I'm trying to get my 6 month old off the breast on to formula. He doesn't take even mixed slightly ?

Cinda - posted on 12/01/2009

My oldest absolutely would not take a bottle. However, I also nursed him until he was 18 months. At 6 months old, he learned to drink water from a straw and sip cup. Your little one is probably eating solids by now, so I encourage you not to stop breastfeeding until he is a year old. Or, if you have conflicts, try to wean him down to morning and evening feedings, while supplementing with water and warm formula in a sip cup. This way, he will receive the very good nourishment from you and still receive the fluid that he needs also.

Lisseth - posted on 12/01/2009

Yes it can be difficult to get the kiddos of the bottle. I had to stop nursing my first son because I got really sick (was hospitalized), while my son an infant. He got used to the bottle (was too young for sippy cups). It was tough, but we got through it. My youngest nursed until he was about 1yr. He went straight to sippy cups with no problems what so ever. Good luck Carly!

Anita - posted on 12/01/2009

I agree with Mara by saying that unless necessary try to keep bubs on the boob as long as possible, but if you need to wean try expressing first as breast milk is the better option. Have you tried a sipper cup/nozzle instead of a bottle? My daughter now 9 months, still breast fed but loves water and breast milk in a sipper cup.That way you don't have to introduce the bottle (which maybe hard to wean off later) and then he can take water or formula if you choose to mix. It is better slowly to introduce new things, as I know by experience my kids hate quick changes they are so use to their preferred routines. My son (now two and a half) weaned off formula from birth at 13months and cow's milk in bottles at 18months, to a cup. Good Luck!

Lisseth - posted on 12/01/2009

Why do you want to switch him so early? Breast milk is the best food you can give your baby. Maybe you should let him tell you when he's ready to stop nursing? Unless its a medical necessary to stop, nursing is the best thing you can do for him (as far as feedings go).

Ashley - posted on 12/01/2009

I had the same problem w/ my youngest daughter...try using a bottle w/ a bigger nipple, like the avent bottles (they're a little more expensive that the reg. bottles, but the feel like the breast...that's what my daughter uses. they're cheapest at kmart.) or the bigger dr. brown's. they (avent) really helped switching w/ her

Amanda - posted on 12/01/2009

My daughter went on a bottle strike when I started to wean her, the only thing she would take was directly from the breast. She wouldn't even take breast milk from the bottle, which we had never had a problem with. The only thing that worked was putting a little bit of Karo syrup on the nipple (a little grandma advice). It worked like a charm and she never had a problem with bottles or formula again. I only had to do it for a day or two.

Erin - posted on 12/01/2009

have you tried different formulas? when i switched my daughter, i bought the same formula i used with my first 2 and she fought me every step of the way, i went to pick up more and the store was out of that brand, so i tried a different brand. she took to it instantly and we haven't looked back.

Karissa - posted on 12/01/2009

when my son switched over i pumped and gave him straight breast milk from the bottle at first and then slowly started to mix formula in and it worked really well for me and i hope it will help you :) good luck!

Mara - posted on 12/01/2009

In all honesty you should nurse him until he is ready to stop unless there is a serious reason why you can't nurse anymore. It's better for him and clearly he prefers it. Sorry to be a bummer...

Brianne - posted on 12/01/2009

The nipple on the bottle is really important, then try holding the bottle next to your breast so he lays the same and feels the same as if he where breast feeding. Whne he is hungry enough he will go to the bottle. Also put a bottle in your mouth and he will try to copy you. hope it helps!

Kylie - posted on 12/01/2009

my son did this wen he went from breast to bottle, he didnt like the teat of the bottle coz it wasnt wat he was use 2, i had to give him my lil finger to suck on then quickly substitute my finger 4 the bottle, he eventually took it. Hang in there and good luck

Kimberly - posted on 12/01/2009

Are you using milk-based or soy?