Nipple confusion can happen to babies that have grown used to sucking on a dummy or baby bottle. This is often seen as difficulty adjusting to sucking on the mother’s breast. In some babies, it could be the other way around, when a breastfed baby refuses to feed using the bottle.

Confusion can happen because the mechanics of latching on to a real breast versus a bottle are different. Most babies switch from bottle to breast with ease, but it is also not uncommon for a baby who is used to feeding using a bottle to have difficulty switching to breastfeeding.

Read on to know how to Fixing Nipple Confusion when feeding your baby.

3 Tips for Fixing Nipple Confusion

Establish breastfeeding first

It is always better to start with breastfeeding which can take up to six weeks to establish. Breastfeeding requires a more complex mechanism of latching and suckling movements for proper feeding which babies do by instinct. There is no such mechanism for bottle feeding because milk easily flows out of the bottle due to gravity. This a good time for your baby to gain weight through breastfeeding and ample time for him or her to establish a normal breastfeeding routine.

Make breastfeeding a pleasant activity

Be patient, minimize distractions when breastfeeding, and set aside ample time so your baby can breastfeed at his own pace. Avoid feeding when the baby is hungry as he or she can easily become frustrated when breastfeeding attempts do not produce the desired results after the first few tries. Setting aside ample time for breastfeeding also helps you avoid pushing the baby to nurse when he or she is not ready. Doing so may lead to the baby instinctively fighting against breastfeeding, making the transition even more difficult. It is also important to ensure full body contact with the baby. Skin to skin contact can encourage bonding and relaxation which can make it easier for the baby to latch.

Use a nipple shield

A nipple shield can be useful when helping a bottle-fed baby transition to breastfeeding. A nipple shield is a thin silicone teat placed over the nipple for a firmer feel. Holes in the shield allow milk to flow but because the baby is sucking on a real breast, he is still being trained to latch and suck properly.

Nipple confusion can occur for a variety of reasons but there are effective techniques to help your baby transition from bottle to breast and vice versa. With patience and the right techniques, feeding time can become a relaxing and productive time for both mom and baby.