Baby Refusing Bottle
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to baby refusing bottle, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Bottle refusal is a very common challenge, especially in breastfed babies who are accustomed to nursing. It does not mean something is wrong with your baby or your milk. Many babies need time, patience, and sometimes a different bottle or nipple to accept a bottle. Most babies will eventually take a bottle, especially when offered by someone other than the breastfeeding parent.
Key takeaways
- Bottle refusal is a very common challenge, especially in breastfed babies who are accustomed to nursing. It does not mean something is wrong with your baby or your milk. Many babies need time, patience, and sometimes a different bottle or nipple to accept a bottle. Most babies will eventually take a bottle, especially when offered by someone other than the breastfeeding parent.
- Usually normal when: Your breastfed baby pushes the bottle away but nurses happily at the breast
- Call your doctor if: Your baby is showing signs of dehydration such as very few wet diapers, dry mouth, sunken fontanelle, or lethargy
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, bottle refusal is a very common challenge, especially in breastfed babies who are accustomed to nursing. It does not mean something is wrong with your baby or your milk. Many babies need time, patience, and sometimes a different bottle or nipple to accept a bottle. Most babies will eventually take a bottle, especially when offered by someone other than the breastfeeding parent. At 0-3 months, if you plan to bottle-feed at some point, introducing a bottle between 3 and 6 weeks is often recommended by lactation consultants. Before 3 weeks, it is generally best to establish breastfeeding first. Babies who have only breastfed may resist the bottle because the sucking technique and flow are different from the breast. Try paced bottle feeding, where the bottle is held more horizontally and the baby controls the flow. It is generally considered normal when your breastfed baby pushes the bottle away but nurses happily at the breast. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby is showing signs of dehydration such as very few wet diapers, dry mouth, sunken fontanelle, or lethargy.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
If you plan to bottle-feed at some point, introducing a bottle between 3 and 6 weeks is often recommended by lactation consultants. Before 3 weeks, it is generally best to establish breastfeeding first. Babies who have only breastfed may resist the bottle because the sucking technique and flow are different from the breast. Try paced bottle feeding, where the bottle is held more horizontally and the baby controls the flow.
3-6 months
This is a common age for bottle refusal, especially if a bottle was not introduced earlier. Babies at this age are more aware and may have a strong preference for the breast. Try having someone other than the breastfeeding parent offer the bottle, use a slow-flow nipple, warm the milk to body temperature, and try different positions. Some babies prefer to take a bottle while being walked around rather than held in a feeding position.
6-9 months
Babies who refuse bottles at this age can sometimes bypass the bottle entirely and learn to use a sippy cup or straw cup for expressed milk or formula. This is a perfectly acceptable alternative. If your baby is also eating some solids, their overall nutrition needs can be met through a combination of breast, cup, and solid foods.
9-12 months
If your baby has never taken a bottle, a transition to an open cup or straw cup is a reasonable approach at this age. The AAP recommends transitioning off bottles by 12 months anyway, so going straight to a cup is actually advantageous. Offer expressed milk or formula in a cup throughout the day.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby refusing bottle and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby refuses all feeding methods including breast, bottle, and cup, and seems uninterested in eating.
- Mention if your baby is not producing enough wet diapers, which may suggest they are not getting enough to eat.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your breastfed baby pushes the bottle away but nurses happily at the breast
- Your baby takes the bottle from other caregivers but refuses it from the breastfeeding parent
- Your baby needs several attempts over days or weeks before accepting a bottle
- Your baby takes small amounts from a bottle initially and gradually increases
- Your baby refuses all feeding methods including breast, bottle, and cup, and seems uninterested in eating
- Your baby is not producing enough wet diapers, which may suggest they are not getting enough to eat
- You need to return to work and your baby will not accept any alternative feeding method from a caregiver
- Your baby seems to be in pain or discomfort with any feeding method, not just the bottle
- Your baby is showing signs of dehydration such as very few wet diapers, dry mouth, sunken fontanelle, or lethargy
- Your baby has completely stopped eating from any source for more than 8 to 12 hours in newborns or 24 hours in older babies
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby refusing bottle — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your breastfed baby pushes the bottle away but nurses happily at the breast — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby is showing signs of dehydration such as very few wet diapers, dry mouth, sunken fontanelle, or lethargy.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby refusing bottle normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby refusing bottle?
When is baby refusing bottle normal?
What causes baby refusing bottle?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby refusing bottle?
Is baby refusing bottle normal at 0-3 months?
Is baby refusing bottle normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby refusing bottle?
Does baby refusing bottle go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Refusing Bottle.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby refusing bottle and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby refuses all feeding methods including breast, bottle, and cup, and seems uninterested in eating.
- Mention if your baby is not producing enough wet diapers, which may suggest they are not getting enough to eat.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby refuses all feeding methods including breast, bottle, and cup, and seems uninterested in eating
- Your baby is not producing enough wet diapers, which may suggest they are not getting enough to eat
- You need to return to work and your baby will not accept any alternative feeding method from a caregiver
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby is showing signs of dehydration such as very few wet diapers, dry mouth, sunken fontanelle, or lethargy
- Your baby has completely stopped eating from any source for more than 8 to 12 hours in newborns or 24 hours in older babies
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby refusing bottle are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby is showing signs of dehydration such as very few wet diapers, dry mouth, sunken fontanelle, or lethargy.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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