Patient's question:
The baby is three months old and has been exclusively breastfed. Normally, it only drinks a little water, but the amount is very small. Now that the baby is a bit older, it doesn't even want to drink plain water much anymore, and the bottle is even worse. As soon as it's put in the mouth, the baby pushes it out desperately. How can I change this bad habit?First follow-up question: The problem is that the baby now refuses not only the bottle and plain water but also juice. However, it will drink juice if it's fed with a spoon.
Doctor's answer:
My baby is in the same situation as yours, but now she has to start eating. It only took a few days for her to get used to it. First, you need a soft nipple-shaped pacifier. Use a sterilized needle to poke several holes to increase the flow. At first, pour the breast milk into a bottle because the baby is accustomed to that taste. Two to three hours before giving the baby a bottle, don’t feed him or her anything. If he or she is still hungry but refuses to eat, let him or her continue to fast. Alternatively, offer the bottle when the baby wants to sleep. Before feeding, it’s best to play some music to distract the baby. Once the baby is fully absorbed in the music, insert the pacifier.Parents must be patient because it takes time for the baby to accept the bottle. The baby will have to endure crying and hunger as part of the process. Never leave the baby with someone else to feed him or her, as this will make the baby feel like the parents don’t love him or her anymore. Also, when the baby refuses to eat, never force the pacifier into his or her mouth. This will only make the baby more resistant, and it may even cause choking, making the baby even less willing to use the pacifier.