5 month old won't take bottle, going back to work should I go cold turkey with formula/bottle

Question

We have been working with our daughter on taking a bottle for months now. She just won't suck it. One or two sucks and thats it. We have tried everything!!! Different bottles, different people, sippy cups, breast milk in a bottle etc...She does enjoy eating solids though (1st foods) She will now eat on a good day 2 jars a day. We even tried mixing the formula with rice cereal to eat with a spoon and it doesn't work. The only success we have had is using a small cup and letting her sip the formula. She will drink one or two oz that way its just really really messy and not always consistent. I was wondering what everyones opinion would be. Should I go cold turkey with her the week before I go back to work forcing formula in a cup or bottle or should I just let her work it out with the woman that will be watching in Sept. I would hate for her to cry all day because she is hungry when I go back. Thanks in advanced for everyones help.

Answer 1

Well she will eat when she is hungry.  She is probably just being stubborn right now.  But she needs formula until about 12 months.  They need the vitamins and calories, etc.  

They have new sippy cups with a pointed spout that is rubber - try those - she might like the big girl cup and also like the nipple.

But I would work it out - AND be consistent - before the babysitter takes over - they will already be stressed enough with a new person/baby - don't add more stress.

BUT like I siad try to be consistant!

Answer 2

My daughter was like that too. What worked for me was cutting the nipple hole larger so she didn't have to suck for it to come out. I think she's just a lazy eater. Keep a bib on them cause some does run out but at least she drinks that way instead of being hungery. Good luck. I know haow challenging it is.

Answer 3

Please, please, please don't ask your child care provider to do the transition for you. I worked in child care and many moms would do the same thing. Breastfeed only at home and send expressed breast milk to daycare. You have NO idea how hard it is on childcare providers when infants refuse to eat all day long. If a child is not used to a bottle, she at least needs the comfort of her mom while trying to adjust. Please do not ask strangers to do it. It puts unncessary stress on them, your baby, and you.

Answer 4

Due to a lapse in child-care I watched a girl (only 3 mos. at the time) who was exclusively used to breastfeeding for one day last summer. The mom warned me ahead of time that she wouldn't take a bottle. No surprise, the day was NUTS and she wouldn't take the bottle. She started her day care the next day and when I spoke to the mom the following week she said that her baby held out for about two days before caving and accepting the bottle from her new day care provider. Most pediatricians will tell you that a baby will not let itself starve and will eventually conform to the new way of feeding. Many times babies won't take a bottle from their mom (or even dad since they know mom must be nearby) because why drink from a bottle when the baby knows she can hold out for the real thing?

Best of luck to you!