Bottle Refusal
Sep 16, 2025
For some parents, introducing a bottle is straightforward. For others, it can feel like a battle of wills. If your baby is refusing the bottle, you’re not alone—it’s a common challenge, especially for older exclusively breastfed babies. The good news? With patience, training, consistency, and the right strategies, most babies adapt in time.
Why Do Babies Refuse the Bottle?
There are several reasons your baby may turn away, cry, or refuse to drink from a bottle:
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Preference for breastfeeding — Babies who are exclusively breastfed may prefer the comfort, taste, smell, and flow of nursing.
- Developmental stage — newborn babies have an automatic response to suck that starts to diminish and disappear from around 4 months of age. Introducing a bottle later after 6 months of age is therefore significantly more difficult.
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Timing — If a baby isn’t truly hungry or is overtired, they’re less likely to accept the bottle.
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Teat — The feel and flow of a teat can take time for a baby to get used to. If the flow is too fast or too slow, it can cause frustration.
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Temperature or taste — Babies notice changes in milk taste and warmth or taste.
Tips to Help with Bottle Refusal
1. Pick the Right Time
Offer the bottle when your baby is calm and a little hungry—not crying or overtired. Mid-morning or early afternoon often works well.
2. Try Different Caregivers
Sometimes babies refuse bottles from the breastfeeding parent because they can smell and expect the breast. Having a partner, grandparent, or other caregiver (such as at daycare) offer the bottle can help. In some cases, it may work best if the breastfeeding parent leaves the house.
3. Adjust Temperature and Taste
Warm the milk to body temperature if your baby is used to breastfeeding. If using expressed breast milk, be mindful of storage, as taste can change.
4. Use a Calm, Familiar Setting
Hold your baby close, in a semi-upright position, with eye contact and gentle rocking. Skin-to-skin contact may also help.
5. Try Movement or Distraction
Walking around, rocking, or softly singing while offering the bottle can sometimes encourage acceptance.
6.Be Patient, Consistent, and Keep Trying
Introduce the bottle gradually, starting with once a day. Persistence without pressure is key—forcing a bottle can increase stress for both you and your baby.
7. Experiment with Teats, Bottles or Cups
Not all teats are the same. Try a few different shapes and flows to see what your baby prefers. A slow-flow teat can mimic breastfeeding more closely. If your child is old enough, you might also try an open cup or straw cup.
When to Seek Help
If bottle refusal continues despite trying different strategies, or if your baby is struggling with weight gain, hydration, or overall feeding, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional.