Feeding your baby should be a joyful experience, but for many parents, it can come with unexpected challenges. If you’re facing feeding difficulties, know that you’re not alone—many families go through similar experiences. Understanding common feeding issues, their signs, and how to manage them can help you feel more confident and supported on your journey.
Common feeding issues and their signs
Reflux
Spitting up a little milk after feeds is normal, but frequent, uncomfortable regurgitation could be a sign of reflux. Symptoms may include being unsettled during feeds, crying, coughing or hiccupping during feeding. Speak to your healthcare professional if you think your baby may have frequent reflux.
Colic & Constipation
Prolonged crying, clenched fists and arching the back can indicate colic. These symptoms can be distressing, but they usually improve over time.
Constipation is determined by a number of signs, including when your baby poos less than 3 times per week, and/or passes hard dry poos. Speak to your healthcare professional if you think your baby may have colic or constipation.
Lactose Intolerance
Some babies may struggle to digest lactose, leading to symptoms like excessive wind, diarrhoea, and tummy pain. If you suspect this, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Unsatisfied after feeds
There are different reasons your baby may seem unsatisfied after feeds or wakes up in the night. More frequent feeding may be signs your baby is going through a growth spurt.
Slow Weight Gain
While all babies grow at their own pace, slower-than-expected weight gain might signal an issue with feeding. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help track your baby’s growth and provide reassurance.
Tips to Help Navigate Feeding Challenges
Burping and Positioning: Keeping your baby upright after feeds and ensuring proper burping can help reduce discomfort.
On-demand Feeding: Responding to your baby's feeding needs, such as their hunger cues rather than waiting until they start crying at a certain scheduled feed time, but also to their fullness cues.
Comforting Techniques: Gentle tummy massages, warm baths, and swaddling may help ease colic symptoms.
Seeking Guidance: If feeding challenges persist, don’t hesitate to ask for advice from healthcare professionals.
Support When You Need It Most
Every baby is unique, and feeding journeys can vary. At SMA® Baby Club, they understand the ups and downs of feeding and are here to support you every step of the way. Their 24x7 SMA® Careline offers expert guidance to help you navigate challenges with confidence. Their dedicated team of friendly experts are just a click or call away. They also have access to expert healthcare professionals such as registered dietitians and nutritionists to answer your questions. Whether you need reassurance or practical advice, they’re available on call 1800 931 832 free of charge or even on email through a contact form here.
For more information, visit www.smababy.ie to explore the SMA® Baby Club, Careline, and expert support tailored to your baby’s needs. Because when it comes to feeding, you’re never alone.
Brought to you by
SMA® Nutrition has been pioneering baby nutrition since 1919. For any questions on feeding your little human, reach out to their 24x7 Careline free of charge on 1800 931 832 or visit their website www.smababy.ie/
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
We believe that breastfeeding is the ideal nutritional start for babies, and we fully support the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life followed by the introduction of adequate nutritious complementary foods along with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age. We also recognise that breastfeeding is not always an option for parents. We recommend that you speak to your healthcare professional about how to feed your baby and seek advice on when to introduce complementary feeding. If you choose not to breastfeed, please remember that such a decision can be difficult to reverse and has social and financial implications. Introducing partial bottle-feeding will reduce the supply of breast milk. Infant formula should always be prepared, used and stored as instructed on the label in order to avoid risks to a baby’s health.
