Feeding Difficulties in Infants: A Guide for New Parents

Feeding a baby may seem simple, but for many parents, it becomes one of the earliest and most stressful challenges. From a newborn who refuses to latch, to an infant who spits up after every feed - feeding difficulties can cause sleepless nights and endless worry.

In this blog, Dr. Brahma Dev Singh, a trusted neonatologist and paediatrician in Siliguri, shares insights on why infants face feeding problems, how to identify them early, and what parents can do to support healthy nutrition and growth.

What Are Infant Feeding Difficulties?

Feeding difficulties include any challenges that prevent a baby from getting enough milk or food, whether it's breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or transitioning to solids.

They may involve:

• Refusing to feed
• Poor sucking or latching
• Excessive spitting up or vomiting
• Slow weight gain
• Fussiness or crying during feeds
• Long or tiring feeding sessions

Why Do Feeding Problems Happen?

Feeding issues can arise due to physical, developmental, or behavioural reasons. Common causes include:

Poor Latch

• Baby cannot attach well to the breast
• Leads to inadequate milk intake and sore nipples for the mother

Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)

• Short, tight tissue under the tongue restricts movement
• Affects sucking ability

Prematurity

• Preterm babies often lack the strength or coordination to suck and swallow properly

Reflux (GERD)

• Babies spit up frequently or become fussy during or after feeds

Allergies or Intolerance

• Milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance may cause pain, gas, or blood in stool

Low Milk Supply or Flow Issues

• Can frustrate or confuse the baby during breastfeeding

Structural Problems

• Cleft lip/palate, nasal blockage, or swallowing disorders

Signs Your Baby May Have a Feeding Issue

Watch out for the following red flags:

• Gaining less than 20 grams per day after the first week
• Feeding takes more than 45 minutes regularly
• Baby seems hungry soon after a full feed
• Arched back or crying during feeding
• Very few wet diapers
• Choking, coughing, or gagging during feeds
• Weight stagnation or weight loss

How Dr. Brahma Dev Singh Diagnoses Feeding Issues

As a leading newborn care doctor in Siliguri, Dr. Singh performs:

• Growth tracking (weight, length, head circumference)
• Feeding observations to assess latch, suck, and swallow
• Reflux evaluation if baby vomits frequently
• Allergy testing (if advised)
• Oral examination for tongue-tie or mouth issues

Treatment & Management Options

Breastfeeding Support & Latch Correction

• Positioning adjustments
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Nipple shields if needed

Tongue Tie Release (Frenotomy)

• Minor outpatient procedure
• Often leads to immediate feeding improvement

Reflux Management

• Feeding upright
• Burping after every feed
• Medications if severe

Diet Adjustments

• If allergy suspected, mother may avoid certain foods
• Switching to hypoallergenic formula if required

Paced Bottle Feeding

• Helps babies control milk flow
• Reduces choking and gas

Specialist Referral

• ENT, lactation consultant, or speech therapist if needed

Transitioning to Solids: A New Feeding Phase

Around 6 months, babies start weaning or moving to solid foods. This can bring new challenges:

• Food refusal
• Gagging
• Texture sensitivity
• Limited interest in food

Dr. Singh guides parents on:

• Introducing solids safely
• Managing picky eating
• Preventing constipation or choking
• Creating a healthy feeding routine

Tips for Parents: What You Can Do

• Feed in a calm, distraction-free space
• Don’t force-feed - follow baby's hunger cues
• Keep a feeding diary if issues persist
• Track nappies and weight regularly
• Be patient - every baby learns at their own pace

Common Myths About Feeding

Myth: "A chubby baby is always healthy."
Truth: Weight gain is important, but overall development and feeding comfort matter more.

Myth: "If a baby spits up, it means they’re not digesting milk."
Truth: Mild spit-up is normal. Only excessive vomiting needs a doctor’s advice.

Myth: "Formula-fed babies don’t face feeding problems."
Truth: Bottle-fed infants can also struggle with reflux, gas, or intolerance.

Where to Get Help in Siliguri

Feeding challenges may feel overwhelming, but support is available. At his clinics in Manipal Hospital, Neotia Hospital, Mukta Nursing Home, and Basudev Pharmacy Bagdogra, Dr. Brahma Dev Singh offers:

• Infant feeding evaluations
• Lactation counselling
• Reflux and allergy management
• Weight monitoring
• Ongoing parent support

Feeding is more than just giving milk - it's about bonding, growth, and comfort. If your baby is facing feeding difficulties, don't blame yourself or wait too long. With the right help, almost all feeding problems can be resolved.

Dr. Brahma Dev Singh, one of the most trusted paediatricians in Siliguri, is here to guide you through this journey - one feed at a time.