Getting breastfed babies to accept their first bottle

To begin with, it is essential to understand that it will be too complicated for the baby for the breastfeeding mother to give a bottle, at least initially.

1. Involve someone else

If possible, ask someone else, such as dad or another family member, to give the first bottle. Baby often associates mum with breastfeeding, and may be reluctant to accept a bottle if she offers it to him. By delegating this task to someone else, you reduce the risk of baby being distracted or confused by mum's presence. It can also help to reduce stress and avoid any indirect pressure.


Baby already has feeding habits with mum, and it's hard to understand why she'd suggest something different.

2. Magic tip, physiological tip: in water

To get a baby who refuses to take the 1st bottle to accept it, you can try sitting in water: in a shantala-type bathtub, or sitting in the bath against a co-parent (father, godmother, grandmother, nanny, any other attachment figure).

Babies do indeed have a sucking reflex when they're in water, just as they did during their life in utero; they lap up the water like a little cat. That's another reason why shantala-style seated baths are so great!!!! baby loves them!

Here's a great video showing 2-month-old baby in the Shantala bath! You can see baby trying to ‘taste’ the water. It's a perfect illustration of uterine life, associated with a comfortable and pleasant life for baby.

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3. Stay calm and patient

The first bottle may not go as planned. Baby may refuse the bottle, push instinctively or become agitated. Stay calm and don't panic. If baby refuses to take the bottle, give him a little time and try again later. Don't forget that introducing a bottle can take time. Patience and perseverance are essential.

4. Never force baby

It is essential never to force baby to take a bottle. If baby refuses outright, wait until he is calm and relaxed before trying again. Sometimes pressure or tension can make refusal worse. The bottle should be offered in a positive, stress-free way, to prevent the experience becoming an unpleasant one.

5.  Introduce the bottle gradually

The switch from breast to bottle doesn't have to be sudden. Instead of replacing a full feed with a bottle, you can start by introducing the bottle during one of the less important feeds of the day, such as the afternoon feed. This allows you to maintain the breastfeeding routine while gradually getting baby used to the idea of a bottle.

For example, you could offer a bottle for one of the meals, then continue breastfeeding for the rest of the meals. You can also opt for times when baby is more relaxed, such as after a nap or before a walk.

6. Play with the temperature of the milk

Some babies are very sensitive to the temperature of the milk. Try different temperatures (slightly warmer or colder) to see what your baby prefers. The ideal temperature will vary according to your baby's personal preferences, but as a general rule, slightly lukewarm milk is often more acceptable.

7. Be flexible

Don't be discouraged if the first few attempts fail. Every child is different and what works for one will not necessarily work for another. Be prepared to adapt your methods to your child's reaction. If necessary, take a break before trying again or try other bottles or teats.

8. Associating bottle-feeding with a calm and pleasant moment

To make the experience more pleasant for baby, it can be helpful to integrate bottle-feeding into a calm, comforting moment. Create a soothing atmosphere, with subdued lighting, soft music or a cuddle before the bottle feed. This approach can reassure baby and help him to associate bottle-feeding with a moment of comfort.

9. Be persistent, but respect your baby's needs

Each baby has his own rhythm, and some adapt more slowly than others to bottle-feeding. If your baby refuses the bottle, don't give up, but respect his needs and emotions. If necessary, take breaks during the introduction of the bottle and try again at another time. The transition will probably become easier with time.

In conclusion

Getting a breastfed baby to accept his first bottle takes time, patience and a gentle approach. By choosing the right moment, being flexible and respecting your baby's preferences, you can make this transition a success. Remember that each stage in your baby's life is unique, and that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way of doing things. Be patient and listen to your baby's needs, and this new feeding phase will go more smoothly for both of you.

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Discover the Ma Petite Laine birth cocoon:

Innovation for baby's sleep

Created by a paediatric physiotherapist, baby sleeps without flinching.