The Surprising Trick to Calming a Fussy Feeder

Understanding the Challenges of Calming a Fussy Feeder

As a new parent, feeding times can entail a fair share of challenges. One of which is when your baby becomes a fussy feeder. It can be stressful and disconcerting to calm your baby during feeding times. Not to worry, though, as there are proven baby calming tips, which we are about to delve into!

Common Causes of Fussiness During Feeding

Before we discuss the solutions, let’s first examine what causes this behavior. Some common reasons for a baby to be fussy during feeding include:

• Gas or stomach discomfort
• Overstimulation from loud noises or bright lights
• Teething
• Feeling full or hungry
• Discomfort from the bottle’s nipple

Understanding these causes can help in tailoring an effective fussy feeder solution.

Proven Tips to Calm Your Fussy Feeder

Here are some tried and tested tips to make feeding times less of a hustle and more of a joyful experience.

• Use Designed Bottles: The right bottle can make a massive difference to your feeding routine. Specialist bottles, such as those featured in our feeding guide, are designed to mimic the natural feel of breastfeeding, preventing nipple confusion and providing a comforting experience for your baby.
• Create a Calm Environment: Babies can easily get overwhelmed with noise or bright lights. Try reducing distractions and maintaining a calm ambiance to keep them comfortable while feeding.
• Use the 5 S’s method: This is a time-tested method recommended by pediatricians and child experts. It includes Swaddling, Side/stomach position, Shushing, Swinging, and Sucking.

Understanding Your Baby’s Cues

Remember, every baby is unique, and as such, it takes time and patience to figure out which feeding tricks work best for your child. By learning your child’s cues and being responsive to their needs, you can transform feeding times into a bonding experience.

Taking note of the time of the day when your baby is most fussy or the type of bottle that they seem most comfortable with could provide valuable insights. Our guide on how scientific testing ensures the best baby bottles can also offer more in-depth understanding.

Seek Professional Advice

If you continue to struggle with feeding, it is always advisable to seek professional guidance. Pediatricians, lactation consultants, and child psychologists can provide support and advice tailored to your baby’s needs. Remember, you’re not alone in this and help is always available.

Feeding a fussy baby can be challenging. However, with these baby calming tips, you’ll be equipped to navigate this phase with confidence. Remember, patience is key, and it’s perfectly okay if it takes a while to find the right fussy feeder solution that works for you and your baby.

Understanding Different Feeding Styles

It’s important to understand that babies, like adults, have their unique preferences and styles when it comes to feeding. Some babies might prefer a faster flow from the bottle, while others might prefer a slower one; some might be ok with a pacifier, while others would completely reject it. In this journey, you might come across terms like snacker, barracuda, or excited ineffectual, describing different feeding styles. Don’t get overwhelmed by these terms. Instead, observe your baby and identify their feeding style. This knowledge can be a game-changer in developing your unique baby feeding technique.

Feeding and Sleep Connection

Does your baby get fussy, especially during the evening feedings? This could be due to a phenomenon known as “Cluster Feeding”, where babies want to eat frequently during a certain period, usually evenings. Apparently, it’s their way of tanking up before a long sleep. Understanding this pattern can make feeding times less stressful and also assist in settling into a sleep schedule.

Is Your Baby Teething?

Teething is another common reason causing fussiness in babies during feeding. It can cause gum discomfort, making feeding a painful experience. You might also notice excessive drooling or your baby trying to chew on hard objects – both signs indicating teething. At this time, your baby might resist feeding from the bottle but would be able to take in purees or milk from a sippy cup. Here are a few tips on how to manage feeding during teething.

The Role of Diapers in Feeding

Though it might seem unrelated, a full diaper can contribute to baby’s discomfort and fussiness during feeding. As a parent, always remember to check the diaper before you begin with a feeding session. This might rule out one big discomfort factor.

Fussy At Night?

Is your baby only fussy during the night? This could be due to a common issue known as ‘The Witching Hour’. Here, your baby might appear unsettled and not sleep consistently through the night. Our instinct is usually to feed the baby during these times as we associate night-time wakefulness with hunger. However, it might not always be a feeding issue. Seek advice from your pediatrician to understand better.

Pace Feeding

The trick to a good feeding experience could be as simple as the way you hold your baby. It is seen that a feeding position where the baby is semi-upright and the bottle is held horizontally works better as it aligns with gravity and mimics natural breastfeeding.

As you see, there are various facets to consider when it comes to calming a fussy feeder. It essentially boils down to understanding and responding to your baby’s cues. Trial and error is totally acceptable and expected in this journey. Remember, each baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.