Baby Squirming While Bottle Feeding: 7 Simple Reasons Why
Hey there mothers, is your baby squirming while bottle feeding, and does he or she cry whenever you bring the bottle out? Have you been struggling to find the reason for this discomfort?
As a mother myself, I understand how difficult this must be. Feeding is an overwhelming emotion that brings much joy and happiness, especially for new mothers. But, when your baby rejects the bottle or refuses to feed, it can cause so much stress and sadness, and worse because you cannot understand why it happens.
So, to clear your doubts and concerns over crying, fussy, and squirming babies, here is your full feeding guide. I’ll go through bottle-feeding tips, the best feeding positions, and list out why your baby squirms and cries while bottle-feeding.
Table of Contents
Baby Squirming While Bottle Feeding: 7 Possible Reasons
While there can be many reasons, just know this, dear mothers: this process is quite normal with babies. You don’t have to worry excessively or become anxious about it. Some babies become uncomfortable as they feed.
Now, let’s go through the factors responsible for the squirming and see how we can remedy this situation:
1. Uncomfortable Bottle Nipple
- Yes, you read that right. Your feeding bottle may be a reason behind the discomfort. It could be a nipple that is too long, too short, or maybe too hard.
- Know that the nipple of the feeding bottle should be age-appropriate. Only then will the milk flow be smooth, and your baby will not show signs of frustration.
You can find the size of the nipple on the product and look for replacements if necessary. Also, please replace baby bottles if they are damaged or are too worn for use.
Further Reading: Do Baby Bottles Expire?
2. Acid Reflux
- Babies can refuse milk or become fussy if they are experiencing acid reflux. This is a very common condition that usually starts at over 8 weeks.
- The feeling is very uncomfortable for children, and they may get stomach aches too. So, if you suspect that acid reflux or colic is the reason, try anti-colic baby bottles.
I’ve also found that baby swings are a great way to soothe colicky babies. With my youngest, I usually let him laze around in the baby swing for a while, and then feed him with anti-colic bottles.
3. Distractions
- Babies are full of curiosity. The lamp, the pattern on the floor, the sofa, the wall, everything is new! And they have their eyes and ears open all the time to absorb it all.
- This makes them refuse feeds too! So, when your baby fusses and cries wanting to explore, try feeding at a quiet place. That way, they can stay focused.
4. Growth Spurts
- During their initial weeks and months, babies go through several developmental stages and reach milestones. But the process can irritate them sometimes, and they start getting a little fussy about feeding.
- At such a stage, the best thing you can do is be patient and give them a little break before you attempt another feed.
- It also helps to have a robust feeding schedule for your baby during all these stages of development. I have also written a post on feeding schedules for newborns until they turn 1 year old.
5. Tiredness
- Mothers, your baby may get tired after being active throughout the day. That’s also another reason why your baby might cry and refuse to feed.
- The best way to remedy this is to feed them when they are still pretty active and keep an eye on their energy levels throughout the day.
6. Full Nappy
- If your baby is crying while feeding, try checking the nappy too. My little one, Theo, is very sensitive about a dirty nappy and fusses, rejecting the bottle.
- So, before you bottle-feed, do that nappy check and change them into a fresh one if it’s full. This will help them calm down and consider a feed.
7. No Hunger
- It’s important to know your baby’s feeding pattern. If your baby squirms and cries at the sight of the bottle, it might simply be that they are just not hungry at the moment.
- It’s not always about tiredness, a full nappy, or reflux. So, please take it easy and notice hunger cues before you reach for the bottle in the first place.
Like every mother, even I had difficulties with bottle feeding. However, a friend of mine who is a child specialist reassured me and offered this piece of advice:
“Sometimes it’s worth stopping halfway through and doing it again after a while. When babies tense up, there are chances they are suffering from constipation or other colic conditions and even reflux. Take time off and try again.”
So, yes. When your baby is fussing about bottle feeding, just take a step back and try again later. This has worked wonders for me.
Quick Tips for Easy Bottle Feeding
- Ready the Bottle: Fill the bottle with either formula or breast milk, and get the milk at an ideal temperature. You can check the temperature by pouring a few droplets on your wrist.
- Restrict Airflow: The nipple should not contain any cracks or tears and the milk must fill in the nipple completely to make sure that your baby only gulps milk and not air.
- Position It Right: The position plays a huge role in how well your baby accepts the feed. Find a position that is comfortable for both you and your baby. You can find more information on feeding positions below.
- Horizontal Hold: Once your child is comfortably positioned, hold the bottle horizontally to ensure the milk flow is smooth.
- Break In-Between: Mothers, be gentle with your little one. If they are rejecting the milk or taking the bottle out, pause it and try giving them a pat on the back. Make them burp. Once they are comfortable, you can resume the feed.
- Build a Connection: Bond with your baby, comfort them, keep them close, look into their eyes, and talk to them. Try making feeding an opportunity to connect with them. Make their feeding time the happiest hour of the day.
These bottle-feeding tips have personally helped me with all my children. And now, with my youngest boy, Theo, bottle feeding has become a breeze. I always interact with him while bottle feeding and I feed him in a quiet place, keeping him away from distractions.
Also, as I mentioned, the feeding position matters. Here are some feeding positions you can keep in mind:
Best Feeding Positions for a Baby
- Cradle: This is highly recommended for newborns. You can rest them in your arms, laying them in your elbow bend to keep them comfortable while feeding.
- Leg Rest: You can also rest your baby on your legs during feeding. My baby loves this position because it leaves his hands and legs free. It’s great for interacting with your child, too.
- Siting Them Upright: For infants with reflux issues, this position is an ideal choice. Placing your baby upright on your lap will help them feed more easily.
You can also use a feeding pillow to ease up your feeds. These are super trendy and can help you out if you are struggling with feeding positions. The feeding pillow will allow both mother and baby to relax and feed comfortably.
Kelleigh’s Advice
It might take time for your baby to settle into bottle-feeding when all they’ve known so far is breastfeeding. Consider yourself lucky if your baby accepts it in one go, and for those who are refusing it, do not worry. Take your time. Let them process the change.
Recommended Reading: Breastfeeding and Pumping Basics
In the beginning, try feeding them once a day with the bottle. This way, they can gradually adjust to the change and get more familiar with the bottle.
Every baby adapts to bottles differently. So, please take things one step at a time.
Concluding Thoughts on Bottle Feeding Difficulties
To summarize, when it comes to bottle feeding, every child accepts it differently. Babies squirming and crying while bottle feeding is also common.
Just don’t ignore the signs. A baby goes through a lot during the early developmental stages. All you need to do is keep your little one calm and inspect your feeding equipment for wear and tear before every feed.
If you notice that your baby has been squirming continuously during every feed, then, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Until then, happy feeding, my lovely mothers.
