How to Introduce a Bottle for the First Time
Transitioning your baby to a bottle can be rewarding for both of you.
After my C-section, I was wiped out. That night, the nurses woke me up to feed my son and I barely understood what was going on. Then they asked, “Do you want us to give him a bottle of formula?” Even though my plan had been to breastfeed exclusively, a bottle suddenly seemed like a good idea.
My newborn was fed from a bottle within his first 24 hours of life. The next morning, I went back to breastfeeding, and it was a relief to know he was as happy and able to drink from a bottle as he was to get milk straight from the breast. Luckily, he had no “nipple confusion”—which can happen when a baby gets used to a nipple and then has trouble sucking from the breast. Ultimately, I felt fortunate to have the option to feed him either way.
Your experience might be different. Maybe you’ve been breastfeeding exclusively for weeks or months, and your baby hasn’t yet taken milk or formula from a bottle. Some experts suggest breastfeeding for about four weeks before introducing a bottle, so your baby gets used to latching on and sucking milk from the breast. These tips will make it easier to transition your little one to a bottle, whether occasionally or fully.
Introducing a Bottle to Your Breastfed Baby
- Consider having someone else feed your baby: Babies recognize their mother’s scent, so it may be easier for someone else—like your partner or a trusted caregiver—to give the first bottle. Otherwise, your baby might ignore the bottle and get frustrated.
- Warm the bottle and the milk: If the milk is refrigerated, gently warm it in a bottle warmer or bowl of warm water. Test a drop on your wrist to ensure it’s lukewarm. Likewise, warm the nipple until it’s no longer cold.
- Hold baby in a sitting position: Keep your baby supported in your arms in a mostly upright position. This gives them control over milk flow and helps avoid drinking while lying down.
- Hold the bottle at a gentle angle: Prevent swallowing air and allow the baby to control the flow. They need to actively suck to get milk.
- If baby doesn’t latch immediately, tickle their mouth: Once their mouth opens, they may be more interested in the nipple.
- Switch sides halfway through: This gives the baby a new view, keeps your arm from falling asleep, and prevents preference for one side—especially if you’re still breastfeeding.
- Stop when baby is full: Watch for signs like turning away or closing their mouth, and take their cue—even if the bottle isn’t empty.
Whenever you decide to give your baby their first bottle, these tips will help make the transition easy and comfortable for both of you. And it will also allow other loved ones to experience the joy of nourishing your precious bub. Some families explore A2 infant formula or cow's milk for infants as part of their feeding journey, depending on their baby's needs and tolerance.
