Introducing a bottle
If you decide to introduce your breastfed baby to bottle-feeding, wait until she is at least 3 to 5 weeks old. Switching from breast to bottle too early may confuse your baby because bottle-feeding requires a different sucking pattern.
Start by replacing just one midday breastfeeding with a bottle of breastmilk or iron-fortified formula. After several days replace another daily breastfeeding. Continue this way until you’re at the number of breastfeedings you want to maintain.
To help your baby accept those first few bottles, allow her to nurse briefly at your breast. While your baby is still hungry, offer the bottle to her. If she refuses the artificial nipple, return her to your breast for a few minutes. If she still is unwilling to take the bottle, finish breastfeeding and try a bottle again tomorrow.
Did you know?
GERBER® NUK® bottles and pacifiers promote your baby’s natural sucking pattern. NUK supports seamless switching between breast and bottle, making the transition natural for your baby.
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GERBER® NUK® Wide Neck Bottles & Nipples
Now there’s a bottle that simulates breastfeeding.
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