Feeding

• There are a number of reasons why your baby could be crying during a feed, including reflux, tiredness, distraction, they need a different teat or you’re swapping between breast and bottle. 

• A baby can begin to cry after a feed because they’re having digestive issues, still feeling hungry, are uncomfortable or have a health concern. 

Babies can't talk to you to get your attention, so instead, they cry! Most of the time, crying is totally normal and most newborns cry for around two to three hours a day. But during a feed, crying can feel much more challenging and frustrating for everyone involved.

There are several reasons why your baby may be crying while being bottle or breastfed, and we’re here to run through what these can be and how you can help soothe your little one for much more relaxing feeds. 

Why your baby might be crying when feeding: breastfeeding and bottle feeding

Some babies cry and become unsettled as they feed, and this is what could be causing their upset: 

They have reflux

Crying and becoming fussy when feeding may be a sign of a common condition where babies bring their milk back up after feeds. This is known as reflux and usually starts before your baby is eight weeks old. It should clear up by the age of one year.

They need to be changed

Sometimes it's as simple as popping on a fresh nappy before feed time. Some babies just don't like to feed if they're wearing a dirty nappy. 

They're not as hungry as you thought

If your baby cries mid-way through a feed, they might just be full up. Paced feeding may help as it gives them the chance to check in on their appetite.

They're tired

Tiredness can cause a baby to become fussy during a feed, and they may even fall asleep before their feed is done. To stop tiredness from disrupting their feeds, try to feed them before they become too tired and be flexible with your feeding and sleeping routine.

They're going through a growth spurt

Little ones go through many developmental steps during the first weeks and months of their life. These can sometimes make them a little fussy and unsettled during feeds. Similarly, teething and feeling unwell can also disturb their feeds.

They're distracted

Once they start to become aware of what's going on around them, little ones become very curious, and their mind (and eyes) can wander during feeds. To help them focus on their feed, try to give them their milk in a quiet environment that's free from loud noises and distractions.

They need a different teat

If you're bottle feeding, your baby may be crying during a feed because the flow of the teat you're using is too fast or too slow and they're not getting enough milk. Double check that the teat you're using is correct for your baby's age and sucking ability. (But remember, ages are only a guide and every baby is different.)

You're going from breast to bottle

It's recommended that parents wait until their baby is comfortable with breastfeeding before bringing a bottle into the mix. But once you do introduce a bottle into your feeding routine - either by combination feeding or exclusively bottle feeding - it can take your baby a while to get used to the change.

Latching problems

It’s common for some babies to find it difficult to latch onto the nipple or teat, which can cause them to fuss and not get enough milk, therefore making them cry. Switching positions and bottle angles, creating a calmer environment, and other latching techniques could all help the situation.  

They're uncomfortable

No one wants to be uncomfortable during mealtimes and if you're breastfeeding, you may find that your baby stops crying when feeding if you adjust your breastfeeding position. Check that your baby's head and neck are aligned, and that their neck, shoulders, and back are supported.

If your baby is bottle-fed, it may help to sit them upright during feeds. This reduces the amount of air they swallow and therefore lowers the chance of uncomfortable trapped wind. If you think your baby may have colic or trapped wind, take time to burp them often during feeds and give an anti-colic bottle a go.

If you're wondering about which feeding position is right for you and your baby, or are concerned about them crying during a feed, you should ask your doctor or health visitor for help and support.

What does it mean when a baby is crying after feeding?

Not only may a baby cry when feeding, but they can also become upset after a feed which is also very common. Here’s what a baby crying after feeding might mean: 

• Digestive discomfort: Anything from trapped wind, bloating, gas, reflux, constipation, overfeeding or a dairy intolerance can cause this. 

• Hunger: Whether they’re still hungry or experiencing a growth spurt. 

• Comfort and soothing needs: They may want to continue sucking for comfort, be held or cuddled or are feeling tired. 

• Feeling uncomfortable: A number of things can cause discomfort, such as a wet or dirty nappy, clothes too tight or itchy, feeling too hot or too cold, or teething pain. 

• Anything health related: From a sore throat to a rash, general health concerns can cause a baby to become upset. 

The same reasons can be related to why babies cry at night after feeding too; the time of day doesn’t play a role.