Common feeding problems in babies

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’. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Signs and symptoms

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.

Bringing back milk after a feed

Many babies can bring back or 'posset' a small amount of milk, quite often with wind during or just after a feed - it’s a common symptom and thought to be due to the developing digestive system

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.

Baby weight

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.

If your baby’s struggling and you can’t put your finger on why, try our Baby Symptom Checker.

Baby Symptom Checker

When to see a doctor

It goes without saying, if you ever have any concerns about your baby, it's always best to speak to your health visitor or GP.

1. Vandenplas Y et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2015;61(5):531-7

Last reviewed: 19th January 2022

Reviewed by Nutricia’s Medical and Scientific Affairs Team

Baby topics

Need free advice with a smile? Get in touch with our dedicated Care team.

Ask us a question (8am - 8pm Mon-Fri, 10am - 5pm Weekends)

Messenger

Message us (10am-10pm Mon-Sat, 10am-5:30pm Sun)

Call Us

Call us on 0800 977 8880 (8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 10-5pm Sat)

FAQs

Get answers to your most frequently asked questions

Common feeding problems in babies

Common digestive problems

Reflux

Colic

Constipation

Milk allergies and intolerances

Signs and symptoms

Crying after feeding

Bringing back milk after a feed

Diarrhoea

Baby weight