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Baby won’t take a bottle

5 replies

Anonxo · 29/10/2025 13:27

Hi just need some advice baby won’t take a bottle so I can’t stop breastfeeding and it’s really taking a toll on my mental health. I’m a single parent so I can’t have someone else do the bottle which seems to be the most common advice. Any help please she’s 6 months if that affects anything

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GoodTwoShoes · 29/10/2025 13:32

Honestly, some babies just don't. I tried every type I could lay my hands on. Have you tried a shot glass? Or a sippy cup? We had one which was like a normal cup with a lid on rather than one with a spout.
At 6 months, once she's got the hang of weaning then it should start to taper off as she eats more solids.

ToddlerSendCoffee1234 · 29/10/2025 15:06

Well done! You've done the hard part i totally relate to that feeling around that stage.

My baby never loved a bottle and after 6 months however I found it easier to BF. Remember, it's not BF or nothing. It's BF or formula, which is likely to upset her stomach a bit now, needs washing and sterilising etc. Once you start weaning, the work load piles up, and BF is the easy bit.

By 9 months she'll be on 3 meals a day and BF will only be a 3-5 times a day. At 10 months I was back at work and was not BF in the day anymore, two feeds in the morning, two feeds in the evening, that's it.

And when teething starts, you'll be grateful to have BF, it's an incredibly calming, useful tool.

If you really want to give up BF, then wait another month until she gets the hang of a sippy cup. It will be less stressful than trying to convince her to have a bottle.

I have nothing against formula, the above is simply what I think would be easier, from a practical POV. I personally found it easier once I accepted my baby will just be breastfed.

Anonxo · 30/10/2025 19:53

Thank you so much @GoodTwoShoes i think you’re right she might just be a baby that doesn’t take one and @ToddlerSendCoffee1234 thanks for putting it into perspective I might stick with it thanks

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ohpoowhatnow · 30/10/2025 19:54

My daughter never took a bottle and my son’s going the same way. I just keep reminding myself it’s not forever!

ToddlerSendCoffee1234 · 30/10/2025 20:08

It is hard. And you have to acknowledge that. My mum (she BF me until 12 months) warned me that being my child's sole source of nutrition is incredibly difficult. I had many, many times when I wished I had listened and just gave formula from day 1......if I had a second, I'm not sure I would exclusively breastfeed again.

BUT you just need to acknowledge where you are and what is most practical. I think the hardest stretch is behind you.

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