Switching from breast to bottle at 8 weeks

ladybug · #1 (**permalink**) 15-10-07, 21:48

Any advice girls?

I have a friend who is really, really struggling (she is actually very unwell but the bubba isn't taking well to bottle) and I am no help whatsoever.

Which teats to use?
Should someone else feed?
How often and how much?
Which teats are best?
Any ideas which milk seems the closest to the taste of breastmilk?

Thanks girls
xxx

Ellie H · #2 (**permalink**) 15-10-07, 21:56

Oh hope she gets better very soon!

I'd definitely suggest anti colic teats. We used the Avent bottles but recently changed to PVC free bottles (Vital Baby).

If bubba isn't taking the formula well from Mummy it's probably because he/she can smell the breastmilk, I had similar problems with Ethan and his daddy was a great help, as was my brother! He struggled more with me but eventually got used to it. Plus it meant I could rest whilst he fed Ethan, and rest must be high on the agenda if she's poorly!

If she's wanting to develop a routine then most formula cartons have instructions for how much and how often on the back, we followed the instructions on the Cow and Gate we used pretty successfully and once we felt confident were able to make our own schedule.

xxxxxxxxx

ladybug · #3 (**permalink**) 15-10-07, 21:59

ta hon xxx

acad · #4 (**permalink**) 15-10-07, 22:02

I too hope your friend gets better xxx

Aubrey didn't get on too well with the avent teats.(colic) we brought several makes and tried all off them out and the ones we stuck with are the Tommy Tippee as soon as aub's went on to these everything settled down.

again with formula we use Aptimill and this is also what she had in the hospital. we just read the back of the box for instructions.

Hope this helps hun xxxxxx

Debbiemeep · #5 (**permalink**) 15-10-07, 23:28

I found Matthew took to the Avent ones no problem but all babys are different so I suppose its just a matter of trying a few and see how she gets on.

Re who should feed, as Ellie H said, its probaby the smell of breastmilk that unsettles the baby. I think if someone else tried to feed, and also keep the lights dim so the baby doesn't see the bottle, it might help.

I gave Matthew Aptimil and he didn't seem to notice much difference between breast and formula, he would drink either quite happily. You can buy ready made cartons of most formula for about 50p that are handy to see which milk the baby likes best and which stays down as well.

How much and how often - maybe try to keep it similar to what she is doing now; at 8 weeks its probably every 3 hours the baby wants fed? With the ready made carton (7oz), you can use 3 or 4 oz to start with and top it up if needed, and keep the rest in the fridge for the next bottle.

Hope she is feeling better soon, it's tough enough with a new baby without being ill as well.

Debs xx

cole · #6 (**permalink**) 16-10-07, 09:55

I had lots of problems with what milk to use. I think it is trail and error. I tried about 5 before settling on one. I used cow and gate comfort (gentle on the tummy for reflux etc) and now use normal cow and gate.
As for how much and when depends on how hungry baby is. Georgia was every 4-5 hours and only took about 4 oz and slept through the night. Where as my neice at the same age took 7 oz every 3 hours over 24 hours.
I use advent bottles (anti colic) and they have been fine. Just check the flow of the teat - lower the number the slower the flow.
Hope LO is feeding better xx

cathyg · #7 (**permalink**) 16-10-07, 10:39

we started on some formula from 6 weeks. used Avent bottles & teats (slow flow) & Cow & Gate. It took a bit of doing & lots of screaming etc, but he soon got the hang of it. Daddy did the bottle feeds to start with until he got used to them. xx

ladybug · #8 (**permalink**) 16-10-07, 12:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by cole

Just check the flow of the teat - lower the number the slower the flow.

Ah, now there's a point... Which flow teat?? I was wondering if a faster flow would be better, showing bubba that it's easier to bottle feed therefor more appealing... or would it be too much on her wee tummy???

hectic mummy · #9 (**permalink**) 16-10-07, 12:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladybug

Ah, now there's a point... Which flow teat?? I was wondering if a faster flow would be better, showing bubba that it's easier to bottle feed therefor more appealing... or would it be too much on her wee tummy???

Maybe too much for her. I would start with the slower teat then if it looks like she is really sucking on it then move to the faster one. I used SMA with Alex. It was good but his nappies were horid to begin with.
x x x

hectic mummy · #10 (**permalink**) 16-10-07, 12:57

P.S I used Avent bottles. x x