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Breastfeeding

My 5-week-old is very fussy in the evening and refuses the breast even though she’s hungry — but takes a bottle. Is this normal and what can I do?

Moms suggested evening fussiness and breast refusal can happen during growth spurts or colic-like phases; calming first and reducing stimulation may help before retrying the breast.

💡Quick Answer

  • •Evening fussiness is common (often called ‘witching hour’)
  • •Calm baby first: swaddle/hold/dim lights/less stimulation
  • •Try feeding in a quiet room with fewer distractions
  • •Short, frequent feeds can help during growth spurts
  • •If bottle is easier, you can use it temporarily without guilt

⚠️ Caution:If baby is refusing feeds consistently, has fever, seems very unwell, or weight gain is affected, consult your pediatrician/lactation support.

🤔What Parents Worry About

Moms worry bottle preference will start or baby will ‘reject breastfeeding.’ Many moms share evening fussiness can be developmental and temporary—calming first often makes latching easier.

Community Answers from Moms(7)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

  1. 1

    One mom suggested it could be a growth spurt causing unusual fussiness and feeding behavior.

  2. 2

    Another mom recommended calming the baby first (swaddle, hold close, reduce stimulation) and then trying to feed again.

  3. 3

    They suggested using soft music or singing, and gentle tummy massage (like an ‘I love you’/ILU-style tummy massage) if baby seems colicky.

  4. 4

    One mom advised speaking to the pediatrician if colic is suspected and medication is being considered.

  5. 5

    Evening or feeding refusal with arching can be from gas, reflux or overstimulation - try burping, a calmer environment, and offering when the baby is calm. Consult a doctor if it persists.

  6. 6

    Check whether she feeds well otherwise, since sometimes they just gag. Keep her upright for at least 20 minutes after every feed.

  7. 7

    If you're bottle feeding, try one size bigger nipple - babies sometimes get frustrated with a slow flow rate.

About These Answers

The information shared on this page comes from real experiences of mothers in our community. While we strive to provide helpful insights, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician, healthcare provider, or other qualified medical professional for any questions regarding your child's health or development.

Last reviewed: January 12, 2026

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My 5-week-old is very fussy in the evening and refuses the breast even though she’s hungry — but takes a bottle. Is this normal and what can I do? | Real Mom Answers | Mom Insider