He Won't Take Formula

Hey there. I've breastfed all my kiddies, never had any problem with weaning, but I have some interesting info for you. I was reading in a health book that when you need to supplement breast milk, you should use a soy-based formula and then add a small amount of papaya (put through a blender). That is supposed to most closely resemble M.'s milk (taste-wise). I never tried this because I just recently came upon that info. I hope this is helpful!

Maybe you should pump some breast milk and put that into a sippy cup or bottle. I have daughters that are now age 3 and 5 and both of them never took formula or any milk from a bottle or sippy cup. Good luck!! My doctor always told me that if they get hungry enough, they will take the milk from another source other than your breast but I never had the guts to try that.

After having breastmilk, formula just doesn't TASTE good!! If you are adament about weaning so close to a year, then try mixing formula with breastmilk until your baby adjusts to the taste.

A.
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Try milk! I switched my daughter at 10 months from formula to milk. He may just be ready! Good Luck!

My son was the same way. I had to stop breastfeeding to begin medication, and he refused the bottle after he tasted formula in it. Nearly 6 weeks later, after many, many attempts, he began drinking formula. I mixed it with breast milk in the beginning and continued to slowly increase the ratios. This, and finding a bottle with a nipple that was like his pacifier, was the only thing that worked for us.

At 9 months have you tried the next step formula? Its in between formula and milk. My son didn't want anything but formula and we had to wean him off that and used the next step formula before going to milk at a year. He started it at 9 months but I think its a little thinner than regular formula or something. He liked it so maybe it will work in your situation too . . .

Its worth a shot . .

Good luck!

I know you are trying to wean him but have you tried breast milk in a bottle or sippy cup to see if he will take it? When I changed my daughter to formula I mixed it 1/4 formula to 3/4 breast milk then after a week I reduced the breast milk to 1/2 & just kept reducing it until she was on straight formula. I also did the same thing when I but her on whole milk. I think it made an easier transition & not quite as big shock to her little system. Hope this helps & good luck.

Hi Sarah,
If at all possible, I would just continue nursing. It is absolutely the best thing for your baby until the age of 1. Then after one, you don't need to worry about the bottle/formula.
Good luck!

I have a son who was so particular. He wouldn't take breast milk from a bottle so I had to wean him first then give it to him in a bottle.

So, long story short, you may have to try different things and see what he likes. Like, whole milk and you can try 2 or 1% if he eats well). My nephew would only take whole milk with a bit of chocolate syrup. You can also try giving it to him in a cup with a straw (you can buy those in the grocery store or Disney store).

Hope this helps. I know it can be so exasperating!

Hi S.,

I realize how fustrating this is! This is what worked for me: First, about the bottle... Try a different nipple, try one with more or larger holes. The easier it was for my son the more willing he was to try the bottle. Your son may also dislike the formula? Have you tried different types? My son hated Similac, he prefered Good Start and Organic Formula from Earth's best. (Plus those two don't cause my son to smell funny) About the sippy cup, I would simply continue to introduce it again and again with formula until he gets used to it. Sometimes it takes a while for little guys to get familiar with something new. He may expect the sweet juice and get disapointed to find formula. One last suggestion, totally up to you... I realize they reccomend formula for 12 months, but you may want to try cow's milk or soy milk and give a vitamin supplement.