Why does my baby keep crying when I feed her?

Understanding Your Baby’s Crying During Feeding
Crying during feeding can be a perplexing and distressing experience for new parents. While it’s common for babies to cry for various reasons, pinpointing the cause during feeding times can be particularly challenging. Here, we explore some of the most prevalent reasons why your baby might be crying when you feed her.
Common Causes of Crying During Feeding
One of the primary reasons your baby may cry while feeding is overfeeding. Babies have a natural ability to regulate their intake, and sometimes they may cry if they feel full or uncomfortable. If your baby turns her head away or shows signs of fussiness, it might be her way of indicating that she has had enough. Overfeeding can lead to a bloated stomach, which can cause discomfort and crying.
Another significant factor could be gastroesophageal reflux (GER). This condition occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort. Babies with reflux may cry during or after feeding as they experience pain or discomfort from the regurgitation of milk. If you suspect reflux, it’s advisable to consult with a pediatrician for guidance and potential treatment options.
Colic is another common culprit. Many infants experience periods of excessive crying, often referred to as colic, which can occur at any time, including during feeding. This condition is characterized by prolonged crying spells and can be particularly frustrating for parents. While the exact cause of colic is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to digestive issues or an immature nervous system.
Feeding Techniques and Environment
The way you feed your baby can also influence her comfort level. Paced feeding is a technique that allows babies to take breaks and self-regulate their intake, which can help prevent crying due to overfeeding. Additionally, ensuring a calm and soothing feeding environment can make a significant difference. Babies are sensitive to their surroundings, and a noisy or chaotic environment may contribute to their distress during feeding.
Other Considerations
It’s essential to remember that crying is a normal part of infant behavior. Babies cry for various reasons, including hunger, discomfort, or the need for attention. If your baby is crying frequently during feeding, it may be beneficial to observe her cues and patterns. Keeping a feeding diary can help identify any correlations between feeding times and crying episodes, which can be useful information to share with your pediatrician.
In conclusion, while it can be distressing to see your baby cry during feeding, understanding the potential causes can help you address the issue more effectively. Whether it’s adjusting feeding techniques, considering possible medical conditions, or simply being attentive to your baby’s cues, there are steps you can take to create a more comfortable feeding experience for both you and your little one.

What should you do if baby is constantly crying every time you feed them?

Avoid feeding them every time they cry. This can lead to overfeeding, which can make them more uncomfortable. Burp them often while feeding. This removes air from their stomach and reduces gas.

Why does my baby cry when I feed her food?

Discomfort: Medical issues such as acid reflux, food allergies, or oral motor problems can cause discomfort during feeding, leading to crying. Consult a pediatrician or feeding specialist if you suspect a medical issue.

Why is my baby gulping and crying when feeding?

A baby who is gulping or spluttering may be taking in more air than they should. A poor latch, scheduled feeds, oral restrictions or difficulty managing flow can all cause excess air to be swallowed. The stomach valve will then open to allow it to escape. As air comes back up, milk escapes too.

How do I stop my baby from crying while feeding?

Other helpful suggestions to feed a baby fussy at breast include:

1. Increase the frequency of nursing.
2. Allow your baby to feed on one breast per feeding.
3. Burp your baby frequently during each feeding.
4. If your baby is spitting up a lot after each feeding, talk to your baby’s doctor.

Why is my baby uncomfortable when feeding?

There are an array of reasons why your baby may be experiencing discomfort with feeding such as positioning during feeding, wind, bloating, reflux or an underlying intolerance or allergy. Our specialist dietitians can assess your baby and find the cause for their discomfort.

Why does my baby cry uncontrollably during feeding?

If your baby tends to cry during or after feeds, it’s worth checking whether this could be reflux. Our guide to reflux in bottle fed babies has information on the signs and symptoms. If you’re not sure what’s wrong, it’s best to speak to your health visitor, call NHS 111 or see a GP to be sure.

How do I know if my baby formula is upsetting my stomach?

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

1. vomiting.
2. diarrhea.
3. belly pain.
4. rash.
5. blood or mucus in the baby’s poop.

How to tell if baby is hungry or wants comfort?

Hunger: A hungry baby actively feeds, takes a full feeding, and is typically easy to lay back down in their crib afterward. Comfort Feeding: Comfort feeding involves suckling at the breast or bottle, similar to using a pacifier, or nursing or feeding briefly.

What does sandifer syndrome look like?

If you suspect your baby has Sandifer syndrome, it’s crucial to consult with their pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Some common signs to look for include: Arching the back during or after feeding. Tilting or twisting the head and neck.

What are silent reflux in babies’ symptoms?

If your infant or child experiences any of the following symptoms, timely evaluation is critical.

• Chronic cough.
• Hoarseness.
• Noisy breathing (stridor)
• Croup.
• Reactive airway disease (asthma)
• Sleep disordered breathing (SDB)
• Spit up.
• Feeding difficulty.