Aine Sawyer
There are many reasons why a newborn may cry during bottle-feeding. One common reason is reflux, which can cause acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in babies. Other reasons could include the flow of the nipple being too fast or too slow, the nipple ring being screwed on too tight, or the bottle being held at the wrong angle. Additionally, the baby may be crying due to tiredness, discomfort, or a need for a change in position or environment. In some cases, the baby may be allergic to certain food particles in the mother's milk, such as cow's milk protein. If the crying persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for advice and support.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baby has reflux | A common condition where babies bring their milk back up after feeds. This usually starts before a baby is eight weeks old and clears up by the age of one. |
| Baby needs a diaper change | Some babies don't like to feed if they're wearing a dirty diaper. |
| Baby is full | Paced feeding may help as it gives the baby a chance to check in on their appetite. |
| Baby is tired | Tiredness can cause a baby to become fussy during a feed, and they may even fall asleep before their feed is done. |
| Baby is going through a growth spurt | Little ones go through many developmental steps during the first weeks and months of their life, which can make them a little fussy and unsettled during feeds. |
| Baby is teething or feeling unwell | Teething and feeling unwell can disturb feeds. |
| Baby is curious about their surroundings | Once babies start to become aware of what's going on around them, they become very curious, and their mind (and eyes) can wander during feeds. |
| Baby needs a different nipple | The flow of the nipple may be too fast or too slow, and the baby isn't getting enough milk. Double-check that the teat is correct for the baby's age and sucking ability. |
| Baby is switching from breast to bottle | It can take a baby a while to get used to the change from breast to bottle. |
| Baby is uncomfortable | If bottle-feeding, sit the baby upright during feeds to reduce the amount of air they swallow and lower the chance of uncomfortable trapped wind. |
| Baby has colic | Colic is a common condition affecting 1 in 5 babies, and there is no cure, only methods to provide relief and soothe them. |
| Baby has a food allergy | Constant crying could be due to food allergies, such as a cow's milk allergy. |
What You'll Learn
Reflux
Symptoms of reflux include:
- Bringing up milk or being sick during or after feeding
- Coughing or hiccupping when feeding
- Being unsettled during feeding
- Swallowing or gulping after burping or feeding
- Crying and not settling
- Not gaining weight as they are not keeping enough food down
Sometimes, babies may show signs of reflux but will not bring up milk or be sick. This is known as silent reflux.
If your baby has reflux, here are some things you can try:
- Hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding
- Burp your baby regularly during feeds
- Make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (they should not sleep on their side or front)
- Do not raise the head of your baby's cot or Moses basket
If your baby is formula-fed, your GP may advise you to use a thicker formula or one that does not contain cows' milk if your baby is allergic. If the thickening powder does not help, your GP may recommend medicines that stop your baby's stomach from producing as much acid.
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Needing a diaper change
A wet or dirty diaper is one of the most common reasons why a newborn may cry during bottle feeding. It is recommended that newborn diapers are changed every two to three hours or as often as needed. Diapers should be changed more frequently if they are soiled to avoid the risk of diaper rash and skin irritation.
Some signs that your baby needs a diaper change include:
- Restlessness or crying
- A wet and heavy feeling diaper
- A strong smell of stool or urine
- Certain sounds or words that indicate they need to go
- Facial expressions such as eye contact, whining, stretching, or pushing
If your baby is crying during bottle feeding, it is worth checking if they need a diaper change. You can also try changing their diaper before feeding to wake them up a little so they are ready to take a full feed.
It is important to change your baby's diaper regularly to prevent diaper rash and ensure they feel comfortable.
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Not hungry
Misinterpreting baby's cues
Newborns have an active sucking reflex, which means they may accept a feed even when they're not hungry. This can lead to them guzzling down a bottle, only to realise they're full partway through. This is why paced feeding is recommended, as it gives them the chance to check in on their appetite.
Unrealistic expectations
It's important to follow your baby's feeding cues and not try to make them take more than they need. In around one-third of consultations, parents were found to be trying to make their baby drink more than necessary. This can be due to errors made by health professionals, such as failing to adjust calculations as the baby matures or not considering the baby as an individual.
Tiredness
Tiredness and hunger are closely related when it comes to a baby's needs. If your baby is tired, they may fall asleep before their feed is completed. To prevent this, ensure your baby gets enough sleep and try to feed them before they become too tired. Establishing a flexible feeding and sleeping routine can help to minimise the risk of feeding and sleep times clashing.
Distractions
Babies over the age of four months can easily become distracted while feeding. They may be much more interested in what's going on around them than in feeding. Try to feed your baby in a quiet environment away from noise and distractions.
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Tiredness
To stop tiredness from disrupting feeds, try to feed your baby before they become too tired and be flexible with your feeding and sleeping routine. Ensure your baby gets enough sleep and feed them before they become too tired. Aim to establish a flexible feeding and sleep routine to minimise the risk of feeding and sleep times clashing.
If your baby is often irritable and not sleeping enough, you might find that resolving any underlying sleeping problem will cause feeding difficulties to spontaneously resolve once they receive adequate sleep.
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Growth spurt
Newborns go through many growth spurts during their first few weeks and months of life. These developmental milestones can sometimes make them fussy and unsettled during feeds. If your baby is crying during bottle-feeding, it could be because they are going through a growth spurt and are simply hungry for more food.
Signs of a Growth Spurt
- Increased appetite: Your baby may seem hungrier than usual and may cry for more food.
- Frequent feeding: They may want to feed more often or for longer durations.
- Fussiness: They may be more fussy or cranky during and between feeds.
- Increased sleep: Growth spurts can tire out newborns, leading to longer or more frequent naps.
How to Help
- Feed on demand: Offer the bottle whenever your baby seems hungry.
- Pace feeding: If they cry mid-feed, they may be full, so try paced feeding to let them control the flow and pace.
- Be flexible: Adjust your feeding and sleeping routine to accommodate their increased appetite and need for rest.
- Comfort measures: Provide a calm and comfortable environment for feeding, reducing noise and distractions.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why a newborn might cry during bottle feeding. One reason could be that they are not hungry and are sucking for reasons other than hunger, such as tiredness, boredom, or discomfort. Another reason could be that the flow of the nipple is too fast or too slow, and they are not getting enough milk. It could also be that they are too tired to feed and need to be fed before they are overtired. Additionally, it could be that they are uncomfortable or in pain, perhaps due to reflux or trapped wind.
If your baby cries and refuses the bottle, you can try to stimulate them by talking to them, massaging their back, legs, and arms, or leaving them in just a diaper or undershirt as they may drink less when they are warm. You can also try changing their position or diaper, or rubbing their feet and tickling their back and sides. If your baby is old enough, you can try offering them a pacifier or a small amount of water to see if they are still hungry.
Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where a baby brings their milk back up after feeds. It usually starts before a baby is eight weeks old and clears up by the age of one. Signs of reflux include frequent spitting up, crying after feedings, and stomach pain. If you think your baby has reflux, you should consult your healthcare provider.
If your baby has reflux, you can try burping them during and after every feed, sitting them up as straight as possible during feeds to prevent them from swallowing too much air, and using an anti-colic or fast-flow bottle to reduce air intake. You can also try different formulas designed for sensitive stomachs or speak to your healthcare provider about medication to treat reflux.
