Why Does My Baby Cry or Fuss While Breastfeeding?

Here are some reasons your baby might be fussing at the breast.

Published on Aug 24, 2025

You want to give your baby the best start with breastfeeding, but it’s not always easy. Sometimes your little one fusses or cries during feeds, and it can feel heartbreaking, even when you’re doing everything right. The good news is this is common, and most of the time there are reasons you can actually address.

In this article, we dive into why babies cry during breastfeeding and share tips to help make feeding sessions calmer.

Also read: 12 Questions That Will Walk You Through Every Possible Reason Your Baby is Crying

Understanding Your Baby’s Crying During Breastfeeding

Before you start jumping to conclusions about why your baby is crying at the breast, remember this: crying is your little one’s main way of communicating. It’s not just about hunger. Babies can fuss because they’re uncomfortable, sleepy, overstimulated, gassy, or just need a short break. Often, a small adjustment is all it takes to fix the issue.

Consider the possibilities below and pay attention to the little signals your baby is giving:

Hunger or timing

The most obvious reason your baby fusses during breastfeeding is hunger, but this does not always happen in a predictable way. Babies experience growth spurts, and during these phases, their demand for milk increases. If you wait until your baby starts crying before offering the breast, your baby might already be too upset or overtired, making it harder to latch properly. Try to offer the breast at the first signs of hunger such as rooting, sucking on hands, or smacking lips. This can help keep your baby calm and ready to nurse.

Shallow latch or improper positioning

A shallow latch is a very common cause of crying or fussing during breastfeeding. If your baby is not properly latched onto the breast, milk flow becomes difficult, and your nipple could become sore. Your baby might pull away, cry, or repeatedly relatch. Make sure your baby’s lips are flanged outward and most of the areola is inside the mouth. You can try different positions such as the football hold or side-lying to find what feels most comfortable for both of you.

Too much milk (fast let-down)

Some mothers have a strong let-down reflex, which causes milk to flow too quickly. If this happens, your baby might choke, cough, or cry because the milk comes out faster than your baby can swallow. You can try expressing a small amount of milk before latching the baby. Another trick is to lean back or lie down slightly during feeding so that gravity slows down the flow. Burp the baby in between feeding sides to relieve pressure and settle them.

Too little milk supply or slow flow

On the other end, if your baby cries after a few minutes of feeding, it could mean the flow has slowed down and your baby becomes frustrated. This can appear when your milk supply is still establishing. To encourage let-down, stay relaxed and make sure you feel comfortable. You can gently massage your breast or switch sides more frequently to stimulate a stronger flow. Keep offering the breast often, as frequent nursing naturally increases supply.

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Gas and digestion discomfort

Some babies swallow air during feeding, which leads to gas pain and fussiness. This is especially common if the latch is shallow or your baby moves around while feeding. If your baby pulls away and starts crying, try to burp the baby before re-latching. Hold the baby upright against your chest, gently rub or pat the back, then offer the breast again. You can also keep your baby more upright during feeds to prevent extra air intake.

Overstimulation or tiredness

Babies become overwhelmed easily. Bright lights, loud noises, and too much activity around them can overstimulate their senses. When this happens, they might start to cry or push away the breast even if they are hungry. Try feeding your baby in a calm and quiet environment. If your baby seems sleepy, swaddle them or dim the lights to relax them. A short break or a change of scenery often resolves the crying.

Nipple confusion from bottles or pacifiers

If your baby uses bottles or pacifiers, your baby might become confused with the different sucking techniques required. Bottle nipples usually have a faster flow, so when the baby returns to the breast, they might become impatient or frustrated and begin to cry. If you notice this happening, try limiting the use of bottles and pacifiers for a few days and focus on skin-to-skin breastfeeding sessions. This helps your baby adapt to the natural flow and rhythm of your breast.

Illness or teething

If your baby suddenly starts fussing during feeds and shows signs of irritability throughout the day, illness or teething could be the reason. Ear infections and sore throats can make swallowing uncomfortable. Check for other signs such as fever, pulling on ears, or drooling. During teething, gently rub the baby’s gums with a clean finger before latching. If you suspect illness, consult your pediatrician for accurate guidance.

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How to Ease Your Baby’s Breastfeeding Cries

First things first, stay calm. Babies pick up on your stress, which can make them even fussier. Look for patterns when the crying starts. Does it happen after a few minutes of feeding? Does your baby pull off and arch their back? Does it occur only in certain positions or at specific times of day? Observing and experimenting will help you find the best solution.

Here are some practical tips:

Nurse in a calm, quiet room

Offer the breast before your baby is fully crying

Check latch and reposition as needed

Express a little milk before feeding if you notice fast let-down

Switch breasts when the flow slows down

Burp your baby frequently

Limit bottles and pacifiers when possible

Try skin-to-skin contact to calm and comfort your baby

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When to seek help

If your baby continues to cry at the breast despite trying different strategies, it’s okay to seek help. Lactation consultants can provide personalized support and observe a feeding to identify the exact issue. Contact your pediatrician if your baby is not gaining weight, has fewer wet diapers than usual, or seems unusually irritable.

Fussing or crying during breastfeeding is more common than you think. Sometimes a small tweak in feeding is all you need. Every baby is unique, so a little trial and error is normal, and soon you’ll find your special rhythm together. You’ve got this, Momma!

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Hanna is a News Desk Writer at Smart Parenting, covering parenting, health, culture, and more. Off the clock, she’s likely people-watching at a café or park, matcha latte in hand.