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My 3.5 months old baby is crying a lot
My lo is 3.5 months old. From past 3days he is crying a lot when I offer him feed while he is feeling sleepy. Before 3days he was coming for feed when he was feeling sleepy. Now a days when he feels sleepy then I try to feed and as soon I hold him for feeding he cries more and doesn’t latch. His cries don’t stop when he is with me. Then my husband or mother in law tries to hold him to rock him a bit and when he becomes sleepy then I try to feed. Then he eats , he does not eat while awake and active. I don’t understand what to do in this situation. Feeling very helpless
Answers (6)
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This is common as at 3 months babies usually started to explore environment .Usually primo mothers will face. .which milk?
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Hello, I understand your concern
It’s very common for babies around 3–4 months to suddenly become fussy during feeds. This phase is usually temporary and related to developmental changes, not because something is wrong with the baby or the mother.
At this age, babies:
Become more alert and curious, easily distracted.
Don’t want to feed when they’re excited or sleepy.
May refuse the breast when overstimulated.
Sometimes develop a short phase called a “nursing strike. This can look like crying, arching, refusing to latch—especially when sleepy.
Next Steps
Feed when calm, not overly sleepy. If the baby is too sleepy or overtired, they may cry instead of latching.
Try offering feeds when just waking from a nap or before they become overtired
Reduce distractions
Feed in a Quiet dim room, With fewer people around
You can loosely cover with a cloth/shawl to block visual stimuli
Try different positions
Some babies feed better when: Held upright, In cradle or football hold, Rocked gently while latching
Let others help soothe first
If baby is associating mother with feeding + frustration, let: Father/Grandparent hold and calm the baby first. Once calm, hand over for feeding.
Offer short, frequent feeds
Don’t force a long feed. Even short 5–7 minute feeds, done more often, help maintain intake.
Health Tips
Red flags:
Baby is feeding very little for >12–18 hours
Fewer wet diapers
Persistent vomiting
Fever, lethargy
Weight gain concerns
If the fussiness continues despite trying the above, an in-person consultation helps to check latch, oral cavity, and weight.
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At this age , this problem can come
1) in person , child should be evaluated by doctor
2) as baby is developmentally growing , he is distracting by surroundings, u need to feed him in dim light , calm room or probably covering with cloth while feeding
3) if these methods doesn’t help , see me or any other doc in person or video call
Next Steps
Need nt to worry ,
Health Tips
He should not be distracted while feeding
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Please show to a pediatrician in person or get a personal consult on practo to understand the issue
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I need to ask few more questions before answering your query.
Early consultations can prevent complications.
Kindly contact me on whatsapp chat (84960595sixfive)
Dr Faisal Zoheb
MBBS , MD PAEDIATRICS , PGPN (BOSTON), Neonatology fellow ( Newborn specialist )
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Dr. Venkatesh Badugu
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Then that is due to Stomach pain and gas issues Just give Colicaid drops 0.5ml whenever he is crying like that
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.