What is Bottle Refusal?

By Anna Rademaker, IBCLC, LMT | Sacred Mama Denver

If you’ve ever offered your baby a bottle only to have them turn away, cry, or simply refuse to latch, you know how stressful and emotional bottle refusal can feel. But what exactly is bottle refusal — and why does it happen?

Bottle refusal is when a breastfed baby does not accept a bottle, even if they once did before. This is surprisingly common and often shows up around 3 to 4 months old. Many parents feel frustrated, worried, or even rejected when their baby refuses a bottle — but please know, this is not a power struggle and your baby is not being stubborn!

Here’s what’s really going on: Babies are born with a strong suck reflex that helps them feed at the breast or bottle. But this reflex naturally fades between 3 and 4 months of age as babies grow and feeding becomes a learned skill rather than a reflex. So if your baby hasn’t had regular practice using a bottle by then, they may simply not know how to do it. It’s not about willpower — it’s about muscle memory, oral skills, and confidence.

This is where I can help. As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I work alongside parents to teach babies the oral motor skills they need to accept and feed well from a bottle. Together, we create a step-by-step plan that helps your baby feel comfortable, safe, and confident. This is a gentle process — bottle refusal does not usually resolve overnight, but most babies make steady progress with consistent practice over a few weeks.

If you’re feeling stuck and overwhelmed by bottle refusal, you do not have to figure this out alone. Let’s work together to support your sweet baby in learning new skills that make feeding easier for everyone.

Ready to get started? Book a consult with me, Anna Rademaker, IBCLC — and let’s help your baby learn to love the bottle in a way that feels gentle, responsive, and calm for you both.