Baby Refusing the Bottle? 10 Tips to Help with the Transition

Whether you're planning to combo feed or heading back to work, the transition from breast to bottle takes patience, love, and a little trial and error. It’s completely normal for your baby to need some time to adjust to the new routine. Here are some gentle, practical ways to help your baby get comfortable with bottle feeding—without pressure or stress for either of you.

Baby POV: What is this? 👶

1. Timing Really Matters

It might sound small, but timing can make all the difference. Babies tend to be more open to trying something new when they are relaxed. Try offering the bottle when your baby is calm—not too hungry, not overtired. Mid-morning or just before a nap can be a sweet spot for many. Avoid times when your little one is already fussy or very hungry—that’s when comfort habits kick in the hardest.

2. Let Someone Else Try Babies often associate feeding with the breast/mom, so when she offers a bottle it can be confusing to them at first. That’s why it can help if someone else like a partner, grandparent, or trusted caregiver gives the bottle instead. In some cases, it’s even helpful if mom steps out of the room (or the house) during those early bottle tries to give baby a fresh experience without the usual cues for breastfeeding.

Mom's not here? I guess I'll try this

3. Switch Up the Position We tend to think babies must be cradled to feed, but bottle feeding doesn’t have to copy breastfeeding. Some babies prefer being held more upright, facing out, or even sitting propped up on your lap. You can try a walk-and-feed approach, gently bouncing or swaying while offering the bottle. Movement can be surprisingly soothing. Bonus tip: Try a quiet, dimly lit room if your baby gets overstimulated easily.

4. Let Baby Lead

Instead of putting the bottle straight into their mouth, try offering it gently. Tickle your baby's upper lip with the nipple and wait for them to open wide. This mimics how they latch during nursing. Encourage them to draw the nipple in themselves and always aim for a deep latch around the wider base—not just the tip.

Baby POV: Seems like mom but not mom. 🤔Not bad.

5. Try a Few Bottles and Nipples

Just like adults have cup preferences, babies sometimes have nipple preferences. Try slow-flow nipples that are long and straight, or ones designed to feel more like the breast. Don’t be discouraged if the first one doesn’t work, it’s okay to experiment a little. Bonus tip: Let your baby suck on the nipple without the bottle attached first to help them get used to the feel.

6. Play With Temperature

Some babies prefer milk that’s warm like fresh breast milk, while others are fine with room temperature or even cool milk. You can even try warming the nipple itself before feeding. And if your baby is teething, a slightly chilled nipple might be soothing.

7. Use Familiar Scents

Babies are also comforted by smell. So, for anyone that is not mom, try keeping a shirt or cloth that smells like her close to baby when you are introducing the bottle. That little sensory link can sometimes make a big difference.

8. Start Small and Build Up

You don’t need to go full bottle mode all at once. Start with small practice sessions—maybe just an ounce or two, once a day. Let your baby explore without pressure and if there is fussing, that’s okay. Pause, cuddle, and try again later. Slow and steady really does win this race.

9. Explore Other Feeding Tools

If your baby is older (around 4 months+), they might enjoy trying sippy cups, open cups, or even soft spoons. Breast milk popsicles can be a fun, soothing option too—especially during warmer months or teething times.

10. Be Gentle with Yourself

This transition doesn’t always happen overnight. Some babies take a little longer to warm up to the bottle, especially if they’ve been exclusively breastfeeding. Consistency, patience, and love go a long way. Do you have any special tips of your own? Share them with us below. We'd love to hear from you.