Your baby pulls off the breast crying, refuses the bottle or spits up half a feed, and every mealtime starts to feel stressful. Feeding troubles are among the most common worries in the first year. Most baby feeding problems have simple causes and fixes. Here is a practical troubleshooting guide, and the signs that mean you should get help.
Quick answer: troubleshooting baby feeding problems
- Check the basics: position, latch or teat flow, and feeding when calm rather than very hungry.
- Watch the signs of enough milk: wet nappies, poos and weight gain.
- Change one thing at a time so you can see what helps.
- Ask for help early; feeding support makes a big difference.
Free printable: track feeds and wet and dirty diapers with our Feeding & Diaper Log. Handy to bring to checkups with your pediatrician.
Fussing or pulling off the breast
- Fast let-down: try laid-back feeding so your baby can control the flow.
- Shallow latch: relatch with a wide mouth. See a good breastfeeding latch.
- Wind: burp during the feed.
- Distraction in older babies: feed in a quiet, dim room.
Bottle refusal
- let someone else offer the bottle, while you are out of the room
- try a different teat shape or flow
- warm the milk to body temperature
- offer when your baby is sleepy or calm
- use paced feeding. See combination feeding.
Spit-up, gas and discomfort
Small spit-ups are normal. Keep your baby upright during and after feeds, burp often and avoid overfeeding. See baby feeding positions, baby gas relief and baby reflux.
Slow weight gain or sleepy feeding
- wake your baby for feeds every 3 hours in the first weeks if advised
- use skin-to-skin and breast compression to keep milk flowing
- get a feeding assessment from a midwife, health visitor or lactation consultant
Struggles with solid food
Refusing new foods, gagging and throwing food are all normal stages. Offer a food many times without pressure. See picky eaters in babies and toddlers.
When to talk to your doctor
- fewer than 6 wet nappies a day after the first week, dark urine or a dry mouth
- poor weight gain or weight loss
- forceful, green or bloody vomit: seek urgent help
- choking, coughing or breathing changes during feeds
- blood in the poo, or hives or swelling after a food
Frequently asked questions
Is cluster feeding a sign of low supply?
No. Frequent feeding, often in the evening, is normal and helps build supply.
Should I switch formula if my baby is fussy?
Talk to your doctor before switching, as fussiness often has other causes.
Could my baby have tongue-tie?
Signs include a shallow latch, clicking and sore nipples. Ask your midwife or doctor to check.
Free printables: get our Safe Sleep Checklist, Feeding & Diaper Log and Hospital Bag Checklist, plus one short tip email a week. Join Babypino Weekly.
Sources
- NHS: Breastfeeding problems; Bottle feeding advice
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Feeding and nutrition
This guide is general information, not medical advice. For feeding support, talk to your midwife, health visitor, doctor or a lactation consultant.