Distracted Baby While Nursing? Do This!
Baby latching, sucking for a minute or two, then pulling off and ready to take on the world?
You have a distracted baby on your hands!
Although it’s challenging and super frustrating, a distracted baby while breastfeeding is absolutely normal and the stage usually doesn’t last long..
Plus you can rest easy knowing it’s developmentally normal for older babies.
You will make it through this tough phase, mama! You just need some patience and a few tricks up your sleeve to help you survive this passing stage.
(this post may contain affiliate links)
Why Do Babies Get Distracted While Nursing?
Simply put: As babies get older, instead of eating all they want to do is look around and engage with the new world around them.
They have a hard time concentrating on nursing when so many new and exciting things are calling their attention!
What Age Do Babies Get Distracted While Breastfeeding?
Distracted nursing can happen any time after a baby turns 2 months old. It usually peaks between 3-5 months, but it can happen any time after that too.
The good news?
It is extremely rare for a baby younger than 15 months to self-wean and your baby is not ready to stop breastfeeding altogether.
Troubleshooting A Distracted Baby While Nursing
Is it happening towards the end of feedings? This could be a sign your baby isn’t hungry anymore. As babies get older, they often get more milk out in less time as they get more efficient.
Are they eating too many solids? Sometimes babies consume too many solids and they’re too full for any more breast milk.
Any stark changes to your environment? Sometimes something as simple as a new perfume or deodorant may cause your baby to pull away from nursing.
14 Pro Tips To Deal With A Distracted Baby While Nursing
Let your baby take a pause. After they’re done absorbing what’s new around them, guide their head back to the breast and see if they’ll nurse again.
Retreat to a distraction-free place. Is there a quiet/calm place you can nurse in? You can even dim the lights or use this awesome himalayan salt lamp.
Experiment with noise. Some babies respond well to nursing to music while others love complete silence. You could try talking in quiet, soothing tones, “shush” your baby, or sing softly.
Do a dream feeding. Try nursing when baby is very sleepy – before napping or as they wake up. (or even completely asleep).
Could it be teething? Sometimes babies feed less when they’re teething. Try giving your something cold to chew on before a nursing session such as a frozen teething ring.
Change up your position. You can nurse while lying down, do laid-back breastfeeding. You can try breastfeeding while in motion (like walking, swaying, or walking). Try nursing in a baby carrier.
Use a nursing cover. A quick, easy way to remove distractions is to use a shawl, scarf, or nursing cover to cover up any visual distractions.
Keep their hands busy. Let your baby hold onto something that they love – like a plushie, a blanket, a toy, or a baby-safe nursing necklace. Bonus tip? Only take this out during a feeding so they only get to play with it while they’re nursing!
Develop a nursing routine. We know this isn’t always possible, but try nursing in the same chair, same room and doing the same thing while nursing so baby associates that environment with actively breastfeeding.
Make eye contact. Sometimes simply making eye contact during nursing will keep them focused on feeding and taking in the mama love.
Offer the breast often. Less frequent nursing in a 24 hour period can lead to a low milk supply so offer the breast even when baby doesn’t initiate. This will give them ample opportunities to fill up.
How to deal with a distracted baby while nursing out of the house
Time nursing strategically. Breastfeed before you leave the house or before you go into a situation where you know they’ll be distracted.
Find a distraction-free zone. Look for a dressing room, your parked car, or a quiet corner wherever you are. You can even bring a nursing cover with you to help.
Bring solid food with you. If your baby is eating solids, your baby may prefer eating solids rather than nursing out of the house.
know about reverse cycling
It’s when an older baby doesn’t nurse often during the day but breastfeeds a ton at night to make up for it. Some babies can consume over 25% of their daily breast milk at night.
WHAT IF NOTHING WORKS?
If all else fails – you can always try again later, when your baby will be more hungry and hopefully more interested!
And remember… you can always pump to keep up your milk supply (and for relief!) if they go too long between sessions.
Our 3 FAV Breastfeeding Products
🌛 1. This nursing bra is the absolute BEST for breastfeeding at night. It’s super comfortable and made of the softest material ever. You’ll want to wear it forever to sleep in, even after you’re done breastfeeding.
💪 2. Boost supply and tone up postpartum. Milk Dust is protein powder made just for breastfeeding moms. It nourishes and tones postpartum bodies (and contains milk boosting ingredients too!) Get 10% off Milk Dust using the code MILKOLOGY at checkout
🤱 3. If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.