Many parents of babies and toddlers deal with feeding issues. Despite how common these issues are, living through them can be highly stressful.
When you hear your baby crying from discomfort or notice that they’re not gaining weight, you may be at a loss for what to do next. It can be a challenge just to identify where the problem lies, let alone to find the right strategy to help your child thrive. That is where a capable baby doctor comes in.
A qualified baby doctor knows how to spot feeding issues quickly and how to find solutions. Learn more about common feeding problems babies can experience and how early intervention can make a difference in their overall health and development.
What Feeding Issues Could a Baby Experience?
There are a number of eating disorders that a good baby doctor can assist you with. One common issue is slow feeding.
Some babies struggle to eat at a typical pace, which means they can fall asleep before they get the nutrients they need from their food. If your baby is a slow eater, you might notice they’re not gaining enough weight or that they’re very fussy.
A baby who is slow to drink from their bottle or who is easily distracted could also swallow air, which makes them feel full. This feeling of fullness will prompt the baby to stop eating, and it could make them uncomfortable. It also makes them more likely to spit up.
Spitting up is normal for children after eating, as long as it is not excessive. Your baby’s esophagus is not fully developed yet, so it’s tough for them to keep food from working its way up.
If a baby drinks too fast or swallows a lot of air, however, spitting up can be much more frequent. In some instances, this problem is due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, a chronic digestive disorder. If you notice that your baby has discomfort while spitting up, prompt medical care is needed.
A baby might also struggle with swallowing. The inability to swallow is called “dysphagia,” and the root cause may be a problem with your baby’s mouth, throat, or esophagus. Dysphagia can lead to aspiration. This means that milk or formula enters the baby’s lungs, potentially leading to pediatric pulmonary issues like pneumonia.
Signs to Watch For
It may be time to speak with a doctor if you see these changes in your child:
- Crying or fussing while feeding
- Refusing to feed
- Arching their back while feeding
- Falling asleep while feeding
- Avoiding foods with certain textures
- Having trouble breathing while eating
- Having trouble swallowing
- Frequently spitting up or vomiting
- Drooling significantly while eating
A pediatric feeding disorder could point to an underlying medical condition, an infection, or emotional stress.
Babies who were premature or underweight at birth are more likely to struggle to eat, as are babies who have cerebral palsy and similar congenital conditions. Babies with cleft palates or respiratory problems like asthma can also struggle to feed.
Sometimes, an issue with food textures is a sign of autism in children. This is more likely to be the case if the infant has not met all developmental milestones.
The Importance of Early Intervention for Your Child
During your child’s first few years, you will need to maintain routine appointments with their regular baby doctor. Arguably, the first few months after birth are the most important when it comes to regular medical assessment. These appointments offer the doctor a chance to catch any developmental problems as early as possible.
A baby who isn’t feeding well will lack the nutrients they need to thrive. This puts them at risk of all manner of health issues.
If a baby doesn’t receive the nutrition they need, including essential vitamins and minerals, they could develop nutritional deficiencies that stunt their growth and cause lifelong problems. In very severe cases, the baby could even suffer cognitive impairment.
When you visit a pediatrician regularly, the baby doctor can try to identify how significant the feeding issue is, what is causing it, and how to treat it. They can do this in a number of ways.
Identifying and Addressing Feeding Problems
The first thing that your baby doctor will do is get a detailed medical history. You can help by keeping records of how your baby’s weight has changed from day to day. Keeping an eating diary can be extremely helpful as well. If you use formula, let the doctor know about all of the brands and types you have tried.
The doctor will ask you what you’ve noticed about your baby’s feeding problems. They may also ask you to try to feed your baby in the office, which will give the doctor a clear picture of what’s occurring.
If there isn’t an obvious issue that has led to the feeding difficulties your baby is struggling with, the doctor might recommend a few tests, such as an endoscopic assessment, or other tests to see if there are underlying health issues to address.
The treatments for feeding problems are case-specific. If your baby has gastroesophageal reflux, for example, medications might be a good option. The doctor might also suggest that you change your baby’s feeding schedule by introducing smaller amounts at more frequent intervals. Another thing that can help with gastroesophageal reflux is switching your child’s position while they eat.
Alternatively, a baby who is struggling with respiratory issues will need a full assessment and could require nebulization or other asthma treatments. If your baby has a condition like dysphagia, your pediatrician might refer you to a specialist.
Getting Help From a Specialist at Newport Children
Most feeding problems in infants are minor. The baby might struggle for a little while and then adjust. However, that’s not always the case, especially if there’s an underlying health issue. Addressing the problem as quickly as possible could prevent serious consequences, so if you have concerns about your baby’s feeding, call your child’s pediatrician.
By providing as much information as possible and working together with the doctor, you can understand the reason for the feeding problem and decide how to treat it. Protect your child’s development with a phone call to a trusted baby doctor.