Page header image

Weaning from Breast to Bottle

________________________________________________________________________

KEY POINTS

  • If you need to or want to stop breastfeeding, it is best to wait until your baby is at least 3-4 weeks old. You can use breast milk in the bottles instead of infant formula if you have a good milk supply.
  • Plan ahead and give yourself and your baby plenty of time.
  • If you have a setback, wait until things calm down, and then continue weaning your baby. Call your baby's healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

________________________________________________________________________

When should I start weaning?

If you need to or want to stop breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until your baby is at least 3-4 weeks old. If you are going to use breast milk in the bottles instead of infant formula, this gives you enough time to have a good milk supply and makes it easier to pump your breast milk.

If older than 9 months, your baby is probably ready to wean straight to an open-rimmed cup rather than to a bottle.

How do I wean my baby?

Here are some tips for weaning your baby from breastfeeding to bottle feeding.

  • Plan a time when you can spend 10 to 15 minutes to try the bottle. Your baby will feel the pressure if you are rushed.
  • Choose a time when your baby is alert and a little hungry. This helps your baby want to learn a new way to feed. On the other hand, don’t introduce a bottle when your baby is very hungry. An upset, very hungry baby will be in no mood to try something new.
  • Take your time: Give yourself and your baby plenty of time to give up breastfeeding. Slow weaning gives your baby time to adjust. It also allows your milk supply to lessen slowly and helps prevent swollen and painful (engorged) breasts.
  • Hold your baby: Hold and cuddle your baby while offering a bottle. Try to make bottle feeding as warm and comfortable as breastfeeding was.
  • Eliminate 1 breastfeeding session at a time: How quickly you wean will depend on your baby. After you have replaced 1 breastfeeding session with a bottle, wait 5 to 7 days. Then, if your baby is doing well, replace a second breastfeeding session with a bottle. Do this until giving a bottle has replaced all breastfeeding sessions.

    The early morning and late evening breastfeeding sessions are usually the hardest for your baby to give up. Wean your baby from these last.

What if my breasts get engorged?

If your breasts get engorged because you are not breastfeeding as much, let your baby breastfeed 15 to 30 seconds from each breast to relieve your discomfort. Make sure that you don't breastfeed any longer, however, or you will trigger your breasts to make more milk and the engorgement will get worse.

What if my baby resists the bottle?

Go slowly and gently. First touch your baby's lips with the bottle nipple, and watch how your baby reacts. Express a little milk from the bottle nipple onto your baby's lips or tongue. Don't force the nipple past the lips. Instead, let your baby draw the nipple in at his or her own pace. If your baby is not upset by the bottle, move the nipple a little further into your baby's mouth.

Offer milk that you have pumped from your breasts earlier in the day. Warm the milk first, taking care not to overheat the milk. Because the bottle nipple smells and tastes different than your breast nipple, it helps to have breast milk in the bottle.

Your baby may resist a bit at first by turning away, making a face, or pushing the nipple away with his or her tongue. Don't force the bottle into your baby’s mouth. Stop at the first sign that your baby is unhappy with this lesson.

Don't spend more than 10 to 15 minutes trying the bottle. Stop sooner if your baby or you are getting frustrated. It's better to end the session on a positive note and try again another day.

What if I have problems with weaning?

Setbacks in weaning can be caused by many things, including stress, major changes in meal or bed times, or illness. If you have a setback, it’s OK to wait until things calm down, and then continue weaning your baby. Call your baby's healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Developed by Change Healthcare.
Pediatric Advisor 2022.2 published by Change Healthcare.
Last modified: 2020-01-30
Last reviewed: 2017-12-11
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2022 Change Healthcare LLC and/or one of its subsidiaries
Page footer image