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Many breastfed babies initially refuse bottles. Parents often try different teats, offer when baby is calm, and let someone else give the bottle while mom is out of sight.
⚠️ Caution:See a doctor sooner if baby has vomiting, fever, blood in stool, poor feeding, or a hard swollen belly.
Parents panic when poop gaps get very long and relatives suggest harsh remedies. Moms often recommend watching diapers and baby’s comfort, and getting medical guidance if the gap becomes extreme or baby seems distressed.
Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.
Moms suggest having someone else offer the bottle while you stay out of sight so baby doesn’t smell your milk and demand the breast.
Trying at a calm time (not when baby is starving), and being patient with very small amounts at first can help.
Some babies never take a pacifier but eventually accept one specific bottle teat after a lot of trial and error.
US lactation consultants often recommend introducing an occasional bottle once breastfeeding is established, and if baby resists, to keep sessions short, stress-free, and led by another caregiver.
Try a katori (small bowl) and spoon, or a steel feeder, so the baby gets some relief for now. Sometimes they're whiny for a moment and once they settle they'll take the same bottle.
Have someone else (a family member) give the bottle while you are out of sight in a different room - even one feed a day, like a night feed, helps them gradually get used to being fed by someone other than you. When they're really hungry, they will feed.
Try wide-breast nipples that mimic breastfeeding, e.g. the Chicco Natural Feeling Nipple (0+ months, soft silicone slow-flow teat). It could also be the flow - changing to a larger flow nipple fixed it for my child.
Start going out of the house for 3-4 hours so the caregiver can give formula, pumped milk and solids - the baby learns to take a bottle when you're not around. You can pump and freeze milk for them to thaw, or switch to formula.
If nothing works, offer the breast - it's never empty. Don't stress about supply; while she's latching it will increase.
The information shared on this page comes from real experiences of mothers in our community. While we strive to provide helpful insights, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician, healthcare provider, or other qualified medical professional for any questions regarding your child's health or development.
Last reviewed: January 12, 2026
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