Baby is hungry but won’t feed: what should you do?

Your baby is clearly hungry — they are showing all the usual signs of hunger — but is stubbornly refusing the breast or the bottle. This can be very stressful for new parents who are worried about how to feed their baby and concerned about their health. In this article, we look at the possible causes of a baby who is hungry but won’t feed, and offer some advice on how to resolve this issue.

Recognising the signs of hunger in a baby

First of all, it is essential to recognise the signs of hunger in your baby. The classic signs are:

Sticking out their tongue or opening their mouth wide

Sucking their fist or fingers

Making sucking sounds with their mouth

Making jerky, uncoordinated movements with their arms and legs whilst rooting for the breast or bottle

Crying, although this is not the only sign of hunger and can be down to a whole host of other reasons.

It is possible for your baby to show these signs without necessarily wanting to feed afterwards. Let us look at why this can happen and how to address it.

Possible causes of feeding refusal

Several reasons may explain why your baby is refusing to feed despite obvious signs of hunger.

Anatomical issue

It is possible that a structural abnormality, such as tongue-tie or lip-tie (short lingual or labial frenums), makes sucking difficult or even painful for the baby. An examination by a healthcare professional will rule out this possibility and put the appropriate treatment in place if necessary.

Poor latch at the breast or bottle

During breastfeeding, a poor latch can cause various problems, including nipple pain for the mother and difficulty for the baby in getting enough milk. For a bottle-fed baby, the teat flow rate may be unsuitable, causing them to tire or become frustrated without being able to feed effectively. In these situations, the support of a healthcare professional can help you identify and correct the problem.

Digestive discomfort or pain

A baby suffering from colic, wind, or other digestive issues may show signs of hunger whilst refusing to feed, as feeding can worsen their discomfort and/or pain. The same applies to a baby with gastro-oesophageal reflux: feeding makes the reflux worse, leading to a feeding refusal. In these cases, seeing a doctor will help identify the cause of the discomfort and put measures in place to relieve it.

A baby on a “nursing strike”

Sometimes certain babies suddenly go on a “nursing strike”. This can be due to various reasons, such as a change in the child’s environment or routine, infant stress, sensory overstimulation, and so on. In these situations, it is essential to be patient and to find a solution with your child that suits their needs and rhythm.

Tips to help your baby feed

Here are a few tips to help you if you are facing this situation:

Stay calm and patient: it is essential to approach feeds with serenity and patience, even if that can be difficult. A relaxed and safe environment will make it easier for your child to accept feeding.

Ensure a good latch at the breast or bottle: don’t hesitate to ask a healthcare professional for advice to check that the technique used during feeds is right for your baby.

Space feeds sufficiently: try to wait until your baby is truly hungry before offering a feed. This can help them accept the breast or bottle more readily.

Create a conducive environment for feeding: reduce distractions (noise, light, etc.) at mealtimes and create a warm, soothing atmosphere that will encourage your child to relax and accept the breast or bottle.

Offer the breast or bottle in different ways: experiment with different positions, teat flow rates, and techniques for presenting the breast or bottle to find what works best for your baby.

Do not force your child: if your baby categorically refuses to feed, there is no point in insisting. Take a break and try again a little later, when your child has calmed down and settled.

Consult a healthcare professional if necessary: if the problem persists, do not hesitate to consult a doctor, paediatrician, midwife, lactation consultant, or other child health specialist for advice tailored to your situation.

In the majority of cases, a clearly hungry baby’s refusal to feed is a temporary phenomenon that can be resolved with patience and perseverance. Support from a healthcare professional can help you identify the cause of the problem and put solutions in place to encourage calm and effective feeds.