3 month old now refusing to take a bottle

[Olive324]

Hi, my 3 month old has been mainly breastfeeding but has had a bottle on occasions when I've been ill or out without him. I went out last Friday and my husband was left with a screaming baby when he refused to have a bottle. This happened on Monday too. Since then, I've tried giving him a bottle of expressed milk morning and evening. He just screams and won't suck. Any ideas? Anyone had the same issues and solved them? Do I just keep trying? Thanks.

It happened with DD1. She had bottle a day from very early, like 4 weeks. Then whennshe became more aware, maybe 3-4mo she learned to refuse the bottle. We never managed to get her to take one again until 7 or 8 months. She was at nursery by that point and fed herself the bottle. Ie sitting up in highchair and holding it herself. She then went to a free flow cup at 10mo.

This time round with DD2, I ddint bother with bottles anymore. I threw away all the bottles and miltons. I spent so much wasted energy with the damn thjng with DD1. My plan would be just to teach DD2 to feed herself from 6mo.

I know it's not helpful but just to let you know it's not uncommon. The belief if you introduce a bottle early enough and they will take it, is entirely bs.

No advice but much sympathy - our 3 month old has the same thing. We're persisting in offering, trying for times when he's not hungry and trying not to be so persistent that we make it stressful for him. Even so, it's not looking like he's going to take it so we're looking forward to being able to try a sippy cup in a month or so!

Thanks TLT. I really like breastfeeding it's just that it's difficult for me to go out if DS won't have a bottle. We have a mums NCT meal out on Friday and it will be a bit of a problem if I can't get him going by then. Ah well, I'll keep trying....

Olive I'm having one as well with my group next week and I'm planning on taking the baby with me. Your little one might be less strong willed than mine, and this might just be a phase. Now my DD1 is 3yo I now understood why she complained a lot as a baby (and it wasnt' wind or colic). She has grown into a very stubborn girl and likes to have things done in a very specific way. With hind sight I can see that's how she was as a baby too.