I tried the sippy cup yesterday and he didn't want that either. She says he uses the sippy cup and he also will drink out of a regular cup with help if I don't mind the mess. which I don't mind at meal times. However when I'm trying to get him down for a nap is when I need him to take the bottle.
I don't know this lady very well she contacted me through a website where I have a profile up for babysitting and dog care. I don't really feel comfortable enough to tell her that she needs to do something different than she is already doing.
This is her first baby and she is still a new mom. She's learning too. I've already given her many suggestions on things the last two weeks. This issue however I'm not sure how to approach.
He's a very good baby and I'm surprised that she told me he was a very fussy baby. I really haven't had any problems with fussiness except the bottle issue.
At times it is frustrating having her there while I'm caring for him. I guess I'm just gonna have to wait and see how this all plays out. Once I get to know her better and more comfortable there it will be easier to make suggestions.
This is one you'll have to discuss with the mother. Either she needs to set up a schedule to take breaks and breastfeed him or she needs to really focus on weaning him so he takes a bottle. Or she needs to focus on trying to get this to work for you so that she can do her work without disturbance. How frustrating this must be for you!
Because she'll be gone tomorrow you'll just have to be prepared to have a fussy baby. You could try putting the breastmilk in a sippy cup and see if he'd take it that way as he is old enough to try a cup.
Perhaps it is the bottle/nipple itself...could you talk to the mom about experimenting with another brand? I know this wont help you tomorrow but it is the only thing I can think of...