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Why does my babys face go red when feeding?

Understanding Why Your Baby’s Face Turns Red When Feeding
It’s not uncommon for parents to notice their baby’s face turning red during feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This phenomenon can be concerning, but it’s often linked to several benign factors.
Common Causes of Redness
1. Blocked Nose: One of the primary reasons for a baby’s face turning red while feeding is a blocked nose. Babies are obligate nasal breathers, meaning they primarily breathe through their noses. If their nasal passages are congested, they may struggle to breathe comfortably while feeding, leading to a flushed appearance.
2. Temperature Regulation: Babies have immature thermoregulation systems, which means they can easily become overheated. If the environment is warm or if the baby is bundled up too tightly, their face may redden as a response to heat.
3. Teething: Teething can also cause a baby’s face to flush. The discomfort associated with emerging teeth can lead to increased blood flow to the face, resulting in a rosy appearance.
4. Eczema and Skin Sensitivities: Some babies may have skin conditions like eczema that can cause redness, especially during feeding when they might be more agitated or sweaty.
5. Feeding Position and Technique: The way a baby is held during feeding can also contribute to facial redness. If they are positioned in a way that puts pressure on their face or neck, it may restrict blood flow temporarily, causing a flushed look.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most instances of facial redness during feeding are harmless, there are situations where it might warrant a visit to the pediatrician. If the redness is accompanied by other symptoms such as a rash, persistent crying, or difficulty breathing, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. Conditions like cow’s milk protein allergy can also manifest as facial redness, so monitoring for other signs is crucial.
Conclusion
In summary, a baby’s face turning red during feeding is typically a normal response to various factors such as nasal congestion, temperature, or even teething. Understanding these causes can help alleviate parental concerns, but always keep an eye on any accompanying symptoms that may require medical attention.

Why does my baby’s face turn red while feeding?

It’s a typical response to physical activity. Babies can experience this same thing, especially if the room is warm. If your baby’s cheeks are red after breastfeeding or while playing, they’re probably starting to work up a sweat.

Why does my baby’s face flare up when breastfeeding?

Maternal hormones play a role in baby acne, triggering bumps in some infants. Babies are exposed to fluctuating hormones before birth while in the womb, as well as after birth due to breastfeeding. Infants also have sensitive skin. This means their pores can easily clog, thus causing acne.

How to tell if your baby has poor circulation?

How to check: Compare the temperature of the right and left hands or the right and left feet.

  1. Normal:The fingers or toes are warm.
  2. Not normal:The fingers or toes are cool or cold. If the fingers or toes are cold, cover them with a blanket and check them in 1 hour.

What does lack of oxygen look like in a baby?

A bluish color seen around the mouth, on the inside of the lips, or on the fingernails may happen when a child is not getting as much oxygen as needed. The color of the skin may also appear pale or gray. Grunting. A grunting sound can be heard each time the child exhales (breathes out).

What does a milk allergy rash look like in babies?

Cow’s milk allergy rash can look like tiny red bumps on your baby’s face, scalp, hands, or feet. The bumps may itch, ooze, and crust over or feel like dry, scaly skin.

Why does my baby turn red when drinking milk?

Milk allergies are also common and cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Rapid allergic reactions to milk may cause skin symptoms, such as itchy, raised, and red or discolored bumps. A baby may also experience swelling around the mouth, difficulty breathing, and agitation.

What does it look like if baby is allergic to breast milk?

Even a baby who has never been formula fed, and has never had any food besides breast milk may show signs of food allergy including: diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting, colic, eczema, constipation and poor growth.

Why does my baby’s face turn red when he eats?

Auriculotemporal syndrome (Frey’s syndrome, gustatory flushing syndrome) results in facial flushing and sweating after eating. It is commonly mistaken for food allergy. It is a benign harmless condition mainly affecting young infants and children.

What does a milk allergy look like in a baby?

Cow’s milk allergy rash can look like tiny red bumps on your baby’s face, scalp, hands, or feet. The bumps may itch, ooze, and crust over or feel like dry, scaly skin.

Why does my baby’s face turn red while breastfeeding?

It’s a typical response to physical activity. Babies can experience this same thing, especially if the room is warm. If your baby’s cheeks are red after breastfeeding or while playing, they’re probably starting to work up a sweat.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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