Nursing will almost always be a top priority in his little world, but new sounds and sights will also draw his attention. The once quiet and focused baby will slowly transform into a little sponge soaking up the world around him. This is obviously healthy behavior, and it should be encouraged.
Nursing whenever baby is hungry or needs comfort often leads to nursing in many different places. Even if baby wants to nurse, he may still want to inspect his surroundings. This often leads to a baby who latches on and nurses for a few minutes, then pulls off to watch other people or listen to new sounds.
This can be frustrating if it is happening during most of the daily nursing sessions. So how can you limit distraction during nursing sessions? Here are a few ways that may help.
- When possible, find a quiet room and dim the lights. This is handy if it is close to a time when baby may want to sleep but is too distracted.
- Place a blanket over your shoulder and drape it over baby's head. This may work particularly well if you use this practice often in public and your baby is used to it.
- Talk or sing to your baby to keep his focus on your face. Most babies like to hear their mother's voice, particularly when they are being comforted by nursing and just want to be close to mom.
- Hold a toy or another interesting object in a position that is easy for him to see while nursing. If holding an object is uncomfortable, set up an area in the room where a mobile or wall hanging is in plain sight when baby is positioned at the breast.
- If your baby enjoys being bundled, swaddle him in a blanket before nursing. This also brings added comfort and a feeling of security. It is said that swaddling reminds baby of being in the womb.
- Sit in a position that allows baby to continue to watch the people in his surroundings. If baby will continue to nurse if he can see the events going on around him, there is no need to take him to another room.
Go To Page: 1 2
