Do breastfed babies eat less when teething?

Do Breastfed Babies Eat Less When Teething?
Teething is a significant developmental milestone for infants, typically occurring between the ages of 4 to 7 months. As babies begin to experience the discomfort associated with their teeth breaking through the gums, their feeding habits can change dramatically. Many parents wonder if breastfed babies eat less during this challenging time, and the answer is nuanced.
Changes in Feeding Behavior
When teething, some babies may indeed eat less. The discomfort from swollen and sore gums can lead to a decreased interest in feeding. As noted by experts, while some infants may seek the comfort of breastfeeding more frequently, others may pull away or refuse to nurse altogether due to the pain associated with sucking. This variability means that each baby’s response to teething can differ significantly.
Comfort Nursing vs. Reduced Appetite
Interestingly, while some babies may eat less solid food during teething, they might also engage in “comfort nursing.” This behavior is characterized by nursing not just for nutrition but also for soothing their sore gums. In fact, breastfeeding can provide relief during these fussy periods, as the act of nursing can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with teething.
Nutritional Implications
The implications of reduced feeding during teething can be concerning for parents. If a baby is nursing less, they may not be receiving adequate nutrition, which is crucial for their growth and development. However, it’s essential to remember that teething is a temporary phase. Most babies will return to their regular feeding patterns once the discomfort subsides and their teeth have fully emerged.
Signs to Watch For
Parents should be vigilant for signs that their baby is teething, which include red and swollen gums, increased drooling, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns. If a baby exhibits a loss of appetite during this time, it can be a normal response to the discomfort of teething. However, if the decrease in feeding persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consulting a pediatrician is advisable.
In conclusion, while teething can lead to a decrease in feeding for some breastfed babies, others may seek out nursing for comfort. Understanding these changes can help parents navigate this challenging phase with greater ease and ensure their little ones receive the care and nutrition they need.

Do breastfed babies bite when teething?

Babies with teeth have been breastfeeding for thousands of years. Although teething can cause your baby discomfort which may lead to some biting, babies can also quickly learn that they must not bite mom if they want to nurse. If a baby is sucking and drinking, they are not biting.

Do babies go on nursing strikes when teething?

Babies sometimes bite when they are teething because those erupting teeth make their gums tender and uncomfortable. Breastfeeding itself is soothing, but babies may also try to relieve the pressure by biting down. Whilst this is upsetting, it is also understandable. If this happens to you, it’s important to stay calm.

Did you stop breastfeeding when baby got teeth?

You Don’t Have to Wean When Your Baby Gets Teeth
The answer is not if you don’t want to. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first year of a baby’s life; the World Health Organization encourages moms to go for two.

Is my baby hungry or comfort nursing?

Comfort nursing or “non-nutritive sucking/nursing,” is different than nursing out of hunger. Even the suckling motions are different. When a baby or toddler nurses for comfort, the suckling motions are slower and spaced further apart; this is called “flutter sucking.”

Does teething make babies feed less?

2) Loss of appetite: Sore gums can make feeding tough! During teething your little one might seem to be less hungry than usual or reject their feed.

Why is my baby red while breastfeeding?

Cows’ milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common childhood food allergies. While it’s more common when first infant formula milk is introduced or when your baby starts eating solids, it can happen while breastfeeding. Symptoms include: skin reactions, such as a red itchy rash.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

Does breastfeeding feel different when baby is teething?

Some moms may find it hard to breastfeed when baby’s teeth are coming in. That’s because babies can experience discomfort when teething and will change their position or latch to avoid hitting their sore gums. Babies may also try to relieve soreness by biting.

Does teething reduce milk intake?

Many babies may want to breastfeed more often when they’re teething, for comfort to help soothe their pain. In some cases, babies can start rejecting the breast due to the discomfort from their teeth. Continue to breastfeed responsively, so if your baby is wanting more milk, it’s fine to offer the breast more often.

Can teething cause less feeding?

According to the American Dental Association, babies begin teething when they’re somewhere between 6 and 12 months of age. One of the most common symptoms of teething is a loss of appetite. Your baby doesn’t want to eat because of the discomfort and pain of teething.