My little one has been exclusive breastfed for the last 4 months and I am considering introducing one formula feed at night. We have tried to give him 3 formula feeds so far and he has refused it. He is definitely taking the bottle as we had one bottle with breast milk and he would take that. Any advice?
Baby won't take a formula feed
- Thread starter cxflygirl
- Start date
erina320
Registered User
Why give formula? Breast is best.
Have you tried letting someone else give the bottle?
Formula taste horrible compared to breast milk! Maybe try a different brand that may taste better to your LO.
But honestly, I would just stick with BM personally at least till 6 months.
Have you tried letting someone else give the bottle?
Formula taste horrible compared to breast milk! Maybe try a different brand that may taste better to your LO.
But honestly, I would just stick with BM personally at least till 6 months.
Cxflygirl -- First of all, good job for BFing so far. Don't feel bad about asking the question. Ideally, everyone should BF 100%, but sometimes we have to find compromises.
When I told my doctor I was sometimes supplementing with formula, he said he still considered that exclusive BFing so long as I wasn't using more than 1 bottle a day. Sometimes women have to start weening, or have to go back to work, or simply have lower milk levels at night.
Anyway... we had the same issue with our daughter, who refused all bottles at first, with breastmilk or formula.
Do have a helper or partner try it. Babies know when mommy's around, and will refuse it because they know BFing is an option.
Sometimes, I'd take a relaxing 15 minute walk outside and let my helper try. Maybe the baby could also feel my own nervousness at her not taking the bottle.
Or try different formula brands. We use Hipp organic, and my mostly BF daughter loves it (now).
And keep with it. 3 tries is not very much. Good luck!
When I told my doctor I was sometimes supplementing with formula, he said he still considered that exclusive BFing so long as I wasn't using more than 1 bottle a day. Sometimes women have to start weening, or have to go back to work, or simply have lower milk levels at night.
Anyway... we had the same issue with our daughter, who refused all bottles at first, with breastmilk or formula.
Do have a helper or partner try it. Babies know when mommy's around, and will refuse it because they know BFing is an option.
Sometimes, I'd take a relaxing 15 minute walk outside and let my helper try. Maybe the baby could also feel my own nervousness at her not taking the bottle.
Or try different formula brands. We use Hipp organic, and my mostly BF daughter loves it (now).
And keep with it. 3 tries is not very much. Good luck!