Why Your Baby Won’t Take a Bottle (and How to Help)

You’re Not Alone: Bottle Refusal Is Common

You’ve tried different bottles. Warmed the milk perfectly. Asked other caregivers to feed your baby—but still, your baby won’t take a bottle.

Bottle refusal is a common struggle, especially for breastfed babies transitioning to bottle feeding. The good news? Once you understand the causes, you can apply solutions that actually work.

For more tips on easing bottle refusal, visit our Bottle Refusal FAQ page.

5 Common Reasons Babies Won’t Take a Bottle

Here’s why your baby might be resisting — and what you can do about it.

Here’s why your baby might be refusing and what you can do:

  1. They Prefer Breastfeeding
    Babies associate feeding with warmth, scent, and closeness. A bottle can feel unfamiliar.
    Solution: Use scent comfort. Place a worn fabric pad in a bottle cover, like the Bottimals Bottle-Lovey to transfer your scent to the bottle.

  2. The Flow Isn’t Right
    Too fast = choking or gagging. Too slow = frustration.
    Solution: Experiment with nipple shapes and flows until you find one your baby prefers.

  3. Bad Timing
    Offering the bottle when your baby is upset, hungry, or tired reduces cooperation.
    Solution: Offer the bottle when your baby is calm and alert, such as after a short nap.

  4. Unfamiliar Temperature
    Milk that’s too hot or cold can be off-putting.
    Solution: Warm the bottle nipple under hot water to mimic breastfeeding temperature.

  5. Lack of Familiar Smells
    Babies rely heavily on smell for comfort and security. A bottle without familiar scent can feel strange.
    Solution: Use scent-based comfort. Bottle-loveys help transfer your scent to the bottle, creating a familiar, soothing feeding experience. To understand the science behind it, check out our page on the Science Behind the Scent. 

Extra Tips to Encourage Bottle Feeding

  • Offer the bottle at the same time each day to build routine
  • Feed in different rooms or environments
  • Use gentle movement—walking, rocking, or light bouncing
  • Let your baby explore the bottle between feedings so it feels familiar

When to Seek Help

If your baby refuses bottles and isn’t getting enough nutrition, consult your pediatrician. Some feeding challenges require support from a lactation consultant or feeding specialist.

The Bottom Line

When your baby won’t take a bottle, it’s usually a combination of timing, comfort, and familiarity. By understanding your baby’s preferences and using tools like the Bottimals Bottle-Lovey, you can turn feeding time from a stressful battle into a calm, connected moment.

For more insights and strategies, explore our Bottimals Blog and learn how scent-based comfort can help with bottle refusal.

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