Sometimes babies refuse to drink their bottle of milk. What should you do in these situations?
You probably have many questions and we're going to help you understand your baby's behavior!
Why does my baby refuse to drink from bottles?
If your baby suddenly refuses their daily bottle, there's a good reason behind it. They're not just doing it to annoy you; they're simply trying to tell you something so you'll help them.
The first reason is that the baby is suffering from a minor illness. He may be teething, have an ear infection, or a tummy ache. Drinking his bottle of milk is painful for him, and he no longer enjoys this time.
Secondly, the baby has grown and wants to be more independent when it comes to bottle feeding. He wants to drink his milk from a new container, like a cup for younger babies.
His behavior may also indicate that something is wrong with his current bottle: the teat is blocked or no longer suits him, etc.
Or perhaps your baby is simply trying to tell you that they're tired of drinking milk since birth and want to move on to something else. This is the perfect time to start baby-led weaning by replacing some bottles with foods in baby- friendly formats
What are the solutions when a baby refuses their bottle?
By drinking less milk, your baby will become dehydrated and receive less calcium. Both of these nutrients are crucial for your little one's healthy development. To address these deficiencies, ensure your baby stays hydrated by offering water in a bottle or cup, and replace the milk bottle with a dairy product suitable for infants.
Sometimes, your baby is just trying to tell you that their bottle isn't working for them anymore. Try offering milk in a more colorful bottle or in other containers like a cup with a straw or TumTum cups. In the article " Getting Ready to Start BLW ," you can find a list of different containers suitable for babies.
Is your baby ready to move on to something new? You can start baby-led weaning. Remember that to begin, your baby must:
- To be 6 months old
- Knowing how to sit up straight when seated in his chair
- Knowing how to turn your head from left to right
- Knowing how to hold and bring objects to one's mouth
You will find more information on how to identify if it is the right time to start diversification in our dedicated article.
If after these changes baby still refuses to drink from bottle and this lasts for several days, consult a doctor or pediatrician.
Photo: © Moon and the other
