Baby Won't Take a Bottle Before Daycare: What Helps

Bottle refusal is common, especially for breastfed babies. Most babies learn to take a bottle with patience, practice and a few small changes: someone other than the nursing parent offers it, the milk is warmed to body temperature, a slow-flow nipple is used, and you try when your baby is calm and only a little hungry. Start practicing 2 to 4 weeks before daycare if you can.

Here is what helps, and what infant teachers do if your baby still resists.

Why babies refuse a bottle

A bottle nipple feels and flows differently from the breast
Babies can smell the nursing parent and want to nurse instead
The milk is colder or warmer than they are used to
The flow is too fast or too slow
They are too hungry and upset to try something new
They have gone a long time without practice

When to start practicing

Many pediatric experts suggest introducing a bottle once breastfeeding is going well, often around 3 to 4 weeks old. If daycare is a few weeks away and your baby has never had a bottle, start now and offer one every day or two so they do not lose the skill.

Tips that help

Let someone else offer it. A partner, grandparent or friend often has more luck. Leave the room, or even the house.
Warm the milk to about body temperature. Test a few drops on your wrist.
Try a slow-flow nipple with a wide base. Some babies prefer a different shape, so you may need to try two or three.
Pick the right moment: when your baby is calm and slightly hungry, not starving. Some take it best when drowsy.
Try paced bottle feeding. Hold your baby fairly upright, keep the bottle more horizontal, and let them draw the nipple in. Pause often, as at the breast.
Change the position. Some babies like facing out, sitting in a bouncer, or being held while walking.
Tickle the lips with the nipple and wait for a wide mouth, instead of pushing it in.
Keep sessions short. If your baby gets upset, stop and try again later. Stress makes it harder.

Other ways to feed

If a bottle is not working yet, ask your pediatrician about other options for the short term, such as a small open cup, a sippy cup with a soft spout for older babies, or a spoon for babies who have started solids. Some babies who refuse bottles drink well from a cup at daycare.

What infant teachers do

Experienced infant teachers have helped many bottle-refusing babies. In the first days they may:

Try different positions, rocking or walking
Offer smaller amounts more often
Feed in a quiet corner with fewer distractions
Follow the tips you share about what works at home

Some babies drink less at daycare at first and make up for it by nursing more at night, called reverse cycling. This can be normal for a short time if your baby is gaining weight and has enough wet diapers. Our guide to breast milk at daycare covers how much to send.

When to call your pediatrician

Fewer wet diapers than usual, or dark urine
Your baby seems very sleepy, weak or unusually fussy
Poor weight gain
Signs of pain while feeding, coughing or choking often
Refusal of all feeds, including breast

Frequently asked questions

How long can a baby go without a bottle at daycare?

It depends on age and weight. If your baby refuses feeds for long stretches, call your pediatrician the same day.

Should I let my baby get very hungry so they take the bottle?

No. Very hungry babies get upset and refuse more. Try when they are calm and only a little hungry.

Which bottle is best for breastfed babies?

There is no single best bottle. A slow-flow nipple with a wide base works for many, but you may need to try a few.

Will my baby stop breastfeeding if I use a bottle?

Most babies can do both. Paced feeding helps protect breastfeeding.

Infant care at Children's Land

In the Children's Land infant program, each baby has a primary teacher who follows your feeding routine from home. Share what works for your baby, and our teachers will build on it. Find a location near you.

Baby Won't Take a Bottle Before Daycare: What Helps