*A baby could become impatient at feed times for various reasons; for example, he has become ravenous, he's overtired, he has learned to expect the fast flow of milk which a bottle provides, or due to his temperament type (some babies are by their nature less patient than others).
If you're bottle feeding, your baby may be crying during a feed because the flow of the nipple you're using is too fast or too slow and they're not getting enough milk. Double check that the teat you're using is correct for your baby's age and sucking ability.
Some babies with allergies or food sensitivities exhibit fussy nursing behavior. Often when there is a sensitivity to something in mom's diet, baby will come to the breast hungry but when she tastes/smells something in the milk that will cause her GI distress, she pulls off, bats her head back and forth, etc.
One of the most common reasons for a baby kicking while breastfeeding is because of an oversupply of milk. This is when your breasts expel more milk, especially in the beginning, than your baby can take in. He kicks and cries because he's trying to slow the flow and take a breath.
There is a chance that your baby is squirmy and wriggly because your letdown is slower than they would like — they want their food, and they want it now! If your baby is crying, refusing the breast, or wiggling (or worst of all, biting the nipple), your letdown might be a bit slow for them.
If your baby's kicking legs and flailing arms are accompanied by crying, or they seem agitated, it could be that they are gassy. Try winding them after a feed. If this is not a one-off occurrence, your baby could have symptoms of colic. Speak to your doctor or health visitor for advice.
Some babies get acid reflux. This can cause gurgling and grunting sounds during digestion. The muscles of your baby's digestive system are still developing, so the muscle between the stomach and esophagus doesn't always remain closed properly.
Some babies have symptoms from gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and the fussiness can be confused with colic. Contact your child's doctor if your baby is fussy after feeding, has excessive spitting or vomiting, and is losing or not gaining weight. Sick (has a fever or other illness). Check your baby's temperature.
Blood or mucus in your baby's stool. The baby often pulls her legs up toward her belly because of pain. Difficulty with weight gain or noticeable weight loss. Constant crying and signs of discomfort.
Babies and children can get overstimulated when they're around too much noise or activity. Overstimulated babies and children might cry or get cranky. Toddlers might have tantrums. Help children deal with overstimulation by reducing noise and activity or setting up a quiet activity.
Check how your baby is sucking
Check how he's sucking. If he latches on well and takes long, drawn out pulls, then he's likely hungry and actually eating. But if his sucking motion is shorter and shallower, then he's probably sucking for comfort. You can also check whether he's swallowing the milk.
Check if your baby has reflux
bringing up milk or being sick during or shortly after feeding. coughing or hiccupping when feeding. being unsettled during feeding. swallowing or gulping after burping or feeding.
Babies who spit up and display symptoms of irritability are easily diagnosed with reflux, but others may not spit up at all. This is called silent reflux. Babies with silent reflux may exhibit other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as fussiness or poor feeding habits.
And flutter sucking is a natural part of the sequence of feeding and falling asleep contentedly at the breast. It is only if your baby is not gaining much or any weight, that it is important to be aware that when sucking slows right down to “flutter sucks” a baby is not swallowing much milk.
The nipple needs to be the right size and speed for your baby's size, age and sucking ability. If the nipple is too long, too short, too fast or too slow for your baby, she may experience feeding difficulties and express her frustration by fuss or crying.
You also may notice your baby stretching and kicking the legs. This movement strengthens leg muscles, preparing your baby to roll over, which usually happens by 6 months of age.
In reality, babies can get overstimulated easily if there is too much sensory input. Sights, sounds, smells, even activity can be too much for their little brains to handle.