How To Manage Nursing A Distractible Baby

Does This Mean My Baby Is Ready To Wean?

It is very rare for infants to start to wean before 12 months of age. A distracted baby does not mean they are no longer interested in nursing. Keep in mind that your child is now a much more efficient nurser in comparison to when they were a newborn. They may be nursing for shorter periods of time, but this does not mean they are no longer interested. In fact, your baby is getting more milk than before during these short nursing sessions. You may find them having short feedings during the day, and longer ones at night. 

How Can I Nurse An Easily Distracted Baby?

Limiting distractions is one of the best ways to help your baby focus on nursing. Try out these tactics:

• Breastfeed in a quiet, darkened room, away from others. 
• Speak softly, or stay quiet during the feeding if your little one is easily distracted by noises.
• If unable to feed alone in a room, try using a nursing cover or sling to help your infant focus on the feeding and not on their surroundings.
• Nurse in motion such as by walking or rocking while feeding.
• If you are going out, breastfeed before you leave so you can control the amount of stimuli in the environment.

Do What Works For Your Baby

If you find your baby eats better at night, you can try to increase night time feedings to ensure that they are getting enough milk if they are frequently distracted during daytime feedings. Remember, it is the total caloric intake over 24 hours that matters, not the amount of times that your infant breastfeeds. In fact, older babies may even consume up to 25% of their caloric intake during the night!

Troubleshooting

Is your baby pulling and biting on your nipples? This can be due to boredom or distractedness. Be prepared to insert your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to break suction if your infant is pulling away during breastfeeding. Watch out for signs of boredom which is generally at the end of a breastfeeding session, and a common time that biting occurs. If this is the case for your child, gently remove them from the breast if you notice boredom.

Still noticing your infant is frequently distracted or squirming? Try these tips:

• Older infants may prefer positions where they have more control, such as sitting or standing.
• If nursing sessions are shorter that normal, offer the breast more often, even if they are not asking for it.
• Sometimes, offering a favorite toy or blanket during breastfeeding sessions that you can incorporate in your breastfeeding routine can be helpful.
• Try minimizing your own distractions such as the television or your phone and focus your attention on your infant. You are very interesting to your baby, and they can tell if you are distracted!

Remember, distractibility is a normal phase of infancy. However if you feel like they are not getting enough to eat and you are struggling for an extended period of time, please reach out to a lactation consultant. We can help you protect your supply, uncover any possible underlying feeding issues, and help keep your baby adequately nourished in the meantime. We are always here to help you!