My baby bites but doesnot suck bottle milk. How to teach him?

Question

Accepted Answer

Teaching a baby to suck from a bottle can sometimes require patience and gentle encouragement, especially if they're used to breastfeeding. Here are some tips to help encourage your baby to suck from a bottle:

### 1. **Choose the Right Bottle:**
   - Select a bottle nipple that closely mimics the shape and feel of the breast. Look for nipples designed for breastfed babies or those with a slow flow rate.

### 2. **Timing and Positioning:**
   - Offer the bottle when your baby is calm and slightly hungry, but not overly hungry or too full.
   - Hold your baby in a comfortable feeding position, similar to breastfeeding, with skin-to-skin contact if possible.

### 3. **Initiate Sucking Reflex:**
   - Gently stroke your baby's lips with the bottle nipple to stimulate the rooting reflex.
   - Lightly touch the nipple to your baby's lips and allow them to latch onto it naturally.

### 4. **Encourage Sucking:**
   - Once your baby latches onto the bottle nipple, encourage sucking by gently pressing the bottle to release a small amount of milk into their mouth.
   - Pause frequently to allow your baby to swallow and breathe comfortably.

### 5. **Stay Patient and Persistent:**
   - It may take several attempts for your baby to become accustomed to the bottle. Be patient and offer the bottle regularly.
   - Avoid forcing the bottle into your baby's mouth or becoming frustrated, as this can create negative associations with feeding.

### 6. **Gradual Transition:**
   - If your baby continues to resist the bottle, try offering expressed breast milk in the bottle to maintain familiarity.
   - Gradually increase the amount of time spent feeding from the bottle as your baby becomes more comfortable.

### 7. **Seek Support:**
   - If you continue to experience difficulties, consider seeking guidance from a lactation consultant or pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice and support to help your baby transition to bottle feeding.

### Additional Tips:
- Ensure the bottle nipple is clean and free from damage that could affect feeding.
- Be consistent in offering the bottle, but also responsive to your baby's cues and needs during feeding sessions.

By approaching bottle feeding with patience, sensitivity to your baby's cues, and gentle encouragement, you can help ease the transition and support successful feeding experiences for both you and your baby.