Tips for Getting Your Baby to Take a Bottle

Start early (but not too early). Once you have gotten the hang of nursing, around week 3, you can consider introducing a bottle to your baby. You can start by offering the bottle during a dream feed or when your baby is less hungry.

Use a slow-flow nipple. A slow-flow nipple will help your baby adjust to the milk flow from the bottle. You can start with a preemie nipple and switch to a slower flow nipple as needed.

Let your baby smell the milk. Before you offer the bottle, let your baby smell the milk. This will help them to become familiar with the smell and taste of the milk.

Offer the bottle in a comfortable position. You should be sitting or lying in a comfortable position when you offer the bottle to your baby. This will help to relax your baby and make them more likely to accept the bottle.

Be patient. It may take some time for your baby to get used to the bottle. Do not force the bottle on your baby, and be patient.