Why is my baby kicking and fussing while feeding?

Understanding Baby Fussiness During Feeding
It’s not uncommon for parents to experience moments of frustration when their baby kicks and fusses during feeding. This behavior can be perplexing, especially when you expect a calm and nurturing experience. Understanding the reasons behind this fussiness can help alleviate concerns and improve feeding times.
Common Reasons for Fussiness
1. Discomfort or Gas: One of the primary reasons babies may kick and fuss while feeding is discomfort caused by gas or reflux. Babies have immature digestive systems, and they can easily become gassy, leading to discomfort during feeding. If your baby seems to be arching their back or pulling away, it might be a sign that they are experiencing some digestive distress.
2. Overstimulation: Babies can become overwhelmed by their surroundings. Bright lights, loud noises, or even too much handling can lead to fussiness. If your feeding environment is too stimulating, your baby might kick and fuss as a way to express their discomfort.
3. Hunger and Frustration: Sometimes, babies may kick and fuss because they are hungry but are having difficulty latching or getting enough milk. This can lead to frustration, causing them to pull away or kick. It’s essential to ensure that the baby is latched correctly and is feeding effectively.
4. Growth Spurts: Babies go through various growth spurts, typically around 6-8 weeks, during which they may feed more frequently and exhibit fussiness. This behavior is often temporary and can be attributed to their increased nutritional needs during these periods.
5. Teething: As babies begin to teeth, they may experience discomfort that can manifest during feeding. The pressure of sucking can exacerbate their discomfort, leading to fussiness and kicking.
Tips for Managing Fussiness
To help manage your baby’s fussiness during feeding, consider the following strategies:
– Create a Calm Environment: Try to feed your baby in a quiet, dimly lit room to minimize distractions. This can help them focus on feeding without becoming overwhelmed.
– Check for Gas: If you suspect gas is the issue, try burping your baby more frequently during feeds. Gentle tummy massages or bicycle leg movements can also help relieve gas.
– Monitor Feeding Positions: Experiment with different feeding positions to find one that is comfortable for both you and your baby. Sometimes, a slight change in position can make a significant difference.
– Be Patient: Remember that fussiness is often a phase that many babies go through. Being patient and responsive to your baby’s needs can help you both navigate these challenging moments.
In conclusion, while it can be distressing to see your baby kicking and fussing during feeding, understanding the underlying reasons can help you address the issue effectively. By creating a soothing feeding environment and being attentive to your baby’s cues, you can foster a more enjoyable feeding experience for both of you.

Why is my baby kicking and grunting while eating?

At first, a newborn’s stomach muscles are not strong enough to do this, so they use the diaphragm muscle to move their bowel. As they exercise the diaphragm, it can put pressure on the voice box, resulting in grunting. Other causes of newborn grunting include: Irregular breathing patterns.

Why is my baby crying and kicking 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 breastfed 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.

Why is my baby kicking while feeding?

For the baby, they feel like they are falling away from the person they most want to be next to – and then because they are unstable, they do things that make latch harder – flailing their arms, “breast boxing”, crying, head bopping, shaking their head back and forth, kicking their legs, arching away, and so much more.

Why does my baby kick and squirm while bottle feeding?

Wind is common from the newborn stage to about 3 months, as your baby’s digestive system matures. Common signs of trapped wind include: squirming or crying during a feed. looking uncomfortable and in pain if laid down after feeds.

Why is my baby so frantic when feeding?

Baby’s fussing could mean “I’m not ready yet”. Perhaps the baby needs to burp or fill its nappy (or needs a nappy change) before he can relax and enjoy breastfeeding. Discomfort will distract him from feeding, and you may not realise what he needs to do until after the event!

Why is my baby grunting and kicking while feeding?

Sometimes babies make grunting noises or have raspy or squeaky breathing. These sounds may be fine but you should discuss with your healthcare provider or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The most important thing to remember is that breastfeeding should not be painful.

Why does my baby squirm a lot while feeding?

If nursing is not the calm bonding you were expecting, don’t worry. Some squirming is normal, but if your baby is especially active and squirmy during feedings, it could indicate that they are frustrated.

Why is my baby so restless while feeding?

Unsettled feeding
If your baby is unsettled at the breast and doesn’t seem satisfied by feeds, it may be that they are sucking on the nipple alone. This may mean they are not getting enough milk. Ask for help to get your baby into a better feeding position.

Why does my baby thrash around when feeding?

This is not true – babies are designed to be able to feed, it’s our approach that often makes it hard for them. The baby that is flailing is a baby that is desperately trying to use their instincts to feed. Very often they grab the nipple in a desperate attempt to hold on – ouch!

Why is my baby thrashing while bottle-feeding?

If your baby is fussing during bottle feeding, you may need to try changing the feeding position, the type of baby milk, the teat, or the bottle.