Refusing the bottle in toddlers is very common and not a problem, unless it is turned into a control issue between you and your little one. If your baby is refusing his bottle, it could have something to do with the toddler formula or your baby himself. Once the reason has been worked out, you should be able to help your baby enjoy his bottles again.
Check if the milk is the cause of the problem.
Firstly, check if the temperature of the formula is right. Babies differ in how cold or warm they like their milk, some prefer it warm and others like it at room temperature.
Check if the nipple is blocked.
You can test for this by turning the bottle upside down. If it doesn't drip quickly, it means the nipple is blocked. Also, you should consider the size of the hole of the bottle nipple you are using. At a certain age, babies become so good at breastfeeding or bottle feeding and could have developed such a strong suck that they become frustrated with the old newborn nipples they used to take willingly. Therefore, try to switch to a nipple suitable for the age of your baby.
Check to see if the formula is out of date.
Check the expiry date on the container of the toddler formula, and make sure it has not been open for longer than the recommended duration of time. Also, it is advisable to check that the milk has not acquired any smells from other things around the house, such as from onions or perfume.
Check if it has something to do with your baby.
Find out if your baby is unwell. It may be uncomfortable or painful for your baby to drink or eat if he has a cold, throat or ear infection, or thrush. Make sure you see a doctor if you think your baby has an illness that is putting him off his feed.
Also, check if he is getting distracted during feeds. The TV or even another child can serve as a distraction to take his mind off his bottle, therefore, try to find a peaceful place to feed him.
Another step to take is to check if your baby is too full for milk. If your baby has just started taking solids, it may be that he is eating lots of solid food and he doesn’t have room for milk or he could have lost interest in milk.
If your baby is eating solids, the best thing to do is to give him his meal first, and then you can offer his milk half an hour later. If he still refuses, then give him an extra course of something made with milk, like cereal, rice pudding, yoghurt, custard, or a milky dessert. And at the end of the meal, offer him a bottle of cooled, boiled water to see if he is thirsty.
Never try to force your baby to take his bottle when he is resisting. Be rest assured that if he is thirsty, he will drink. So, try again later.
Check if the milk is the cause of the problem.
Firstly, check if the temperature of the formula is right. Babies differ in how cold or warm they like their milk, some prefer it warm and others like it at room temperature.
Check if the nipple is blocked.
You can test for this by turning the bottle upside down. If it doesn't drip quickly, it means the nipple is blocked. Also, you should consider the size of the hole of the bottle nipple you are using. At a certain age, babies become so good at breastfeeding or bottle feeding and could have developed such a strong suck that they become frustrated with the old newborn nipples they used to take willingly. Therefore, try to switch to a nipple suitable for the age of your baby.
Check to see if the formula is out of date.
Check the expiry date on the container of the toddler formula, and make sure it has not been open for longer than the recommended duration of time. Also, it is advisable to check that the milk has not acquired any smells from other things around the house, such as from onions or perfume.
Check if it has something to do with your baby.
Find out if your baby is unwell. It may be uncomfortable or painful for your baby to drink or eat if he has a cold, throat or ear infection, or thrush. Make sure you see a doctor if you think your baby has an illness that is putting him off his feed.
Also, check if he is getting distracted during feeds. The TV or even another child can serve as a distraction to take his mind off his bottle, therefore, try to find a peaceful place to feed him.
Another step to take is to check if your baby is too full for milk. If your baby has just started taking solids, it may be that he is eating lots of solid food and he doesn’t have room for milk or he could have lost interest in milk.
If your baby is eating solids, the best thing to do is to give him his meal first, and then you can offer his milk half an hour later. If he still refuses, then give him an extra course of something made with milk, like cereal, rice pudding, yoghurt, custard, or a milky dessert. And at the end of the meal, offer him a bottle of cooled, boiled water to see if he is thirsty.
Never try to force your baby to take his bottle when he is resisting. Be rest assured that if he is thirsty, he will drink. So, try again later.
We had the problem that Mara didn't liked her formula. We tried several, but the only one she accepted was goat formula which we got here. A doctor tested her, she isn't intolerant to cow milk or something like that. Seems to be a foodie ;)
ReplyDeleteI had hard time at first too, maybe that's how just they grow, now my baby likes solid foods too!
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