Breastfeeding the distracted baby

At two months your baby will be able to see things clearly across the room, and at three months they’ll start to stay awake longer, and take more interest in the world around them. At this time, they also begin to realize they are individuals...separate from mom.

Typically around four months or so, babies enter a developmental stage where they become interested in learning about anything and everything around them.

They wiggle, squirm, reach, and turn their heads at every noise and movement. All of these things can contribute to a distracted baby at feeding time. When distraction occurs around eight to 10 months, it can lead moms to think they are ready to be weaned, however this is temporary disinterest. It’s rare for a baby younger than 12 months to self-wean.

Babble contributor Rebekahku Schmider shares some games babies like to play while breastfeeding. You may recognize some of these habits. While babies may enjoy this, for moms it can grow old…fast. Occasionally the habit grows into a real problem; the baby struggles with latching on, and can even refuse to nurse.

• The comedian likes to play peek-a-boo instead of nurse.
• The singer hums against your nipples, and sometimes it tickles.
• The dancer braces their feet against the arm of the sofa and begins to bounce.
• The dentist’s little fingers slip right into your mouth, nose, or eye. Ouch!
• The escape artist is newly mobile and can squirm away while nursing.
• The pincher has curious little fingers and may practice grasping things while they eat, such as the underside of your breast or back of your upper arm.
• The tickler fidgets along your ribcage and may make you twist and jerk while nursing.
• The exhibitionist doesn't like nursing covers so they may flap around and expose as much of your breast as possible while nursing in public.
• The observer would rather watch what is happening around them instead of nurse.
• The pickpocket likes to grab onto jewelry while they feed.

Tips to grab your baby’s attention

So, what can moms do to get their baby’s attention? Here are some tips on how to get your distracted baby to focus. Babble contributor Lauren Jimeson also offers a few tips.

Nurse as soon as your little one wakes up whether it’s in the morning or from naps. They are more likely to be calm.

Find a quiet area where your baby is less likely to find something (or someone) to distract them.

Maintain eye contact so your baby doesn't try to find something in the room to keep their attention. They will be focused on you instead.

Sing or speak to your baby. This could help get and keep their attention on you.

Try different positions so your baby doesn't get bored. It’s something new and your baby is less likely to get distracted. One position in particular, the football clutch, can be helpful because you have more control of their head.

Nursing a distracted baby can be overwhelming and frustrating, but you can find ways to create an environment where both you can both relax. The period of distraction is merely a phase in your child’s development. You are doing a good job. And your baby is just doing what is normal.

• It can be painful for mom if baby is firmly latched on, and then suddenly turns his or her head when dad walks in the room. Some moms found using a sling helped when breastfeeding their little ones because it creates a visual barrier. The security of a sling can help relax your baby plus it helps contain those flailing arms and legs.
• If your baby has a habit of pulling away without letting go, keep a finger ready to break the suction when they begin to pull away.
• Nurse on the move. Walk around with your baby so they can get a glimpse of the show.
• End the breastfeeding session and try again later.