Feeding Difficulties in Babies

Babies learn many things in their first year, one of those being how to eat. However, like any new skill, it can also come with many difficulties and bumps along the way. Feeding troubles are often upsetting for parents because a baby cannot communicate his problems. There are lots of ways to deal with these situations, though, and improve the experience of eating for babies and parents, alike.

Breast-feeding and Bottle Feeding

• There are two main ways to feed a baby: breast-feeding and bottle feeding. Either way, it's a learning process for baby and parent, alike. Some babies have difficulty feeding from the breast due to an improper latch, slow milk production or incorrect holding of the breast or baby. A lactation consultant can help improve a baby's latch and a mother's positioning of the baby. Some babies regurgitate after each feeding. While a little bit of spit up is normal, heavy vomiting or repeated vomiting could be a sign of a problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is necessary to see a doctor, if you believe this is the case, because he will treat the condition with medicine.

Dehydration

• Some babies refuse to drink milk or water. This is a problem because it can lead to dehydration. Too much vomiting or excessive diarrhea can also cause dehydration. The loss of important minerals can cause inactivity, limited brain functioning, kidney damage and even seizures. The baby can be rehydrated with supplements as recommended by a doctor or through forced fluid intake in the form of an IV, which will require a doctor's authorization.

Milk Allergy

• Babies with immature gastrointestinal tracts, such as premature babies, can develop milk allergies. The protein in cow's milk is difficult to digest, which is why babies typically drink breast milk or formula. However, most commercial formulas are partially made from cow's milk proteins. This allergy can cause loose stools, gagging, colic and rashes. To treat a milk allergy, you need to remove all dairy products from the baby's diet by switching to soy or hypoallergenic formula. For a breast-feeding baby, the mother must remove all dairy from her diet to end the allergic reactions.

Refusal of First Foods

• It is common for babies to refuse many first foods. The best thing you can do is try the same food several times over the course of a couple weeks. Try new foods until baby accepts the food while still returning to foods baby has rejected. Another tactic is to mix foods baby enjoys with foods she doesn't enjoy. This will encourage her to eat other foods by slowing introducing the less-favorable food.