortable approach. Hopefully, the above methods provide some assistance for mothers.
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