Philips Support

Why does my baby refuse the Natural Response nipple?

Published on 04 March 2025

The Natural Response nipples behave more like a breast so your baby can drink, swallow milk, and breathe using their natural rhythm and drinking style. Milk only flows from the nipple when your baby actively drinks. Babies who are used to free-flow bottles will need to adapt to the new drinking style and will need some time to switch to the Natural Response nipple.

Most babies are sensitive to change, so adjusting to a new way of feeding may take a few attempts. When introducing a new bottle to your little one, feed them when they are relaxed and not hungry. If you have attempted to feed a few times with no success, it could be a sign that your baby needs a different nipple with another flow rate.

Finding the right nipple is important:

If your newborn baby is consistently not taking enough milk throughout the feeding sessions or has complications in getting milk, switch to a nipple with a higher flow rate. When your baby is still not taking any milk from the bottle, we recommend switching to a free-flow bottle, such as our original Natural 2oz bottle or Natural T0 nipple for an easier flow. (This bottle is currently available only in North America and the Western Europe.)

If persistent feeding issues occur, consult a healthcare professional.

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