My baby often falls asleep while feeding. Is that normal? Do I need to unswaddle to feed and how long should I keep the baby upright afterwards?

Many young babies doze off at the breast or bottle. Moms usually unswaddle for feeds, then hold baby upright briefly—longer if there’s reflux.

Community Answers from Moms(9)

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

1. 1

   Moms say it’s common for babies to feed and sleep at the same time, especially in the early months.

2. 2

   They prefer to unswaddle during feeds so it’s easier to change diapers and to keep baby a bit more alert while eating.

3. 3

   If your baby has a lot of reflux, some moms keep them upright for 15–20 minutes; if not, usually a burp and about 5 minutes upright is enough.

4. 4

   Paediatric advice in many countries is similar—try to get a burp and keep baby upright briefly, especially after night feeds, to reduce spit-up and gas.

5. 5

   Carry her on your shoulder for 10-15 minutes after feeding. Spitting up is often from gas, which formula-fed babies have more of. For reflux, holding upright for 15 minutes (even at night) helps - if the baby is too sleepy to burp, just put them down after the 15 minutes of upright time.

6. 6

   When bottle feeding, use slow feeding, keep the baby a little upright and give breaks. Try sitting on a bouncing ball while holding the baby upright, or have someone else hold her upright.

7. 7

   If he sleeps while feeding, rub his ear or leg to wake him and continue. Time feeds for a minimum of 15-20 minutes. Feeding on demand means you don't have to worry whether he's getting enough - if he needs more he'll ask.

8. 8

   This can be a growth spurt that lasts a few days, where you're almost continuously feeding - just go with the flow.

9. 9

   Talking to your baby and appreciating the burp when it comes, or walking with the baby on your shoulder, can help them stay calm while waiting to burp.