Transitioning Between Breast and Bottle Feeding

Terressa Patterson RN BSN MS IBCLC

In partnership with Dr. Brown's Company

Transitioning between breast and bottle can take patience, but with consistency most babies adjust well.

Paced bottle feeding is a helpful method because it slows the flow and more closely mimics breastfeeding. Hold the bottle horizontally, offer pauses, and switch sides to simulate how milk flows at the breast. Using a slow flow nipple also reduces the likelihood of bottle preference.

Introducing a bottle between weeks four and six can reduce the risk of bottle refusal. Offering bottles too early or too often can occasionally lead to breast refusal, so finding a balanced timing is important. If your baby refuses the bottle, try having someone other than the breastfeeding parent offer it.

Experiment with different positions, slightly warmed milk, a quiet environment, or offering the bottle when your baby is calm rather than very hungry.

If refusal continues, keep practice sessions gentle and brief. Sometimes a different nipple shape or a slow, swaying motion helps. With repetition and low pressure, most babies learn to go back and forth between breast and bottle comfortably.

DISCLAIMER: THIS CONTENT DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information contained is for informational purposes only and is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely solely on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider.