Ask Judy: HELP! My Baby Is Too Distracted To Nurse

Dear Judy, I need a little advice, please. My son is almost 9 months old & has become very interested in what is going on in the room and won’t nurse. Any ideas for me? I don’t want to make it too quiet in the room because then he will never nurse anywhere with anything going on..right?

This is actually a very typical phase that babies go through at this age (generally around 8-10 months). They are suddenly much more aware of the world around them and they don’t want to miss out on anything. So even though they want to nurse, they are just too busy! What is a red ball goes by – they might miss it! So they can be very distracted. The first thing to keep in mind is that this is a phase and it will pass.

mother breastfeeding her babyWhile he is going through this stage, it is best to try to nurse when there are fewer distractions. Take him into a quiet room and turn down the lights or even lie down. That way there won’t be anything to distract him. Don’t worry – it is unlikely that he will become “spoiled” by this. This phase will pass in a few weeks or a month and he will go back to nursing anytime. In the meantime, you may need to find quiet places. It is very rare for a baby to self-wean prior to age one – So don’t worry about that – he definitely isn’t done – just keep offering and try to find quieter places for now and before you know it – this phase will pass.

Did your baby go through a “distracted phase?” Do you have any tips or tricks for getting him to nurse during this time? Please share them by leaving a comment.

7 comments to Ask Judy: HELP! My Baby Is Too Distracted To Nurse

  • Judy’s hit the nail on the head, as always… very normal!

    I went through a phase with each of my three where it was easier to nurse them in a quieter place.

    But sometimes that’s just not possible. And with all three I found an increase in night nursings during this time – they make up for what they missed during the day!
    .-= Tiffany (Life on the Road)´s last blog ..Is Witchcraft Alarming? =-.

  • Sometimes I would just be like, “M’kay, then don’t eat.” After a few minutes, they pay attention well!
    No, it’s not about deprivation. But if you’re “fighting” over it, taking a break will help you with your frustration and make sure he’s fully hungry before you give it another go.
    .-= Cate´s last blog ..Virginia Goes for Clean Energy! =-.

  • Treacy

    I have found going feeding my son as soon as he wakes in the morning or from his naps a great way to feed him before he gets distracted. I literaly lift him out of the coy & put him on my boob. Really works.

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  • Snapdragon is a very distractable 3 month old. Right now I am experimenting with using a mommy necklace to get him interested in a controlled distraction. It has helped a lot, which is good, because we’ve been out and about a LOT, and I don’t know what I’d do if he was being uber distracted in all te highly complicated situations that the passing of a family member engenders.
    Anyhow, so yeah, giving him a distraction that allows him to nurse for the win!

  • Thanks for the advice Slee – it is great that the necklace is working as a distraction remover for you! So sorry to hear about your family member. — Judy

  • Kay

    I would find something colorful shiny and made noise and strap it to my bra strap. that way they can play while they eat :)

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