Knowledgebase: Infant Feeding Problems

Questions about nursing, formulas, spitting up, and colic.

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3. 7 1/2 month old won't take bottle - Top

Question: Our 7 1/2 month old no longer wants his bottle. It has become such a struggle. This has been going on now for about 2 weeks. He swats, spits and crys when I try to feed him. We have tried different formulas and still the same problem. I feel so frustrated and worried that he is not getting the proper nutrition. He will eat his vegetables and fruit.

Answer: There are a number of reasons why a baby this age might refuse the bottle.

If the baby is eating adequate solid foods, his nutritional requirement for formula may be very small. If he is drinking other fluids such as water or juices, stop them and in time he will start drinking formula. Try different temperatures; he may prefer cold over warm at this point. Perhaps he would prefer a sippy cup now as well.

Finally, some babies have gastroesophageal reflux (food traveling back up the esophagus) which can cause esophagitis (irritation of the food pipe) which is painful and can cause a baby to not want to drink. This possibility should be discussed with your doctor.

The only way to know if a baby is getting good nutrition is to measure its growth (height, weight, and head circumference. If the baby is growing well, he probably is getting enough formula.
- Updated: July 2, 2001

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James L Horwitz, MD

David C. Thomas, MD

Barbara Lindberg, PNP