Many new breastfeeding moms wonder if they need to use bottles at all. There are a few key factors to consider when deciding whether to introduce bottles alongside breastfeeding.
The Pros and Cons of Bottles for Breastfed Babies
Here are some of the potential pros and cons of using bottles for breastfed babies:
Pros:
- Allows others to help feed the baby with expressed breast milk
- Provides a way to feed the baby breast milk when mom is away
- Can help monitor intake if baby has slow weight gain
- Gives mom flexibility and freedom
Cons:
- May cause nipple confusion if introduced too early
- Requires pumping and storing breast milk
- Baby may prefer bottle over breast
- Increased risk of ear infections
- Might interfere with breastfeeding rhythm and milk supply
When to Introduce a Bottle
Many lactation experts recommend waiting until breastfeeding is well-established, often at 3-6 weeks old, before introducing a bottle. This allows time to get breastfeeding off to a good start and avoid nipple confusion issues. Once breastfeeding is going well and supply is established, most babies can switch back and forth between breast and bottle without problems. Some moms introduce an occasional bottle right from the start so the baby gets used to it, but this does carry a higher risk of nipple confusion in some babies.
How to Choose the Right Bottle for a Breastfed Baby
Not all bottles are created equal when it comes to mimicking the breast and preventing nipple confusion. Here are some features to look for:
- Wide, breast-shaped nipple – avoids nipple confusion
- Slow flow nipple – better matches breastmilk flow
- Anti-colic internal venting – reduces excess air intake
- Soft, squeezable bottle – allows for responsive feedings
Some top bottle choices for breastfed babies include:
- Comotomo
- Philips Avent Natural
- Dr. Brown’s Options
- Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature
- Nanobebe
- Lansinoh mOmma
How Often to Bottle Feed a Breastfed Baby
There are no strict rules on bottle feeding frequency for breastfed babies. Here are some general tips:
- Limit bottles to no more than 1-2 per 24 hours in the early weeks
- Aim to replace no more than 1 daily breastfeeding session with a bottle feeding
- Avoid using bottles to space out feedings – follow baby’s hunger cues
- Once breastfeeding and supply are well established, bottles can be increased
- Never replace more feedings than needed to cover being away from baby
Finding the right bottle feeding balance takes some trial and error. Pay attention to any changes in breastfeeding behavior or milk supply when adding in more bottles.
Getting Baby to Take a Bottle
Some breastfed babies stubbornly refuse a bottle at first. Here are some tips to help introduce a bottle successfully:
- Have someone else offer the first bottles so baby doesn’t smell mom
- Try different nipple shapes/flows to find one baby likes
- Offer the bottle when baby is calm and not overly hungry
- Try different bottle positions – cradled, upright, side-lying
- Gently stroke baby’s lips to encourage rooting and feeding
- Don’t force the issue – take a break and try again later if needed
Be patient and keep bottle introductions relaxed and low-pressure. With time and consistency, most babies will accept a bottle.
Maintaining Breastfeeding When Using Bottles
It is possible to successfully combine breast and bottle feeding. Here are some tips:
- Always offer the breast first before bottles
- Try to limit bottles to no more than one feeding in a 24 hour period
- Make sure baby is using proper latch and suck technique at the breast
- Ensure proper bottle feeding technique – paced feeding, appropriate nipple flow
- Consider pumping when baby takes a bottle to maintain supply
Make sure bottles are only replacing feedings when necessary, not being overused for convenience. Watch baby’s weight gain, diaper output, and nursing behavior to ensure the right balance.
Benefits of Giving a Breastfed Baby a Bottle
Using bottles occasionally has several benefits for breastfeeding moms:
- Flexibility: Allows for feeding when mom needs to be away from baby
- Freedom: Gives mom time away to run errands, exercise, relax, etc.
- Support: Lets others help feed the baby with pumped milk
- Reassurance: Can monitor intake if concerns about baby getting enough
- Transition: Makes weaning from breast to bottle/cup easier in future
Bottles aren’t all or nothing. Even using them occasionally can provide more flexibility without undermining breastfeeding success.
Possible Downsides of Bottles for Breastfed Babies
There are some potential downsides to be aware of when adding bottles to a breastfeeding routine:
- Nipple confusion: Baby may struggle to nurse properly if bottles are overused
- Flow preference: Baby may get used to faster bottle flow and frustrate at breast
- Supply issues: Replacing too many feedings can decrease milk supply
- Ear infections: Drinking from bottles can increase infection risk
- Teeth issues: Prolonged bottle use may impact tooth alignment
- Gas and fussiness: Bottles can introduce more air into feedings
These risks can be minimized by following best practices on bottle introduction, feeding techniques, and not over-relying on bottles.
Combination Feeding with Breastmilk and Formula
Some moms need to supplement breastfeeding with formula. Combination feeding with both breastmilk and formula can work, but takes more effort and vigilance. Tips for combo feeding:
- Give breastmilk first, then offer formula supplement
- Limit formula to no more than 1-2 feedings per 24 hours if possible
- Ensure proper bottle feeding techniques to preserve nursing skills
- Pump when baby takes formula to stimulate milk production
- Coordinate pumping and nursing sessions to maximize supply
Use the minimum formula needed while ensuring baby gets enough nutritition. Work closely with a lactation consultant to make combo feeding a success.
Bottle Feeding Breastmilk While Away from Baby
Pumping breastmilk into bottles is the best way to provide breastmilk nutrition when away from baby. Some tips:
- Pump right before leaving to empty breasts and boost supply
- Bring enough milk for each feeding plus extra just in case
- Use cooler packs, insulated bags, and small coolers to keep milk cold
- Label milk storage containers carefully with date and time
- Transport and store milk properly to preserve nutrients
- Communicate with caregivers on bottle feeding tips
With a little organization and planning, pumped breastmilk in bottles lets moms provide breastmilk even when apart from baby.
Weaning Off Bottles
If bottles have become part of a breastfed baby’s routine, here are some tips for smoothly weaning off bottle use:
- Start by replacing one bottle per day with nursing or cup feeding
- Substitute rocking or cuddling for nighttime bottles to break the sleep association
- Reduce bottle amounts gradually over days and weeks
- Offer water or breastmilk in a cup or open top bottle during weaning
- Try distraction and entertainment techniques if baby resists weaning
Making bottle weaning gradual and keeping it low-pressure prevents any issues with dehydration or underfeeding. With patience, breastfed babies can transition away from bottle dependence while continuing to nurse.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding moms don’t necessarily need to use bottles, but incorporating them judiciously can provide more flexibility. Introducing bottles requires some care to avoid interfering with nursing, but with the right technique and supervision, most breastfed babies can go back and forth between breast and bottles without issue. Bottles should complement breastfeeding rather than becoming a replacement for nursing sessions. When used appropriately and not over-relied on, bottles can be an asset for breastfeeding success.