Patient's question:
My baby is two months and 25 days old. Because the breast milk is not enough, we provide formula. Two weeks ago, she suddenly didn't like eating formula anymore and only wanted to breastfeed. However, the breast milk is still not enough, so she just sleeps hungry, with short sleep times. Sometimes it's only one hour, and the longest...Doctor's answer:
Generally, breastfed babies find it difficult when they first start drinking formula. However, it is recommended that you identify the reasons why your baby dislikes formula so that you can address the issue.Suggestions: Common reasons and solutions include:
- Nipple discomfort and baby - Use soft nipples for the bottle. After sterilization, squeeze breast milk onto the nipple and let the baby gradually get used to it. You can also try feeding the baby with utensils other than bottles, such as spoons or cups.
- Dislike of the taste of formula - Try switching to a different brand of formula. Additionally, you can dilute the formula slightly or adjust the temperature to see if that helps.
- Incorrect diaper changing method - The correct way to feed is to gently place the bottle at a 45-degree angle in the baby's mouth.
- Other reasons, such as oral infections or nasal congestion, may cause the baby to struggle with drinking formula due to pain or difficulty breathing, or symptoms like crying, lethargy, etc., which may indicate an underlying health issue. - This requires a follow-up visit to the pediatrician.
Care Tips: If the baby eats very little at one feeding, you can offer more frequent feedings or try mixing expressed breast milk with formula, as this may be easier for the baby to accept. Be patient and take it slow.
Best wishes.