Expert: ruth kraft - 8/10/2009

Question
Hello,

I have a 2 month old baby boy.  Feeding has been difficult, usually accompanied by colic like symptoms such as crying and fussing, after he eats about 1-2 ounces of milk.  He's usually fine for the first ounce or so, then resorts to crying and fussing as though he is gassy.  I can sometimes get a burp out of him and then he is fine, but other times he continues to cry for no reason.  I have tried using soothing techniques such as a vaccum cleaner which helps some of the time.  I also use gas-x to help relieve gas pain, which also works some of the time.  A friend suggested using a faster flow nipple so that he can get more milk, as he may be frustrated that it is not coming fast enough for him.  The Level 2 nipples of the bottles I use (Born Free) say 3-6 months for the level 2.  Is it OK to switch a few weeks early?  He's now almost 10 weeks old and will be 3 months on September 4th.  Any other suggestions to help making feeding easier?  Other considerations....he never screams at night for his feedings.  He drinks his bottle and goes back to sleep easily.  Thanks for your help!

Answer
I am not sure if this is a breastfeeding question per se... as you don't say that the baby ever latches to your nipple, If you are formula feeding, then my guess is that the formula is what is making the baby gassy not the bottle.  If you are breastfeeding, then please let me know how the baby latches on to you  when he latches . Babies who breastfeed are not nearly as those who are formula fed. So depending on how baby latches and if its only with bottles that the baby fusses etc would tell me more.