5 Tips for Breastfeeding an Older Baby

Congrats! You finally mastered the breastfeeding positions that work best for you and your baby; your little one’s latch is fantastic; your nipples do not even crack or bleed after each feeding anymore! But as your infant grows bigger and more curious about the world around them, you might find that breastfeeding has once again thrown you a curve ball. Never fear! Here are five common issues that can happen when nursing an older—and wiggly—baby…and how to make the experience easier on both of you! 

Breastfeeding Issue No. 1: Your baby gets easily distracted while nursing.

It is totally normal for babies who are about 4 to 6 months old to become distracted while breastfeeding. They are at the age where just about everything is interesting to look at! But it is increasingly difficult for your baby to maintain a latch when they are, say, playing with your shirt or rolling around. To help your little one stay on track, dim the lights; shut off the telly and phone; and move to a room where no one else is. You can also try nursing in motion, like in a rocking chair and offering your baby something to hold and fidget with while feeding, such as a soft stuffy or blanket. White noise can also work wonders to get your nursing baby to a place of zen. (Psst: SNOObear offers both white noise and a cuddly stuffy to fidget with.)

Breastfeeding Issue No. 2: Your baby has turned into a quick eater.

Sometimes, as babies get bigger, they become super proficient at nursing and will be able to eat lightning fast. While it is easy to worry that your baby is not getting enough milk since their feeds take less time, do not stress too much. Simply keep track of how often your baby nurses, how many wet nappies they have, and their general mood. If your baby is not getting cranky from hunger (and the peadiatrician says all is well), then rest assured that they are eating enough. 

Breastfeeding Issue No. 3: Your baby has started biting you while breastfeeding.