To encourage a newborn to drink from a bottle, a key technique involves allowing the baby to initiate the latch onto the nipple themselves, mimicking their natural feeding instincts.
Encouraging Latch for Bottle Feeding
Getting a newborn to drink from a bottle often starts with helping them properly latch onto the nipple. Instead of simply inserting the bottle nipple directly into the baby's mouth, you can utilize their natural rooting reflex to guide them to latch on independently.
This method draws parallels to how a baby might latch onto a breast, promoting a more comfortable and effective feeding experience.
Steps for the Self-Latching Technique
Based on guidance for bottle feeding newborns, you can try the following steps to encourage your baby to drink:
- Stimulate the rooting reflex: Gently tickle your baby's upper lip and nose with the bottle nipple.
- Wait for readiness: Observe your baby. This stimulation encourages them to open wide, searching for the nipple.
- Allow self-latch: Once their mouth is wide open, allow the baby to draw the bottle nipple into their mouth and latch on themself.
This approach helps the baby control the initiation of feeding, which can be particularly helpful if they are transitioning from breastfeeding or are hesitant to take a bottle. Allowing the baby to latch onto the bottle nipple themself, similar to how they would latch on to a breast, can lead to a more successful feeding attempt.
Following these steps can help your newborn comfortably begin drinking from a bottle by utilizing their innate rooting and latching abilities.
