Feeding your infant is one of the most crucial aspects of early parenthood. While many parents see feeding time as a peaceful, bonding event, when babies refuse to eat, spit up excessively, or scream during feedings, it may really feel stressful, perplexing, and even upsetting.
With the correct insights, most of the feeding problems may be successfully handled. You can reach out to the best child specialist doctor in Siliguri to get an expert guide on infant eating.
This thorough guide will cover ten typical infant feeding issues that all parents should be aware of, along with helpful advice on how to deal with them. You'll feel more comfortable assisting your infant's growth and development at the end of this piece, besides having a better understanding of what could be occurring during mealtimes.
#1 Breastfeeding Latch Problems
For breastfeeding to be effective, you must know that a good latch is necessary. Without it, women may suffer from engorgement or irritated nipples, and newborns may not get enough milk. Most latch problems may be fixed in the first few weeks with time and help.
Symptoms of latch issues include:
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Clicking noises during feeding
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The infant regularly slips from the breast
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Pain when breastfeeding
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Lack of weight growth in the baby
What parents are able to do:
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Experiment with various breastfeeding positions, such as side-lying and the football grip.
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Make use of skin-to-skin contact to promote natural rooting.
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If problems continue, you should visit a lactation specialist.
#2 Reflux and Spitting Up
Because their digestive systems are still developing, it is normal for your baby to spit up after eating. Frequent or violent vomiting may indicate acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, this is usually not harmful. You should see a pediatrician for potential therapies if reflux is severe.
Things to look out for:
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After practically every meal, spitting up
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Arching the back or being irritable during or after eating
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Inadequate weight increase
Advice to assist:
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After feeding, keep your infant upright for 20 to 30 minutes.
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Provide more frequent, smaller meals.
- During feedings, often burp your infant.
#3 Colic and Excessive Crying During Feeding
Colic is characterized by prolonged, ongoing sobbing in a newborn who is otherwise healthy. It usually peaks between the ages of six weeks and three months. Although the definitive reason is unknown, gas accumulation or intolerance to specific foods in formula milk or breast milk may be a problem.
Colic symptoms include:
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Experiencing severe sobbing for almost three hours every day
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Weeping every day at the same time (usually at night)
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The baby is sobbing and dragging their legs toward their tummy
Suggestions for parents:
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Apply light abdominal rubs or leg motions for a bicycle.
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Try out a variety of feeding positions.
#4 Refusal to Eat or Feed
Babies may refuse to eat solid food, formula, or breast milk, and parents may find this difficult, but there are usually easy ways to explain it. You can seek advice from the leading pediatrician in Siliguri or near you.
Among the potential causes are:
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Discomfort during teething
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Minor ailment (sore throat, ear infection, or cold)
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Growth spurts or alterations in development
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Being overstimulated or distracted
How to deal with dietary refusal:
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Keep up a steady, peaceful feeding schedule.
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More often, provide lesser amounts.
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Food should not be forced because this might lead to bad associations.
#5 Gagging and Choking on Solids
As your baby learns to chew and swallow, it's common for newborns to gag when they first start solid foods, which is often around six months. Choking is prevented by the natural response of gagging.
Parents ought to understand the differences:
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Usually not harmful, gagging is characterized by loud coughing, red cheeks, and noisy breathing
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When a baby is choking, they become silent, cough, and turn blue (emergency)
Advice on how to feed more safely:
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Start with meals that are soft and suitable for your age, such as purees, avocado, and mashed bananas.
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Keep from giving your baby hard foods such as raw carrots, almonds, and grapes.
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When your infant is feeding, always keep an eye on them.
#6 Food Allergies and Sensitivities
When new foods are introduced to your baby, allergies or intolerances may become apparent. Allergens to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish are the most prevalent in infants.
Food allergy symptoms might include:
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Hives or rashes?
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Diarrhea or vomiting
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Breathing problems or wheezing
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Lip, tongue, or facial swelling (medical emergency)
How parents can safely introduce foods to babies:
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Wait three to five days before adding another item, and introduce one new food at a time.
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Start with tiny quantities.
#7 Constipation and Discomfort in the Digestive System
When switching from breast milk or formula to solid meals, babies may get constipated.
Constipation symptoms include:
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Stools that are hard and pellet-like
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Less than three bowel motions per week
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Crying or straining when having a bowel movement
Methods for alleviating constipation:
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Present pureed apples, pears, and prunes.
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After six months, make sure the infant is getting enough water, formula, or breast milk.
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To promote mobility, promote tummy time, and mild leg activities.
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See your pediatrician if your constipation doesn't go away.
#8 Overfeeding or Underfeeding
Parents often wonder whether their infant is eating too much or not enough. Problems can arise from both overfeeding and underfeeding.
Symptoms of overfeeding:
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Frequent vomiting or spitting up, irritability after eating, and loose stools
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Poor weight gain and infrequent wet diapers (fewer than six per day after one week old) are signs of underfeeding.
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Sluggishness or incessant sobbing
Advice for Balanced Feeding:
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Don't feed at a set time; instead, feed as needed.
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Recognize your baby's signs of hunger and fullness, such as head turns, hand sucking, and pushing food away.
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To guarantee healthy development, monitor growth with your pediatrician.
#9 Transitioning to Solids
Although it might provide difficulties, the transition from milk to food is another thrill. While some babies may prefer milk to solid food, others may be resistant to new flavors or sensations.
Advice to make the changeover easier:
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Before serving mixed meals, start with purees made with only one ingredient.
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Introduce textures gradually, starting with mashed meals and working your way up to soft finger foods.
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Mealtimes should be informal and stress-free.
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Give them the same meal several times; it may take them ten to fifteen tries to accept it.
# 10 Picky Eating Habits
Did you know that picky eating can occur in babies as well? This is common, but parents may find it worrisome.
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