https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 05 May 2026 22:47:27 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2197511 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:25:18 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2197511@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kemma: @Mrs. Sunshine: @SleepyMonkey: Oh that makes me feel better. Maybe I should try timing again...I did that in the beginning but haven't for a long time. 10-15 minutes sounds amazing...right now if she only eats for 10-15 she wants to eat again an hour later. She did that this morning. She acts like she is done and won't go back on, but an hour later she is crying and wants more, and eats another 15 minutes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2197386 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 00:37:06 +0000 PawPrints 2197386@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've only been nursing for 8 weeks, and introduced a bottle at 4 weeks, now LO takes one bottle per day since I want her to be used to it when she goes to daycare at 7 months. But in my limited experience, I love not having to worry at all about how many ounces she's getting, or pumping the right amount for her appetite, I just let her dictate when to start and when to stop and it's super easy. No worrying about regulating my supply since she does that for me. No worrying about taking bottles along when we go places, especially on vacation. I like knowing LO is getting the appropriate milk for her for the same time of day when she's eating. And when she's going through a fussy period when she wants a million short feeds all day long, I can respond to that easily without having to rewarm a bottle over and over again. I can't imagine what night feedings would be like if I had to go get a bottle out of the fridge and warm it up, rather than just scoop LO up into bed next to me. So I'm a fan of breastfeeding more so than pumping and bottlefeeding, though it is nice to have DH give her that one bottle in the evening so I don't have to feed her at her fussiest moment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2197382 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 00:23:29 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 2197382@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Once they're an older baby, the nursing sessions become a lot faster... they get so efficient, they have better neck control, and so we usually nursed for just 10-15 min if I remember correctly. I loved that I never had to clean bottles, and parts... and it was my special time with the baby, especially with a toddler around... so it was nice just to have that 1:1 time. I loved everything about nursing an older baby - their schedules become way more predictable than the first 4 months too. I remember nursing every 3 hours from 4-6 months, then it dropped down to every 4 hours up til a year... so that was only 4x a day! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2197319 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 21:54:37 +0000 SleepyMonkey 2197319@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: i always timed her nursing sessions for that reason. If she nursed for 12 minutes or more then i was pretty confident that it was a full feed and she was full. Less than 10, she probably has a burp or if she fell asleep i would wake her up. But as they get older and are more efficient, it was much more obvious whether she was done (unlatch and look around, wouldn't go back on) or not (unlatch and look around but go back on easy). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2197315 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 21:47:46 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 2197315@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: yes that goes away! I breastfed my first for 14 months (and I totally hated nursing in public) and I still can't figure out when my 5 week old is done. There are days when we go 4 hour chunks where she eats every hour. It sucks but I remember it from the first time and it goes away eventually! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2197290 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 21:14:08 +0000 Kemma 2197290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: my Lo definitely got much more predictable as she got older! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2197270 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 20:50:52 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2197270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The pumping really isn't an issue to me...I'm slready pumping 1-2 times per day and to add a couple more wouldn't be too bad. I'm already washing parts so that's the same too. </p> <p>It's interesting that so many of you feel that it's easier to nurse out. For me this is not the xase...probably because I'm not comfortable nursing without a cover. I feel like she never gets a good feed when we are out, and she's constantly unlatching and relatching, so I'm alays messing with the cover and it's a pain. </p> <p>I'm not so much worried about how much she's getting....I mentioned the amount mostly because I can't tell when she's done. So a lot if times she falls asleep and then wants to eat again an hour later, which is really difficult. Does that get easier when they are a bit older? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196997 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:31:05 +0000 daniellemybelle 2196997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's so personal but I didn't love nursing until after LO was 6 months old. It got easier and easier and better and better as she got older. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196984 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:20:17 +0000 Zbug 2196984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Echoing others but BFing just got easier the as dd became older. It only takes 5 min - way less time than preparing, giving and cleaning bottles. Makes travel so much easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196919 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 15:22:27 +0000 danda 2196919@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We breastfed until 19 months (but with lots of cow's milk in sippy cups starting at 12 months) and I agree with others that after the initial difficult first few months breastfeeding is so much easier. I didn't care about nursing in public once we "got good" at nursing/no longer had difficulties latching so I stopped using a cover eventually. It's wonderful to not have to wash bottles and pump parts constantly. I will warn that we had difficulty with bottle refusal around months 2-4 (started daycare with pumped milk at 4 months) so I'd encourage some bottle feeding mixed in even if you choose to breastfeed. One more thing to note...you mention not knowing how much the kid is taking in, that's theoretically a downside but also kiddo should regulate itself accordingly so you don't really NEED to know, you just want to. A related downside to bottle feeding is that you have to guess how much milk to prepare in the bottle and risk preparing too much/too little. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196912 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 15:13:27 +0000 Charm54 2196912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Following this thread... I EPed dd and honestly had such a good experience that I'm considering doing the same with lo2 and not even attempting BFing...but maybe that will be a mistake? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196904 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 15:01:16 +0000 Peasinapod 2196904@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At almost 9 months I'd say:<br /> - not worrying about bottles and packing enough/ storing enough when we're on the go<br /> - super easy to calm fussy baby<br /> - I love the snuggles</p> <p>Downsides:<br /> - she has a massive mama preference, which I think is because nursing comforts her<br /> - tough to leave her ( i don't pump)<br /> - unpredictable for when she'll be hungry</p> <p>For me pros outweigh cons. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196885 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:43:19 +0000 Kemma 2196885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just thought I'd throw it out there that not all nursing toddlers are misbehaving boob monsters feeding all day! I'm still feeding my big girl (31 months) once a day and not once has she made a grab for my boobs in an inappropriate way! These days she feeds for two minutes on each side and only if we're home and it's naptime.</p> <p>Personally, I love that bf'ing means there's one less thing I need to worry about organising when going out, I didn't need to stress over solids because I knew the milk was on tap and nutritionally complete, it can be a lifesaver for settling an upset or overtired child down or to sleep. Lastly I loved it because it was easy and fun compared to the first few months that were painful and difficult! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196882 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:38:48 +0000 MrsKoala 2196882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>After 4 months, breastfeeding actually becomes much quicker than bottle feeding/pumping. There's less to clean up as well since you aren't cleaning out bottles, pump parts, etc. all the time. I found breastfeeding much more convenient once LO became more efficient. It would take 30 minutes to pump what I needed and then another 15-20 to feed him when I could breastfeed him in 10 minutes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196880 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:38:17 +0000 SleepyMonkey 2196880@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I find pumping to be so much more work...washing bottles and pump parts and taking time to pump and then feed the baby. I think 3 months it was still a lot of work to nurse (unlatching, milk everywhere, annoying), but at 4 months it is easy and really short! She is done in 8 minutes. Pumping and feeding a bottle and washing...it would take 30 mins. I nursed my first to 14 months and she wasnt a boob monster...she weaned really easily, never asked for it when i cut back. So for me it is about the convenience. I dont know exactly how much she is getting but when i pump, i can get 4-5 oz from one side in under 10 minutes so i imagine she gets that when she nurses. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196874 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:30:01 +0000 Adira 2196874@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me, nursing has always just been so much easier. Baby upset? Give him a boob. Baby having trouble falling asleep? Give him a boob. Baby hungry? Give him a boob. Don't have to wait to warm up milk, don't have to pump, don't have to wash parts, etc. It's just easier. Plus now with a toddler, it's a nice break. I'll take Logan into the nursery while Hubs watches Xander and I'll get some quiet time bonding with my baby. Obviously this is dependent on someone watching the toddler though!</p> <p>Another thing I didn't see anyone mention, so I thought I would, was antibodies. When you are nursing, if your baby gets sick, your body will start making antibodies to fight their illness, even if you yourself aren't sick! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196873 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:28:26 +0000 ShootingStar 2196873@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I BF'd until around 7 months. Then I lost my supply and we switched to formula. The pros for me are similar to what @Anagram: said. From what I've seen of people who BF to a year +, they have kids who are total boob monsters. It also seems to be more difficult to get those kids to sleep. I had a relatively easy time sleep training because we had weaned. </p> <p>Personally, I HATED pumping. It took so much effort and cleaning and time away from work. If I wanted to stop BFing on my own terms, I'd store up a big stash for emergencies (like stomach bugs) and then I'd switch over to formula and not look back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196855 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:15:16 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 2196855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nursing gets easier and shorter as they get older. Before you know it you will be able to walk around with the little one attached to your boob as you chase the older one. :silly: Not dealing with the pump, the bottles and all is a time saver. Also I know you mentioned it's not an issue, but it does help keep supply up, and helps when they are uncomfortable with teething, flights, that sort of thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196841 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:09:45 +0000 catomd00 2196841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Major pro is convenience, especially out and at night. I hate pumping but more power to you if you're dedicated to do it! Nursing older babies definitely gets annoying when they're distracted. From like 5-6 months on I pretty much need to nurse in a quiet room away from people to minimize distractions. I think the bonding is a pro, but you can definitely bond bottle feeding or other ways. I do love that nursing is our way of reconnecting after working all day because I couldn't get her to sit and snuggle with me if she wasn't nursing (bc she is 15 months and off bottles so can't bond with a bottle feed anymore.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196834 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:02:50 +0000 Truth Bombs 2196834@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not having to clean pump parts and bottles is huge to me. I work full time and I hated pumping at work... so on the weekends, I never ever ever pumped or bottle fed. Nursing was just such a nice fall back when LO would get fussy. I was terrified the first time I had to take a plane ride with her after she was weaned. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196824 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:56:37 +0000 Maysprout 2196824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my first I kept a bottle of pumped milk in the fridge and she had maybe one a day till we started solids. With my second I found nursing so much easier than dealing with pump parts and bottles that I just kept a stash in the freezer for the occassion she'd get a bottle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196821 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:55:09 +0000 Alivoo01 2196821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: Oh. Yea.... A toddler definitely does change things up a bit. haha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196812 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:52:36 +0000 avivoca 2196812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I preferred nursing over bottle feeding. It was a lot easier for me instead of having to worry about keeping the milk cold or messing with bottles. It was also easy for me to work around her eating schedule. Once baby is older and not nursing as frequently, it gets even easier. I'm still nursing my 20-month-old, but she nurses once a day and has since she was 14 months old. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196807 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:48:04 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2196807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Alivoo01: For me, nursing isn't really easy out and about! I almost always have my toddler with me, and nursing and chasing aren't easy haha :) at least with a bottle I could set her down and not have to mess with a cover or clothing when my kiddo tries to run off somewhere. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196748 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:22:22 +0000 hilsy85 2196748@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>One of the pros of nursing an older child was that nursing was an easy go to when he was upset, hurt, or just out of sorts. It also SAVED us on flights when he was a bit older--it served as a pacifier of sorts. It was easy to do on the go (although, LO was often very distracted and so would not nurse easily outside home). Mostly, it was just a really nice bonding time. But if you're getting that from bottle feeding already then I would honestly just go with that,, if you're ok with pumping. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196739 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:20:08 +0000 sorrycharlie 2196739@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nursing my older baby/toddler was waaaay easier than nursing her as a young baby. We got into a rough schedule where she ate every 2.5-3.5 hours (just so happened that way, I didn't make her!). It was easy and she actually refused a bottle anyway, so it made the decision for me. She had no issues weaning whatsoever but we may be a rare case? I weaned slowly and we were done by 15.5 months. </p> <p>My second takes a bottle relatively easily but I still primarily nurse just because it's faster for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196738 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:19:17 +0000 Alivoo01 2196738@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pro would be ease of feeding LO out and about. No need to bring bottles and what not. And less cleaning later on also. But that's the only pro for me. LOL!!</p> <p>I too liked seeing how much DS was drinking vs guessing. DS went to daycare starting at 3 months so took 4 bottles during the day. I only nursed him in the evenings and MOTN. I weaned him when he turned one. I started weaning from the pump at 11 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196731 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:17:28 +0000 Anagram 2196731@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: I feel like this is going to be so dependent on each person's experience nursing or EPing. I have friends who love, love, love nursing and are still nursing their toddlers....but as an outsider (me, who EPd till LO was 13 months), it seems like so much work--their toddlers are still boob monsters with no end in sight, they still nurse al; day long, not just at set times like you would with bottle feeding, and now at this age nursing is more comfort than anything else anyway, so they have to deal with that when weaning.</p> <p>I don't know...would love to hear PPs responses on this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottle-feeding-vs-breastfeeding#post-2196722 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:12:42 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2196722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can anyone tell me the pros/cons of breastfeeding (vs EPing, not formula) after 3 months? </p> <p>I switched to EPing when my son was 4 months because nursing was always such a nightmare. I was SO SO much happier bottle feeding him, so I never questioned or regretted my decision. I got by with pumping 4 times per day and then when he got more mobile we switched to formula at 10 months. Supply was never an issue. </p> <p>With my second, nursing is okay, but I am having a really hard time with not knowing how much she is eating, not knowing when she is done, the pulling off, the unpredictable schedule because I misinterpret her cues...plus, I enjoy bottle feeding her more and I am already pumping twice a day so that I can leave her in the gym nursery and so that her daddy can help with feedings. Balancing the timing of nursing and pumping is challenging, and kind of stresses me out.</p> <p>I am considering switching to EPing again even though I don't really have to, but I would love to know more about what is coming with nursing so that I can make the best decision with the most information. I am afraid if I switch she will develop such a bottle preference that I won't be able to go back, so I want to really think it through before I decide.</p> <p>So, what are the pros and cons of nursing an older baby? I plan to wean around a year regardless. </p>