02/05/2024
Oh, the joys of feeding a distractible baby! Distracted nursing and bottle feeding usually peaks between 3 and 5 months of age, but can happen any time after that too.
This phase is characterized by baby latching for a minute or two then popping on and off and twisting this way and that to check out every little sound or movement in the space around them. Why, you ask? Around this age, babies are becoming much more aware of the world around them. They are literally unable to eat and take in the world at the same time!
Yes, it’s a tad frustrating for parents – the constant head-turns and quick detachments might cause discomfort and leave you questioning if they’re getting enough nourishment or even whether they dislike breastfeeding.
Fear not! This phase shall pass, and they’ll soon find it easier to both eat and be in tune with what is going on around them.
Until this stage has passed, your baby may need a quiet, darkened place to nurse and/or more night nursing until they’ve figured out how to deal with distraction. Take advantage of night nursing during this time – it doesn’t matter when baby takes in their calories during a 24-hour period, and feeding at night will help them meet their intake needs.
Nursing while in motion (walking, rocking, patting, wearing in a carrier) can also help baby to focus better on eating. Try to feed your baby when they are just waking up, already a little sleepy, or actually asleep.
Whereas some babies will be less distracted if the parent talks quietly or not at all, some babies may stay more focused on the task when you talk animatedly or sing to them. Some babies enjoy holding their parent’s hands or playing with a nursing necklace that is kept hidden away until feeding time.
Remember, baby’s initial pulling off is probably not an indication that they are finished – just a sign that they saw or heard something interesting across the room. When they pull off, try to coax them back a few more times before ending the feeding session.
Parents with older babes, do you have any tips to share with parents navigating the distractible feeding stage?
