How can I get my baby to feed slower?

Understanding the Need for Slower Feeding
Feeding a baby can sometimes feel like a race against time, especially when they seem to gulp down their milk or formula at an alarming speed. This rapid feeding can lead to discomfort, spitting up, or even choking, which can be distressing for both the baby and the parents. If you’re looking to encourage your little one to feed more slowly, there are several strategies you can employ.
Techniques to Slow Down Feeding
1. Adjusting Feeding Positions:
The position in which you feed your baby can significantly impact their feeding speed. For breastfeeding, try holding your baby in a more upright position. This can help them take breaks more naturally and reduce the urge to gulp. If bottle-feeding, consider a more reclined position, which can also encourage slower feeding.
2. Choosing the Right Nipple Flow:
If you’re bottle-feeding, the flow of the nipple can greatly influence how quickly your baby feeds. Opt for a nipple with a slower flow rate. This will require your baby to work a bit harder to get the milk, naturally slowing down their feeding pace. Many brands offer nipples designed specifically for this purpose.
3. Taking Breaks:
Encourage your baby to take breaks during feeding. You can gently pull the bottle away or unlatch them from the breast for a moment. This not only helps slow down their intake but also gives them a chance to breathe and swallow comfortably. You might also try burping them more frequently during the feeding session.
4. Creating a Calm Environment:
A calm and quiet feeding environment can help your baby focus on feeding rather than getting distracted. Dimming the lights, reducing noise, and minimizing distractions can create a more soothing atmosphere, encouraging a slower and more mindful feeding experience.
5. Monitoring Hunger Cues:
Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues. Sometimes, babies may seem hungry but are actually just looking for comfort. If you notice signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking on their hands, respond promptly. However, if they are not showing these cues, it might be beneficial to wait a bit longer before feeding, allowing them to build a healthy appetite.
The Importance of Patience
It’s essential to remember that every baby is different. Some may naturally feed quickly due to their temperament or hunger levels. However, with patience and the right techniques, you can help your baby develop a more relaxed feeding rhythm. This not only aids in their digestion but also fosters a more enjoyable feeding experience for both of you.
In conclusion, by adjusting feeding positions, choosing the right nipple flow, encouraging breaks, creating a calm environment, and being mindful of hunger cues, you can help your baby slow down their feeding. This approach not only promotes better digestion but also enhances the bonding experience during feeding times.

How to get an infant to eat slower?

Model drinking water with meals yourself. This will help your child wash down food and will slow down their pace of eating. Novelty utensils like animal bento picks (2-3+ years), Foodie Picks and blunt-ended toothpicks require more fine motor control and will slow their eating speed.

How do I make my baby eat slower?

Paced feeding is pretty straightforward and easy to get the hang of. It simply involves holding your baby in a semi-upright position while you feed her, holding the bottle horizontally to slow the flow of milk and stopping throughout the feeding session for breaks.

How to stop baby guzzling milk?

Try winding your baby before and after feeds. Avoid bouncing your baby up and down after a feed. Avoid dressing your baby in outfits that are tight around the waist. If you’re bottle-feeding, try a slow-flowing teat to stop your baby guzzling their milk and taking in too much in one go.

Why does my baby feed so fast?

If your baby is eating too fast, one possibility is that there’s too much milk there when he eats. This could either be because he’s eating too infrequently, so there’s a lot of milk there AND he’s hungry; or because Mom’s producing more milk than necessary.

How do I stop my baby from feeding too fast?

What to do?

1. Change to a slower nipple.
2. Take short feeding breaks.
3. Try to burp her more.
4. Avoid laying your baby on her back during feeding. Try to feed her in a near–sitting position so that milk will flow into her mouth more slowly.
5. Try to keep activity to a minimum right after feeding.

Why is my baby gulping while eating?

The sounds of “gulping” and “clicking” can signify a poor vacuum is in place and the child is swallowing more air then milk. The infant’s hands should be open and relax and eye contact maintained with the mother.

Why does my baby want to nurse for so long?

Growth spurts usually last a few days. Many babies are fussier during growth spurts and will want to nurse longer and more often, as much as every 30 minutes. It may feel like all you’re doing is feeding your baby!

How do I stop my baby from eating so fast?

What to do?

1. Change to a slower nipple.
2. Take short feeding breaks.
3. Try to burp her more.
4. Avoid laying your baby on her back during feeding. Try to feed her in a near–sitting position so that milk will flow into her mouth more slowly.
5. Try to keep activity to a minimum right after feeding.

How can I make my baby nurse slower?

Burp frequently and give your infant breaks to pace him / herself. Firmly press the pinky side of your hand into your breast (like a karate chop) during the initial fast let down to slow the flow of milk. As your infant’s sucking slows down, release your hand to allow milk to flow.

How can I reduce my baby’s feeding time?

Here’s how:

1. Reduce the time your child feeds by 2-5 minutes every second night.
2. Re-settle your child after each shortened feed with the settling techniques of your choice.
3. Follow your child’s lead.