How can I get my breastfed baby to eat slower?

Understanding the Need for Slower Feeding
For many parents, the pace at which their breastfed baby feeds can be a concern. A baby that feeds too quickly may not only gulp down milk but also air, which can lead to discomfort and gas. Moreover, a slower feeding pace can help ensure that the baby is fully satisfied and can promote better digestion. If you’re looking to encourage your breastfed baby to eat more slowly, there are several strategies you can employ.
Positioning Matters
One of the most effective ways to influence your baby’s feeding speed is through proper positioning. The way you hold your baby during breastfeeding can significantly impact their feeding behavior. For instance, try different breastfeeding positions that allow for a more relaxed and comfortable latch. Positions such as the laid-back or biological nurturing position can help your baby take their time while feeding. This not only promotes a slower pace but also encourages a deeper latch, which can enhance milk flow and reduce the likelihood of gulping.
Mindful Feeding Techniques
Creating a calm and distraction-free environment during feeding can also encourage your baby to slow down. Dim the lights, reduce noise, and minimize interruptions. This serene setting can help your baby focus on feeding rather than being distracted by their surroundings. Additionally, consider using a breast compression technique. By gently compressing your breast while your baby is latched, you can control the flow of milk, allowing your baby to take breaks and breathe, which naturally slows down their feeding.
Timing and Frequency
Another aspect to consider is the timing and frequency of feedings. Babies often feed more quickly when they are overly hungry. By ensuring that you feed your baby at regular intervals, you can help prevent them from becoming too ravenous. Aim for feeding sessions every 2-3 hours, which can help your baby approach each feeding with a more moderate appetite.
Observing Baby’s Cues
Pay attention to your baby’s cues during feeding. If they seem to be gulping or pulling away frequently, it may be a sign that they need a break. Allow them to pause and take a breath, which can help them regulate their feeding pace. This not only aids in digestion but also fosters a more relaxed feeding experience.
Conclusion
Encouraging your breastfed baby to eat slower is a multifaceted approach that involves positioning, creating a calm environment, managing feeding frequency, and being attentive to your baby’s cues. By implementing these strategies, you can help your baby enjoy their feeding sessions more comfortably and effectively, leading to a happier feeding experience for both of you.

How do I stop my baby from eating too fast while breastfeeding?

Take your baby off the breast for your first letdown. Let your baby relatch when the milk flow slows down. Gently compress the breast in order to block some milk ducts during letdown. Burp your baby frequently during a feeding in an upright position.

How do I stop my breastfed baby from guzzling?

How Can I Keep My Baby From Gagging?

1. Try nursing your baby in a more upright position (head above the breast). This may ease the force of the milk.
2. Nurse in a side-lying position, which also might help slow the flow of milk.
3. Make sure your breasts are not engorged or over-full.

How do you slow down breast feeding?

How to stop breastfeeding

• Warm the teat
• Try a narrow teat (NOT the wide teat ‘closer to nature’ types)
• Try varying the temperature of the milk
• Bottle feed cheek to breast
• Start on the breast and move to the bottle
• Try feeding when your baby is just waking up

How to get a breastfed baby to eat slower?

It may help to position the baby so that the back of the baby’s throat is higher than your nipple. This way the milk will not collect in the back of the baby’s mouth. This position also gives the baby more control of the flow of milk.

Why does my breastfed baby drink so fast?

Breastfed babies are also used to being able to control the flow of milk as they feed. They may find it quite stressful feeding from a teat with a fast flow. The baby may look like they are very hungry and gulping the milk down. However, they might just be swallowing fast so they don’t choke.

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 can I get my baby to drink breast milk 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.

Why does my breastfed baby act like he’s starving?

Babies go through multiple stages of rapid growth called growth spurts. When they’re experiencing one, they naturally need to eat more often and for longer periods to fuel themselves. Your baby wanting to eat soon after their last feeding is a key indicator that they’re in the midst of growing.

Why is my baby eating so fast?

Your newborn may be: Establishing your milk supply after birth. Going through a growth spurt – babies tend to cluster feed during growth spurts because their developing bodies crave more calories. Filling up before a longer stretch of sleep in the evening.

How to make a breastfed baby eat slower?

Suggestions for managing feedings with a very fast milk flow
Try feeding positions that use gravity to slow the flow of milk, such as a laid-back nursing position. Burp frequently and give your infant breaks to pace him / herself.