Nipple Confusion?

When is the safe point to introduce a bottle nipple to a breast fed baby? I know that the first while the baby is prone to nipple confusion, and I want to avoid that if possible, but at the same time, there are some things I would like to start doing out side of the house, and I don't want to expose the baby to outside germs.

Any input is appreciated.

I've heard 4 weeks and I've heard six. We waited til two months and I regretted waiting that long, he refused the bottle. In the end (when my supply dried up from being pregnant) he would only take formula in a bottle, not breastmilk. Odd child...

Hah, yeah, I think that the lactation consultant told me 4 - 6, but that's a pretty wide range..

Quoting Anastasia's Momma:“ When is the safe point to introduce a bottle nipple to a breast fed baby? I know that the first while ... [snip!] ... like to start doing out side of the house, and I don't want to expose the baby to outside germs. Any input is appreciated.”

The books tend to say 6 weeks. I personally wait until the breastfeeding relationship is fully established and both you and baby seem to have the hang of things pretty easily. I've found the platex drop-in bottles with the rubber nipples (not the silicone ones) have been the easiest for my kids to switch back and forth with.

I've heard 6 but the longer you wait is best IMO.

I've herad 4-6 weeks also. But Kaden has had a bottle, paci, and boob since 2 days old. I had to give him a bottle in the hospital to supplement because his jaundice was getting worse and my milk wasn't in yet. We've never had an issue with nipple confusion. It was one of my fears though.

Quoting his wifey, their mommy:“ I've heard 6 but the longer you wait is best IMO.”

Waiting longer will certainly help avoid nipple confusion but it can also result in flat out rejection of the bottle. I waited until 2.5 months with my daughter and she would NEVER until the day she weened take a bottle. Not a big deal since I'm a SAHM but I personally think if you're going to need your baby to take a bottle for any reason it's better to introduce it around the 4 week mark.