#asktheexpert my baby is 3months and 16 days he started observing colours objects moving things ....he sucks cloths my shoulder but does not want to feed more than 5 minutes.

Question

Accepted Answer

At 3 months and 16 days, your baby is reaching some exciting developmental milestones! It's great to hear that he's becoming more curious about his surroundings, observing colors, objects, and moving things. This is a key period in his visual and cognitive development.

Regarding your baby's feeding behavior, it's normal for babies at this age to begin to decrease the frequency and duration of feedings. Around 3 to 4 months, babies become more distracted, as they are becoming more aware of their environment. They might still suckle, but they often take shorter feeds, especially when there's a lot of interesting stuff happening around them.

Here are a few things you can do:

1. Minimize Distractions: When breastfeeding, try to feed in a calm, quiet environment to help him focus on feeding. If he’s distracted by things around him, he may not feed as efficiently.

2. Comfort Suckling: Babies at this age also use suckling for comfort, like when he's sucking on your shoulder. It's common for babies to suck for comfort even if they're not hungry, but they may not be taking in enough milk. Make sure he’s actively sucking for milk during those moments. You can gently encourage him to latch better if needed.

3. Monitor Wet Diapers and Growth: Keep track of his wet diapers and general growth. If he’s still having 5-6 wet diapers a day and is gaining weight steadily, this is a good sign that he's getting enough milk, even if the feedings are shorter.

4. Express and Offer Milk Later: If you’re concerned about the length of feedings or if your baby is not drinking enough, you can express milk and offer it in a bottle, especially when he’s less distracted or when you notice he’s hungry again.

5. Consult Your Pediatrician: If you're worried about his feeding habits or if there's a significant change in his weight or feeding patterns, don't hesitate to speak with his pediatrician for advice tailored to his specific needs.

In summary, short feedings and increased curiosity are normal for his age. Just continue to monitor his hydration, weight gain, and developmental progress. If you have concerns, your pediatrician can offer further guidance.