By Kentucky Breastfeeding Center
Every parent has heard it at some point:
“Babies are just fussy.”
“She’ll grow out of it.”
“He’s probably just gassy.”
“That’s normal — babies cry.”
And while some fussiness is normal, so many parents are left with a nagging feeling that something more is going on. The tricky part? Babies can’t point to what hurts, what feels uncomfortable, or what’s hard for their bodies just yet — so they communicate the only way they can.
Crying. Wiggling. Pulling off the breast. Arching. Clicking. Fussing.
And it’s not random.
It’s communication.
Your baby isn’t “just being fussy.”
Your baby is trying to tell you something.
This blog will help you understand what those signals often mean — and when it’s time to look underneath the fussiness to support feeding, comfort, and development more effectively.
- Fussiness during feeds can signal body tension.
Babies are born with tightness from life in the womb — and for some babies, that tension sticks around. When muscles in the neck, jaw, shoulders, or torso are tight, feeding becomes real work.
Signs tension may be the cause:
- Clicking or losing suction
- Pulling on/off
- Difficulty staying latched
- Arching during or after feeds
- Shallow latch despite good positioning
Tension creates a domino effect: when muscles can’t relax, feeding mechanics fall apart. Babies get tired. They get frustrated. And yes — they get fussy.
Why it matters:
Body-based support such as occupational therapy or craniosacral therapy helps many babies feed more efficiently, stay calmer, and settle more easily.
- Fussing at the breast or bottle can be a suction or coordination issue.
Feeding isn’t instinct alone — it’s a skill. And some babies need time and support to strengthen those suck-swallow-breathe patterns.
You might notice:
- Baby pops off repeatedly
- Baby sputters or coughs during feeds
- Bottle feeds feel “chaotic”
- Baby seems hungry but frustrated
These aren’t personality traits.
They are feeding patterns that can be improved.
Why it matters:
Small challenges in feeding mechanics can create big frustration for babies, especially during growth spurts or cluster feeding periods. An IBCLC can help uncover the root cause and guide solutions tailored to your baby.
- Fussiness before or after feeds can be a sign of fatigue.
Feeding is a full-body job. Babies who are overtired, overstimulated, or working extra hard to feed often show fussiness before they fully settle.
Fatigue might look like:
- Hands in tight fists
- Difficulty calming to feed
- Falling asleep immediately after latching
- Short, ineffective feeds
Why it matters:
When a baby is tired, they can’t coordinate suck-swallow rhythm well. Helping them reset their nervous system — dimming lights, slowing the pace, offering a few deep breaths together — can make feeds smoother.
- Fussiness after feeding is often a sign of digestive or tension-related discomfort.
Not all discomfort is reflux or gas.
Sometimes it’s digestion.
Sometimes it’s tension.
Sometimes it’s simply that baby’s body is still learning how to regulate.
Signs it may be discomfort:
- Arching
- Back stiffening
- Legs kicking
- Grimacing
- Fussing especially during transitions
Why it matters:
Digestive discomfort is often made worse by body tension, fast flow, shallow latching, or air intake during feeds — all things that can be addressed with feeding support.
- Fussiness can be baby’s way of saying, “Something about this is hard for me.”
And that is not your fault.
Babies don’t fuss because parents are doing something wrong. They fuss because their bodies are communicating unmet needs, and because feeding is a whole-body experience that requires coordination, comfort, and support.
Your gut instinct matters.
Your observations matter.
And your baby’s signals matter.
When something feels off, it’s always worth exploring.
You don’t have to decode the fussiness alone.
At Kentucky Breastfeeding Center, we see fussy babies every single day — and there is almost always a clear reason behind the behaviors. With the right support, feeding becomes calmer, more efficient, and more enjoyable for everyone.
We offer:
- Lactation consultations
- Occupational therapy for tension and sensory regulation
- Craniosacral therapy
- Virtual support
- In-home visits
If your baby is fussy and feeding feels harder than you expected, we can help you uncover the why — and create a plan that supports comfort, calm, and confidence.
Book a visit:
www.kentuckybreastfeedingcenter.com
Warmly,
The KBC Team