When can I introduce a bottle? ( breastmilk )

Question

My mom said I just shouldn't do it at all and the nurse told me at least a few weeks but that he doesn't advise it at all...What is your experience??

Answer 1

I'd say that, once you and your baby have a pretty good routine going, you could start introducing a bottle.  I'd say around 6-8 weeks would be the safest...  Any earlier than that MAY jeopardize it, but many people have used bottles at a much earlier age and haven't had any problems.

I'd say once you and your baby seem to have gotten it down pat...

Answer 2

I think if you are planning on combined breast/bottle feeding then you have to introduce the bottle early so that your baby gets used to it but wait till he gets established on the breast first. Personally I didn't bottle feed at all and my baby was breastfed until he was 14 months old. The only problem with that was that On the odd occasion in those 14 months when I tried to give him a bottle he just wouldn't take it. In fact he never had a bottle. He went straight from the breast to a sippy cup. I bought him one of those Avent Magic cups. So if you want him to have both, introduce it early enough so that he gets used to it but not too early or he might not go back to the breast.

Answer 3

If you don't have to work or leave your baby, there's really no reason to. If you do need to, wait at least 6 weeks until your supply is well established - any earlier and you may inadvertently sabotage breastfeeding.

Answer 4

most things i have read advise introducing the bottle of breastmilk not before 4 weeks but not after 8 weeks. and it also advises that you not be the one to give the bottle. the baby should only associate the food it gets from you with the breast. and bottles with other people, that way there is less chance of there being feeding issues.  many people tend to think that "nipple confusion" is possible if you introduce the bottle too soon but there is no confusion about it. the baby will realize that milk is easier to get out of a bottle and if breastfeeding is not well established they will refuse breast in order to get the easier meal. babies are smart!  also in my breastfeeding class the lactation consultant recommended not giving a pacifier for the first month because it can cause latching issues in some babies.

Answer 5

Many people think around 6 to 8 weeks.  By then your baby should be very used to the breast and likely will have no trouble going back an forth.  Pumped breast milk in a bottle is a great way for you to have a little freedom and alone time from your baby if you want.  And it can give your husband or grandparents a special time to feed the baby every now again.

Answer 6

My baby had the bottle from day one, b/c I pumped all my milk. He's fine. Yes, boob is best. But some women don't like it, or can't do it. And that's completely fine. You still hold your baby to feed him, you still bond, he still gets fed, and my boy's doing just fine.  

Answer 7

I work in child care and every one of the 8 children I watch were breastfed. Every one of them were introduced to a bottle around 2 weeks old and not one of them has had problems with switching from breast to bottle and back again. All of the children breastfed until at least 6 months and so they get breast milk with me from a bottle and the breast when at home. Only 1 of the children had problems with the bottle, but it wasn't that she wouldn't take the breast, she only took a bottle for 4 weeks while with me (I have her 2 days a week) and then she refused the bottle all together. She was luckily on baby foods at this point and so for 12 hours, 3 days a week she would only get her liquids from the baby foods. She is now 2 years old and thriving.