Many new parents ask, "Why does my baby fall asleep while bottle feeding?" It’s a familiar issue and one that you’ll find more explanation on in this article.
Our guide covers reasons behind a baby’s sleepiness, tips to deal with it, and some common concerns that parents have.
Reasons Why Bottle-Feeding Babies Fall Asleep
Let’s start by discussing some common reasons why bottle-feeding babies fall asleep.
Natural Factors
The act of feeding itself can naturally make a baby feel sleepy. Snuggling in close to you while bottle feeding relaxes your baby and gives them a sense of security. This safe feeling, combined with the warmth and comfort the feeding position offers, can be enough to send them off to sleep.
The feeding environment can also induce sleep. If you’re feeding in a quiet and softly lit room, then your baby is likely to feel relaxed and drift off naturally.
Unfortunately, these circumstances can sometimes become a vicious circle, with your baby associating feeding time with sleeping.
Fatigue Among Bottle-Feeding Babies
Your baby’s natural sleep patterns and tiredness can also lead to falling asleep during feeding.
Feeding often occurs at the end of an awake period for your baby. By the time they get around to feeding, they will already have interacted with you and their environment. This can mean they’re tired and ready to settle down again.
You can spot the signs that your baby is too tired to stay awake during feeding. These include:
- Turning away from the bottle
- Yawning
- Crying or fussing
- Arching their back
Feeding Techniques
Feeding techniques can also impact your baby’s sleepiness.
If you hold your baby so that they are almost horizontal, you may find they drift off to sleep.
The same thing can happen if you use a nipple that has a slow flow rate. As your baby grows, you should change to a faster flow rate so they get the right amount of milk and stay involved in feeding.
Make sure you keep your baby engaged during feeding. You can do this by:
- Checking they have latched on properly
- Holding them in a semi-upright position
- Talking or singing to them while they feed
- Showing them a toy during the feed
If your little one does nod off during feeding, you may be wondering how to burp a sleeping baby. Lay them gently face down on your lap, ensuring their airway is clear, and rub their back until they burp.
How to Keep Bottle-Feeding Babies Awake
There are lots of things you can try to keep your baby awake during bottle feeding.
Offer a Stimulating Environment
Start by making their environment stimulating. Ensure that the room is not too warm, which can induce sleepiness. The ideal temperature for a baby’s room is 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also play some soft background music to keep your baby engaged with their surroundings. Hang a mobile or toy in their feeding area for extra interest.
If your baby shows signs of sleepiness, you can use gentle stimulation techniques to keep them awake. Move their arms gently or tickle their toes. You can even give them a diaper change in the middle of a feed to wake them up.
Change Feeding Position
Your baby’s feeding position is key. Avoid laying your baby flat — this is more likely to make them feel relaxed and sleepy.
Try a sitting position so your baby is positioned upright on your lap with their spine resting against your chest.
You could also sit down with your legs bent at the knee. Place your baby with their back against your thighs and the back of their head touching your knees. This position is also good for maintaining eye contact and keeping your baby engaged.
A nursing pillow could also help to support your baby in an upright position while you feed them.
Pace Your Baby's Feeding
Pacing your baby’s feed is an effective way to stop them falling asleep. It involves extending the feeding session over a longer period, with breaks to maintain your baby’s attention.
Follow these steps to pace feed your baby:
- Hold baby in an upright or semi-upright position.
- Use a small bottle with a slower-flow nipple to ensure that the milk is consumed at a steady rate.
- Hold the bottle horizontally to the floor.
- Let your baby take 3-5 mouthfuls in a 20-30 second period.
- Give your baby a few moments’ break before offering them the bottle again.
- If your baby appears sleepy during breaks, talk to them or stroke or tickle them gently.
- Continue until baby appears satisfied.
Get into Good Feeding Habits
Now that you’ve got to the end of our guide, you should have some answers to the question, "Why does my baby keep falling asleep while bottle feeding?"
Get into good habits by following the techniques discussed in this article, and enjoy feeding sessions with your alert and engaged baby.
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FAQs
Why does my baby fall asleep while bottle feeding?
When you hold your baby close to you, the warmth and feeling of security can make them sleepy. They may also fall asleep because they are at the end of a wakeful period.
How can I create a stimulating feeding environment?
Ensure that your room is at the right temperature. Play music and position a toy or mobile in your baby’s eyeline.
Can changing the feeding schedule help keep my baby awake?
Yes, you can adjust your baby’s feeding schedule by giving them a bottle soon after they wake up from their nap. This means they feed when they are most energetic.
When should I be worried about my baby falling asleep during feeding?
If your baby shows signs of not getting enough milk at feeds, then you may want to consult your pediatrician. Producing fewer wet or dirty diapers and failing to gain weight are causes for concern.
