Tips for Bottle Refusal
Schedule an appointment with an IBCLC to see what’s going on.
In the meantime, you can also try:
Offer freshly pumped milk, if available. This is the closest to nursing.
Give a little taste of milk from your finger or dip the tip of the nipple in warm milk
Stimulate rooting reflex by letting baby grasp your finger OR let baby suck on your finger first
Warm the bottle nipple (like the breast)
Hold bottle in steady place in baby’s mouth or near her mouth if she not accepting it into her mouth
Offer in a low stress environment
Movement; hold baby and gently rock or knee bends
Distraction; try in a different environment, looking out the window or a moving ceiling fan
Ensure comfortable position for baby; knees and hips flexed (sitting position)
If baby refuses, stop offering, soothe and then try again. You can try 2 or 3 more times.
Written by Kathleen Stern (bio here). For more infant feeding and parent support, reach out to Kathleen at www.strongnestconsulting.com
Last updated December 15, 2025

