Is your 6-month-old baby on a nursing strike

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by Linda Shaw, MD

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The question:
I introduced my 6-month old son to solids and he went on a nursing strike. I has been 2 weeks and now will not breastfeed at all. I have switched to formula but I am still having a problem with him taking a cup or bottle. He is probably only getting 12-16 ounces of formula a day in his cereal. Any suggestions to get him to use a cup or bottle? - Maurica in Laurel, Delaware

Six months is young to wean a baby. I'd suggest trying to reintroduce the baby to the breast. Letting him "hang out" at the breast, skin-to-skin is a good technique. It's not a good idea to force anything. Also, cutting down on his solid foods will encourage more liquid intake.

When starting a breastfeeding baby on solids, offer the breast first. Solids are only complimentary feedings, not designed to replace breastfeeds. Six month olds can take cups -- you have to hold the cup for them, but they can easily drink from one. (It's actually quite possible to cup feed a newborn; this is a technique used in nurseries around the world.) When cup feeding an infant, use a small cup, make sure the baby is sitting upright, and just tilt a little liquid into his/her mouth. With some practice, cup feeding should go well. I'd recommend using a cup for any additional liquids while trying to reestablish breastfeeding.

Currently, as long as the baby is urinating well, he/she is getting enough fluids, and the amount of artificial baby milk (formula) that he/she is getting is sufficient.

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About the author: Linda Shaw is a general pediatrician with over 20 years of experience with a practice in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She is currently am one of the AAP's breastfeeding coordinators and a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. She also breastfed her four children, including twins. Dr Shaw enjoys teaching and explaining things to patients and their parents.

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