Poor feeding in newborns

Poor feeding in newborns: Finding the causes

Refusal to eat or weak, ineffective sucking in a newborn is one of the most worrisome symptoms for parents. Feeding in the first weeks of life is critically important for growth, development, and weight gain. If a baby feeds poorly, it always warrants close attention and, in most cases, a consultation with a pediatrician or a lactation consultant.

Possible reasons for poor appetite

The causes can be very diverse, ranging from simple to very serious:

• Sleepiness. This is a common cause in the first days. Especially sleepy can be babies with jaundice or those born slightly preterm. Such a baby should be gently but persistently woken for feeding.
• Incorrect latch. If the baby is uncomfortable or has difficulty sucking due to an improper breast hold, they can quickly become fatigued and refuse to eat. This is the most common cause during breastfeeding.
• Pain. Pain from colic, reflux, or teething (though rare for newborns) can make feeding unpleasant. Candidiasis (thrush) in the baby's mouth can also be a cause.
• Nasal congestion. A baby cannot suck and breathe through the mouth at the same time, so a blocked nose makes feeding practically impossible.
• Illness. Poor appetite is one of the first signs of any infection. If refusal to eat is accompanied by fever or lethargy, it requires immediate medical attention.

If you notice that your baby is eating significantly worse, the first thing to look at is the number of wet diapers and weight trend. A decrease in these indicators is a clear signal that the problem needs to be addressed. Read about other general newborn symptoms on our website.