Overcoming Nipple Confusion

Ashley F., BFPC

Updated October 28, 2025 20:59

My baby was given a bottle early on, and now he doesn’t want to latch on. How can I get back to nursing at the breast?

This is a situation many moms find themselves in. Nipple confusion (or nipple preference) happens when a baby starts to prefer a bottle nipple over the breast. It often develops when bottles are introduced before breastfeeding is well established (usually before 3 weeks of age).

Babies use their muscles and mouth movements differently when drinking from a bottle, versus the breast. Because bottles often flow faster and take less effort, babies can begin to prefer them. Breastfeeding requires more coordination and skill than bottle-feeding, and that’s a good thing! The sucking, swallowing, and breathing pattern strengthens your baby’s tongue, jaw, and facial muscles—skills they’ll later use for chewing and speaking. Breastfeeding also supports healthy jaw growth and lowers the risk of bite problems or issues with how the teeth line up.

But there is hope—you can help your baby get back to breastfeeding! It may take time, practice, and patience for your baby to return to the breast. Every baby is different, but small steps are still progress.

Helping Your Baby Back to the Breast

Offer the breast frequently. Attempt to latch your baby at least every 2 hours during the day. Keep your baby close at night (in a safe sleeping space). Aim for 10–12 breastfeeding sessions in 24 hours.
Watch for early hunger cues (stirring, hand-to-mouth movements, rooting) and attempt to latch before your baby is overly hungry.
Spend time skin-to-skin to build a positive association with the breast and give your baby easy access. Try the magic nursing position to encourage latching. The dancer hand latching technique may also be helpful.
Take advantage of sleepy or drowsy times—babies are often more willing to latch then.
Limit pacifier use, so sucking needs are met at the breast instead.
Offer the breast first, before any supplemental milk is given, such as expressed breast milk or formula.
Consider using a supplemental nursing system (SNS) to keep your baby engaged at the breast when supplementing with breast milk or formula.
Cup feeding, finger feeding, or syringe feeding can be used temporarily to avoid bottles, while working to get baby back to the breast.

Making the Breast More Rewarding

Use proper positioning and latching techniques to optimize how much milk your baby is able to remove from the breast.
Do breast compressions during the feeding. These can keep your baby interested in the breast by increasing milk flow. This “hands-on” method can also increase milk supply!
Switch breasts multiple times during a feeding. When milk flow slows or your baby comes off the breast, switch.
Offer “extra snacks”—nurse whenever your baby shows interest, even if it’s not a full feeding.
Consider using the SNS instead of the bottle for feedings.

Protecting Your Milk Supply

While your baby is relearning to breastfeed, it’s important to protect your supply:

Pump both breasts every time your baby receives a bottle to keep your supply strong.
Supplement only as needed. Work with your doctor or lactation consultant to decide the right amount, whether using expressed breast milk or formula.
Adjust supplementation gradually as breastfeeding sessions become more effective. It is important to carefully reduce supplementation as your baby's skills at the breast improve. Remember to watch for signs that your baby is getting enough to eat.
Remember: skin-to-skin contact boosts milk-making hormones, even if baby isn’t nursing.
If bottles are given, it's important to use paced bottle-feeding. This slows the flow of milk to mimic the flow from the breast, helps babies transition between bottle and breast more easily, prevents waste and overfeeding.
After giving a bottle, offer the breast again for “dessert” to further stimulate milk production.
Use frequent weight checks and weighed feedings to confirm baby is transferring enough milk. This is also a good tool to determine how much supplementation is needed. Contact your WIC office for help with this.
Keep in mind your baby’s tummy is still small. At 4–7 days old, babies only need about 1–2 ounces per feeding (10–20 ounces per day). [Click here for more on average intake for breastfed babies.]

Final Thoughts

Nipple confusion can feel discouraging, but it doesn’t mean the end of your breastfeeding journey. With patience, consistency, and the right support, many babies return to the breast. Practice skin-to-skin several times during the day prior to feedings. Focus on offering the breast often, keeping your baby close, and protecting your milk supply while your little one relearns. Remember, every step forward is progress. And you don’t have to do this alone—your peer counselor and WIC staff are here to guide and encourage you along the way.