Bottle-feeding problems and solutions | INSPQ (2024)

FAQs

Bottle-feeding problems and solutions | INSPQ? ›

The shape or structure of a baby's cheeks, mouth, tongue or jaw can impact their feedings. That's because these body parts affect how they're able to latch both to the bottle, as well as to the breast. For example: Thin cheeks with little to no fat pads make it hard for a baby to hold their tongue in place to feed.

The shape or structure of a baby's cheeks, mouth, tongue or jaw can impact their feedings. That's because these body parts affect how they're able to latch both to the bottle, as well as to the breast. For example: Thin cheeks with little to no fat pads make it hard for a baby to hold their tongue in place to feed.

1. Misinterpreting Hunger. The most common and the most easily correctable problem related to bottle feeding is the misinterpretation of hunger by new moms. Babies tend to suck on their thumbs and other objects for various reasons other than being hungry.

If the flow rate is the cause of the clicking, strategies tailored for managing overactive letdowns, along with more upright & laidback feeding positions, should resolve the clicking.

The most important piece of feeding equipment is the nipple. The nipple needs to be the right size and speed for your baby's size, age and sucking ability. If the nipple is too long, too short, too fast or too slow for your baby, she may experience feeding difficulties and express her frustration by fuss or crying.

Gastrointestinal issues, like reflux or constipation, could lead to a breastfed or formula-baby refusing the bottle. “Babies are smart, and if eating leads to feeling uncomfortable, they may begin to refuse the bottle or only eat a small amount to curb their hunger,” says Marquez.

What is bottle-feeding caries syndrome? This is a condition where baby teeth are decayed in children between the ages of 2 and 4 years old. The main reason is due to the habit of bottle-feeding with products containing a lot of lactose for quite a long time.

Weaning off the bottle: when and why

If you're bottle-feeding your baby with either expressed breastmilk or infant formula, it's recommended that you wean your baby off the bottle by the time they're 12 months old. At this age, your baby can keep breastfeeding and/or drink from a cup instead.

Spitting up is a very common occurrence in healthy babies, and usually won't cause any issues in regards to the baby's growth or development. This often happens because the baby's digestive system is so immature, making it easier for their stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus.

Why is my baby grunting while bottle feeding? ›

Why do newborn babies grunt? Usually, newborns grunt when they learn how to pass stool. However, newborn grunting can occasionally indicate a health issue, such as trapped mucus, gastroesophageal reflux, or irregular breathing.

These signs, together or individually, may suggest that your baby has not achieved a deep latch. A “click” indicates that your baby is breaking the seal on the breast. This causes your nipple to slip in your baby's mouth and often creates a sore nipple.

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.

Experts can't always pinpoint the exact reason it happens, but fussiness is especially common in the first few months of life, and also during evening feedings. Some babies fuss when they're having a growth spurt, or when they're struggling with a fast milk flow.

Wait until your baby is sufficiently hungry before feeding. Try changing the bottle size and shape, the nipple, or other aspects of the bottle to see what your baby responds to. Experiment with the temperature of the milk or formula. Breast milk is lukewarm, so make sure the bottle isn't too warm or cool.

Most of the time, your newborn's gurgling noises and squirms seem so sweet and helpless. But when they grunt, you may begin to worry that they're in pain or need help. Newborn grunting is usually related to digestion. Your baby is simply getting used to mother's milk or formula.

Your baby is fussy or cries during or after feeding

Some possible causes: Your baby might be eating too much or not enough. Find out how much formula your baby needs. The bottle nipple is too big for your baby's mouth or the flow of formula is too slow or too fast.

Poor feeding may also be caused by temporary illnesses, including ear infections and colds. These can make feeding uncomfortable for babies and will normally stop when the illness is treated. Other factors that may affect a baby's ability to feed are stress, pain from teething and medication side effects.

It could be from a cold, ear infection, stuffy nose, upset stomach, injury, teething, thrush, cold sore, or other reasons. Your baby is upset. Maybe there is a big change in nursing routine, you were apart for a long time, or your baby's environment is uncomfortable. Your baby is distracted.

If you find your child is fussing on the bottle, taking much longer to finish a feed, falling asleep feeding or the teat is being sucked into the bottle then these would indicate they need to change teat size to allow a faster flow of milk.