🍼INTRODUCING A BOTTLE TO YOUR BABY - tips from a NICU RN and certified breastfeeding consultant: Did you know that babies have a natural reflex called the sucking reflex that diminishes around 6-8 weeks of age? It’s important to introduce a bottle CONSISTENTLY before this time to encourage bottle acceptance and prevent bottle refusal and oral aversion. You can introduce a bottle to your baby as early as day one - even if you plan on lactating (breastfeeding, pumping, chest feeding). Introducing a bottle also allows for other caregivers to be involved in feeding and bonding with baby. Tips for successful bottle acceptance: ▫️introduce a bottle as early as day one and before 6 weeks of age ▫️use a sloped shaped nipple for best latch (shop our favorites in LTK) ▫️consistency is key. Offer every 24-48 hours ▫️use a side lying position to help baby manage flow. See our “correctly bottle feeding” blog post for more. ▫️don’t force the bottle - if your baby is refusing, gagging, or having a negative experience, reach out to us! It’s important to turn this around as soon as possible. ▫️check out our bottle webinar with Lauren (link in profile) for our most affordable tips on bottle refusal ▫️book a into bottle consult or full consult with Natalie or Lauren (link in profile) Did you baby take a bottle easily? ⬇️ LTKbump LTKfamily LTKbaby