Refusing day feeds

[rosebaby]

My son is 4.5 months old and has been noticeably teething for the last few weeks - though I'm unsure whether that is related to his problem. He used to be the biggest eater, and has always been in the top percentile for weight, but now he barely takes any food at all in the day - whether it's breast, expressed breast milk or formula (we have always used a combination of all three). He'll suck for a few seconds then gaze round the room. After a few attempts at putting him back on, he gets cross and refuses more.

He wakes at least twice in the night though (more often than he used to before this phase), and takes long, full feeds then! How can I help him eat more in the day and less at night?

[the pero clinic]

Dear Rosebaby,

It is very hard to know why your bub is now a fussy day feeder. Teething can cause temporary feeding issues, but is often overused as an excuse. Perhaps your bub is ready for a change in bottle teat size? Has reflux previously gone unnoticed? Is your bub more alert and distractible during the day? Try feeding your bub in a dark and quiet room during the day.

In any case, I would suggest that you discuss the issue with your CHN or doctor. You may need to work out a plan for eliminating or reducing night feeds to return your bub’s hunger cycle to usual. It is important to make sure your bub is not unwell before doing this, and the guidance of a professional will be valuable.

the pero clinic