Common baby feeding worries

Common feeding problems in babies

Common feeding problems in babies

Last reviewed: 19^th January 2022

Reviewed by Nutricia’s Medical and Scientific Affairs Team

In the early days, your little one’s tiny tummy is still getting used to digesting food. While some babies get to grips with feeding and filling their nappies pretty quickly, it’s not that straightforward for everyone. Common feeding-related problems include Reflux, Constipation, Colic and Allergies and Intolerances

Common digestive problems

Reflux

Most babies bring up a little milk during and after feeding – it’s commonly known as

‘posseting’. Some babies, however, are repeatedly sick after feeding. This can be a sign of

reflux, which happens when milk or food comes back up from their stomach into their

oesophagus, causing them to bring up whole feeds or small amounts on a regular basis.

Most babies bring up a little milk during and after feeding – it’s commonly known as ‘posseting’. Remember, in the early days your baby’s tummy is tiny, growing steadily in size as they develop. So it’s no surprise that sometimes, your baby’s eyes are bigger than their belly.

Some babies, however, are repeatedly sick after feeding. This can be a sign of reflux, which happens when milk or food comes back up from their stomach into their oesophagus, causing them to bring up whole feeds or small amounts on a regular basis.

Whether you’re a first-time mum or a seasoned pro, reflux can be worrying, so it’s worth mentioning to your Health Visitor during your next appointment. In the meantime, why not read more about baby reflux and what you can do to help.

Baby reflux

Colic

If your baby cries or is irritable for prolonged periods for no obvious reason, they could be suffering with colic. It’s very common and occurs in up to one in five babies¹. Find out more about colic and what you can do to relieve it.

Colic

Constipation

Once your baby’s born you’ll no doubt find yourself thinking, and talking, about their pooing habits quite a lot! It’s a standard feature of parenthood. If your little one is pooing less than three times a week, and has poos that are either large, hard and difficult to push out, or small, hard and pellet-like, they could be constipated. Learn about baby constipation and things you can do to relieve it.

Baby constipation

Milk allergies and intolerances

Despite their similarities, allergies and intolerances are different. A milk allergy occurs when your little one’s immune system reacts to the proteins in milk, whereas an intolerance is when your baby can’t break down certain substances, such as lactose in milk. Learn more about identifying milk allergies and intolerances and what to do if you think your baby might have one.

Milk allergies & intolerances

Signs and symptoms

Crying before feeding

More often than not, crying before feeding is your little one’s way of telling you they’re hungry. As you get to know your baby, you’ll begin to understand what your baby’s cries mean.

Crying after feeding

If your baby cries after feeding, it could be because they’ve got wind or colic. Try some of our clever winding techniques to make sure your baby’s winded properly.

Diarrhoea

In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about. However, because diarrhoea can be caused by a virus, or down to your baby’s diet, it’s best to get advice from your Health Visitor or GP. We’ve also got lots of helpful advice if you’ve got concerns about your baby poo.

Poor weight gain

It’s completely normal for your newborn to lose a bit of weight soon after birth. They’ll steadily gain it again over the coming days and weeks (it’s known as ‘getting back up to their birth weight’). Read up on what’s normal when it comes to your baby’s weight.