Why Does My Baby Cry After Feeding?

March 18, 2023

As a parent, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and stressed when your baby cries, especially after feeding. It can be concerning when your baby seems to be in pain, or discomfort, or just won't stop crying. But don't worry, crying after feeding is a common occurrence, and there are several reasons why your baby might cry after feeding.

In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the most common reasons why does my baby cry after feeding and what you can do to help.

Why Does My Baby Cry After Feeding?

Here are the reasons why your baby cries after feeding:

Gas

Gas is one of the most common reasons why babies cry after feeding. When babies swallow air while feeding, it can become trapped in their digestive system and cause discomfort.

Your baby might cry, fuss, and appear uncomfortable due to trapped gas. To relieve gas, try burping your baby after feeding. Hold your baby upright and gently rub their back or pat their back until they burp.

You can also try giving your baby a gentle tummy massage or bicycling their legs to help release trapped gas.

Reflux

Reflux occurs when the stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus. It can cause pain and discomfort, leading your baby to cry after feeding. In addition to crying, other symptoms of reflux include spitting up, coughing, and arching the back.

If you suspect your baby has reflux, try feeding them in an upright position, keeping them upright for at least 30 minutes after feeding, and avoid feeding your baby too much at once.

Overfeeding

Overfeeding your baby can lead to discomfort and fussiness. If your baby is crying after feeding, it may be a sign that they are full and have had too much to eat. Babies have small stomachs, and they can only eat so much at once.

Pay attention to your baby's feeding cues, such as turning away from the bottle or breast, to avoid overfeeding them.

Formula Issues

If you're formula-feeding your baby, crying after feeding could be due to issues with the formula. Some babies have trouble digesting certain types of formula, leading to discomfort and fussiness in formula-fed babies.

Your baby might be allergic or intolerant to certain ingredients in the formula. Try switching to a different formula, or speak to your pediatrician about other options.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose in breast milk, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. If your baby is lactose intolerant, it might cry after feeding or experience other symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting. If you suspect your baby is lactose intolerant, speak to your pediatrician for guidance.

Teething

Teething is another reason why babies might cry after bottle feeding. As teeth push through the gums, they can cause pain and discomfort, leading your baby to cry. To soothe your teething baby, try giving them a cold teething ring, a clean washcloth, or rubbing their gums gently with a clean finger.

What To Do If Your Baby Cries After Feeding?

1. Make Sure Your Baby Is Not Overfed:

If you're concerned that your baby might be overfed, pay close attention to their feeding cues. Babies have small stomachs and can only eat so much at once. Stop feeding them when they turn away from the bottle or breast, or if they seem disinterested in eating.

2. Keep Track Of The Time Between Feedings:

If your baby is crying after feeding, it may be a sign that they need to be fed more frequently. Try shortening the time between feedings and keep track of how long it has been since their last meal.

3. Change Positions While Feeding:

Sometimes changing positions while feeding can help reduce the amount of air your baby swallows, which can reduce the amount of gas they have. Try feeding your baby in an upright position, or experiment with different positions to see what works best for your baby.

4. Burp Your Baby After Feeding:

Burping your baby after feeding can help release trapped air, reducing the amount of gas they have and soothing their discomfort. Hold your baby upright and gently rub their back or pat their back until they burp.

5. Try A Different Formula:

If your baby is formula-fed, crying after feeding could be due to issues with the formula. Try switching to a different formula and see if it helps reduce fussiness and discomfort. If problems persist, speak to your pediatrician for guidance.

What Are The Signs Of Colic?

Colic is a condition characterized by intense periods of crying in babies. Common signs of colic include excessive and inconsolable crying, drawing up of legs, facial grimacing and clenched fists.

These episodes typically last for several hours each day and can occur multiple times throughout the day. Other signs of colic may include unexplained fever, poor appetite, gas, bloating and constipation.

It's important to note that an underlying medical condition does not cause colic, and it typically resolves on its own as the baby grows. However, there are steps you can take to help soothe your colicky baby.

Try swaddling them in a blanket, giving them a warm bath, or rocking them in a rocking chair. You may also try giving them gripe water or a pacifier to help reduce fussiness.

If you're concerned that your baby may be suffering from colic, speak to your pediatrician for advice.

Is Gripe Water Good For Colic?

Gripe water is a product that is often used to treat colic in babies. It typically contains ingredients such as ginger, fennel, chamomile and sodium bicarbonate, which can help reduce gas and discomfort.

However, it's important to note that no scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of gripe water in treating colic. While some parents may find that it helps soothe their baby, it's always best to speak to your pediatrician before giving your baby any type of medication or supplement.

Conclusion:

Understanding why does my baby cry after feeding is important for ensuring their health and well-being. By understanding the reasons and trying different techniques to relieve discomfort, you can help your baby feel more comfortable and reduce their crying.

If you're concerned about your baby's crying, speak to your pediatrician for guidance and advice. Remember that parenting can be challenging, but with patience and support, you can navigate the ups and downs of your baby's early days.