Expert Solutions for Bottle-Feeding Struggles: From Colic to Bottle Refusal

Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or opting for a combination, you’ll likely use a bottle to feed your baby at some point.

Bottle-feeding comes with its own set of challenges, from nipple confusion to bottle rejection. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this post, we’ll explore the most common bottle-feeding issues that new parents encounter and provide tips on how to overcome them.

1. My baby is having trouble switching between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.

Nipple confusion occurs when a baby has difficulty switching from the breast to a bottle and back again.

Newborns often realize quickly that compared to breastfeeding, bottles require less effort to get milk, which may lead them to prefer the bottle.

This happens because bottle nipples are firmer and easier to latch onto, and unlike nursing, the milk flow from bottles is faster and more consistent than from the breast.

Here are some tips for a smoother transition between these feeding methods:

Introduce the bottle at the right time:

The ideal time to introduce the bottle to your baby is usually around the three-week mark after you’ve started breastfeeding.

This allows enough time to establish your milk supply and for your baby to practice nursing at the breast without becoming too attached to it.

Try paced bottle-feeding:

Paced bottle-feeding can help prevent nipple confusion and reduce gas buildup, which may lead to colic.

It also eases the breast-to-bottle-to-breast transition by allowing your baby more control over the feeding pace.

Start with a small milk bottle with a wide-base, slow-flow teat.

Hegen feeding bottles feature a velvety soft, elliptical-shaped teat that mimics a mom’s lactating breast, so your baby can use a gentle suckling motion instead of directly sucking to get milk, encouraging a natural latch-on experience.

2. My baby refuses to drink from the bottle.

Feeding a baby who refuses the bottle can be frustrating.

Finding the root cause for bottle rejection can be tricky.

There are many reasons for their reluctance, such as hunger level, timing, dissatisfaction with milk temperature, or simply a growth spurt!

No matter the cause, it’s important to stay calm and patient while figuring out what’s going on.

Here are a few tips to help your baby start enjoying their bottle:

Evaluate your feeding routine:

If your baby refuses the bottle, it could be because they’re not hungry.

Keep track of when they are rejecting it, as their appetite may fluctuate throughout the day.

Look out for other factors that could be making them uncomfortable, such as teething, milk temperature, and feeding position.

Check the nipples:

Babies who have mastered breastfeeding may develop a stronger suck and get frustrated with newborn nipples.

Experiment with different nipples or teat flows to ensure you’re using a suitable one for their age and developmental stage.

Hegen’s teat range offers five flow options, from extra slow flow for newborns to fast flow for babies beyond six months, making it easier for parents to identify the right one for their baby.

3. My baby seems to be more colicky after we introduced bottle-feeding.

While there’s no specific definition for colic, the term generally refers to prolonged crying, usually for three or more hours, for seemingly no reason. Potential triggers include digestive issues, overstimulation, or a milk allergy.

Breastfed babies who are latching correctly often do not experience colic, nor do they require burping after feeding.

If you’ve noticed increased colicky behavior in your baby after introducing bottle-feeding, it may be due to gas or reflux from the feeds.

Here’s how to ease their discomfort:

Maintain an upright position during feeds:

Feeding your baby in an upright position can reduce the amount of air they swallow.

Hegen’s super soft teats are designed to be asymmetrical and off-center, allowing for a natural upright feeding position, similar to nursing from the breast.

This minimizes the tilt that conventional baby bottles require and reduces the risk of milk back-flow, which can lead to middle ear complications.

Don’t forget to burp your baby after their feed to release any trapped gas in their tiny tummy!

Consider paced bottle-feeding:

As mentioned earlier, paced bottle-feeding allows your baby to set the pace of the feed, reducing excessive air intake that can contribute to colicky behavior.

By giving your baby more control while feeding and slowing down the flow of milk, you can help prevent digestive discomfort that may be causing their irritability.

Use an anti-colic bottle:

Equipped with a built-in venting system that releases trapped air from the bottle, Hegen’s anti-colic teats reduce unwanted air intake, which otherwise takes up space in your baby’s tummy and makes them feel uncomfortable until they burp or pass gas—a potential cause for their teary outbursts.

The venting also prevents milk from bubbling, minimizing the oxidation of precious nutrients.

Facing bottle-feeding challenges is common, especially for new parents. Rest assured that these problems won’t last forever.

We hope that by following our tips and using Hegen’s innovative feeding solutions, you’ll overcome these challenges with confidence.

If you need more help with feeding your baby, consider speaking to a lactation consultant early on.