The challenge of finding a bottle for breastfed babies who refuse
Many mothers who breastfeed their babies find out that, at some point, they need or want to introduce bottles for feedings. This can be because they are returning to work, because they want to share feeding duties with a partner, or simply because they need a break from the constant breastfeeding demands. However, not all babies take easily to bottles, especially if they have been exclusively or predominantly breastfed for a while. Some babies refuse bottles altogether, while others may accept them but with difficulty, leading to frustration and stress for both parents and baby. The key to finding the best baby bottle for breastfed babies who refuse is to understand what features to look for and what brands to trust.
Features to look for in baby bottles for breastfed babies
When shopping for baby bottles that are designed to mimic the breastfeeding experience, there are a few key features to consider:
- Shape: Look for bottles that have a wide, breast-like or nipple-like shape, instead of traditional narrow or angled ones. This will help the baby latch on and suck more easily, as well as simulate the natural motion of breastfeeding.
- Material: Choose bottles that are made of safe, BPA-free, and phthalate-free materials, such as glass, silicone, or polypropylene. These materials are less likely to cause allergic reactions, irritations, or odors. In addition, try to avoid bottles with multiple parts or hidden crevices that can be hard to clean and harbor bacteria.
- Flow: Look for bottles that offer various flow rates or levels, depending on your baby’s age and feeding habits. Some babies may prefer slower or faster flows, depending on their preferences or needs. You can also try using bottles with anti-colic or anti-reflux features, such as venting systems, to reduce gas and spit-up.
- Size: Choose bottles that come in different sizes, based on your baby’s appetite and age. Some babies may need smaller or larger bottles, depending on how often they feed and how much milk they consume. Also, consider the size and shape of the bottle’s nipple or tip, as it should fit comfortably in your baby’s mouth.
- Compatibility: Make sure to choose bottles that are compatible with your breast pump and storage bags, if you are planning to express and store breast milk. This will save you time and hassle when transferring milk from one container to another.
Top baby bottle brands for breastfed babies who refuse
Here are some of the best baby bottle brands that are recommended by lactation consultants, pediatricians, and parents:
- nanobébé: This brand specializes in breastmilk-focused feeding products, including bottles that are designed to preserve the nutrients in breast milk and mimic the breast’s natural shape and flow. Nanobébé bottles also come with a warming cup, a storage solution, and a breast pump adapter.
- mimijumi: This brand offers bottles that are made to resemble the breast not only in shape but also in texture and feel. Mimijumi nipples are made of medical-grade silicone and offer a natural latch and suck experience.
- Medela: This brand is well-known for its breast pumps, but it also offers bottles that are compatible with its pump and storage bags. Medela bottles come in various sizes and flow rates, and they also feature Calma technology, which mimics the baby’s natural feeding behavior and minimizes air swallowing.
- Lansinoh: This brand offers bottles that are designed to resemble the breast’s shape and texture, with a wide base and a soft nipple. Lansinoh bottles are also compatible with most breast pumps and have an ergonomic shape for easy handling.
- Philips Avent: This brand has been around for decades and offers a wide range of bottles for different needs and preferences. Avent Natural bottles feature a wide breast-shaped nipple, anti-colic valves, and a heat resistance that makes them easy to clean and sterilize. Avent also offers bottles with different flow rates and sizes, as well as a compatibility with their breast pumps and storage systems.
Tips for introducing bottles to breastfed babies
Introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby can be a challenging process, but with the following tips, you can increase your chances of success:
- Start early: It’s always better to introduce a bottle to your baby when they are still young and haven’t fully refused it yet. The longer you wait, the more attached your baby may become to breastfeeding and the harder it may be to switch.
- Be patient: It may take some trial and error to find the right bottle and nipple for your baby. Don’t give up after the first rejection or frustration. Try different positions, temperatures, and caregivers. Also, don’t force the bottle on the baby or rush the feeding process.
- Make it familiar: Try to make the feeding experience as similar to breastfeeding as possible. Use a breast pump to express milk that smells and tastes like your breast milk. Hold your baby close to your body, skin-to-skin, and talk or sing to them. Mimic the pauses and rhythm of breastfeeding.
- Choose the right time: Pick a time when your baby is hungry but not starving or overly tired. Offer the bottle before or after a regular feeding and try to avoid switching back and forth between breast and bottle in the same feeding session.
- Involve others: Sometimes, babies may refuse a bottle from their mother because they associate her with breastfeeding. Try to have someone else, such as a partner, family member, or babysitter, offer the bottle instead. Your absence may also make the baby more willing to try something new.
Finding the best bottle for your breastfed baby
Introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby who refuses can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and the right bottle, you can make the transition smoother and less stressful for everyone. Remember to look for bottles that have a wide nipple-like shape, safe materials, various flow rates, different sizes, and compatibility with your breast pump and storage bags. Also, consider trying different brands, such as nanobébé, mimijumi, Medela, Lansinoh, or Philips Avent, to see what works best for your baby’s needs and preferences. Finally, don’t forget to be patient, involve others, make it familiar, and choose the right time and circumstances when introducing the bottle to your baby.
