Bottle for a breastfed baby

[ViaRia01]

My husband has arranged an overnight break for me and a couple of friends for my birthday. I’m supposed to be leaving tomorrow.

The problem is my 3 month baby is (mainly) breastfed. He’s previously taken bottles of breast milk and bottles of formula no problem. But that was several weeks ago and last night/ today we’ve offered again and he is not interested in the bottle.

Any ideas what we can try to help him take the bottle? We’ve tried three teats - 0, 1 and 2. Tried warmed formula and tried breast milk “freshly” expressed and bottled. My husband has also been trying. We’ve given it a good try each time over a 20-30 minute period. Then eventually offer breast and he feeds well.

He’s not screaming or showing frustration. He’s just holding out for the boob.

What can we do?

Which bottle/brand are you currently using?

Tommee tippee

Have you tied putting the bottle under your arm and turning them in their side to imitate breast feeding. Mine wouldn't take a bottle but this seemed to work

DS1 liked the medela calma ones. This was about 5 years ago so no idea if they still make them but apparently they mimic the breast best. Good luck and enjoy your treat!

Go out of the house for a couple of hours and get your husband to give the baby a bottle. My breastfed baby wouldn't take a bottle from me or if I was there as he knew that the boobs were in the vicinity. Would take a bottle fine when I wasn't there.

@OnAir no, not heard of that but it’s definitely worth a try. Seems a bit awkward but I’m sure it will be easy enough once I get the hang of it.

@movinghouse23 thanks for the suggestion. DH has picked up a mam bottle today on advice of a friend. So I guess we’ll try to first and then medela if we’re still struggling. I have lots of medela bottles (from the breast pump bundle) but no teats for them. Have you any idea whether the it’s all compatible to work together? If not, I’m not sure I can splurge £17 per teat!!

@TheIsleOfTheLost yes, also a good idea. Last night I was out of the room while DH was attempting to bottle feed but perhaps the separation was not enough, eg if DS doesn’t see me for 30 minutes before feed time that might work better than if I just step out of sight.

thanks all. Keep the suggestions coming if anyone has any more !