#asktheexperts My 5 month baby girl is not drinking milk from bottles.. what to do?? Will baby forest bottles help??

Question

Accepted Answer

If your 5-month-old baby girl is refusing to drink milk from bottles, it can be challenging. Here are some strategies to help, and a look at whether specialized bottles like Baby Forest bottles might help:

### Strategies to Encourage Bottle Feeding
1. **Try Different Bottles and Nipples**: Babies can be particular about the shape, size, and flow of the nipple. Experiment with different types until you find one your baby likes.
2. **Mimic Breastfeeding**: If your baby is breastfed, try to mimic the breastfeeding experience. Hold your baby in a similar position and make sure the milk is warm.
3. **Timing**: Offer the bottle when your baby is calm and not too hungry or too full. Sometimes mid-feed switching from breast to bottle can help.
4. **Comfort**: Ensure the environment is calm and comfortable. Sometimes dim lighting and a quiet room can make a difference.
5. **Offer Consistently**: Be consistent in offering the bottle, but avoid forcing it. Gentle persistence can sometimes help.
6. **Someone Else Feeding**: Have someone else try feeding the baby. Babies can sometimes refuse bottles if they know the breast is available from their mother.

### Specialized Bottles
**Baby Forest Bottles**: These bottles are designed to closely mimic the breastfeeding experience with a soft, breast-like nipple and an anti-colic system. Such bottles can help ease the transition from breast to bottle for some babies.

### Other Tips
- **Check for Medical Issues**: If the refusal persists, it’s worth checking with your pediatrician to rule out any medical issues that might be causing discomfort during feeding.
- **Paced Bottle Feeding**: This method mimics breastfeeding and can make the bottle-feeding experience more acceptable to a breastfed baby.

### Conclusion
Trying specialized bottles like Baby Forest can be beneficial, but it may take some trial and error to find the right fit for your baby. Consistency and patience are key. If the issue continues, consulting your pediatrician can provide further guidance.