Many babies present no problems when it comes to feeding. However, others tend to fuss at mealtimes. Sometimes babies who are generally good feeders may display difficult behavior during meals. Here are tips to help you ensure that your baby fussy feeders:
- Have regular feeding times: Erratic feeding times can disrupt your baby’s hunger-cycles. It is important that plan a schedule and stick to it. This way your baby will always anticipate food at mealtimes and this will build up an appetite.
- Don’t arbitrarily shift the baby’s position: If your baby is comfortably feeding in one position, do not shift the position. This also holds good while switching from one breast to the other, in case of breastfed babies. Moms should allow the baby to finish milk in one breast first, before gently transferring them to the other.
- Maintain a log: Maintain a record of your baby’s feeding activities. This will enable you to chart the progress of your baby’s eating habits. It will also help you to determine changes in your baby’s appetite feeding patterns.
- Latching on troubles: Find out if your baby is having trouble latching on to the nipple. In the case of breastfed babies this could happen if the mom’s breast is engorged with too much milk, making it difficult for the baby to get a grip. In the case of a feeding bottle, it could be that your baby is not comfortable with the design of the nipple you are using.
Good start on a short list but please note that scheduled feedings should NOT be done for a breastfed baby. A breastfed baby should be fed on demand otherwise they are not getting enough food (especially during growth spurts) and mom’s milk supply will suffer. I’m also not sure what a log would do except drive you crazy. My advice (from a childbirth educator, doula, bf counselor and mom of 2) relax and feed the baby when they’re hungry. Pay attention to baby’s cues and you’ll figure it out…oh and baby wear, it’ll make everyone happier.