How to Help When your Baby Slides Shallow
It can be so frustrating when you finally get a deep latch, only for your baby to immediately pull back to a shallow latch. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news is, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong. Sliding into a shallow latch isn’t the problem itself—it’s a symptom of something else going on. A shallow latch won’t correct itself on its own, but once you understand why it’s happening, you can figure out how to make it better. Let’s dive into what shallow latching is and how to make feeding easier for both you and your baby.
What Is Shallow Latching and Why Does It Happen?
A baby’s latch is more than just how they start feeding. It shows how well their mouth muscles are working together. When everything is working as it should, your baby uses all their mouth muscles, including the back of their tongue, to latch deeply. This helps them feed more easily and comfortably.
When your baby’s muscles work properly and they’re in the right position, they’ll naturally stay latched deeply. It’s the easiest way for them to get milk.
If your baby slides shallow, it often means the muscles in the back of their mouth (like their tongue) aren’t working as well as they should. To make up for this, they might rely more on their lips, jaw, or the front of their tongue. There are a few common reasons why this might happen:
Why Your Baby Might Slide Shallow:
✔ Fast Letdown: If your milk comes out quickly, your baby might slide shallow to manage the flow and make feeding easier.
✔ Discomfort or Gas: If your baby is gassy or uncomfortable, they may have trouble coordinating sucking and swallowing, causing them to slide shallow.
✔ Oral Function Challenges: If your baby has trouble moving their tongue or other muscles, it can be harder for them to keep a deep latch.
✔ Positioning Issues: If your baby isn’t in the best position during feeding, they may adjust their latch to make themselves more comfortable.
Sliding shallow isn’t the problem itself—it’s the result of something else going on. Understanding the cause can help you fix the issue and make feeding more comfortable for both you and your baby.
How to Fix a Shallow Latch
Fixing a shallow latch isn’t always something you can solve right away, especially if it’s not a positioning issue. If it’s a positioning problem, small changes might improve the latch instantly. But if the issue is related to things like a fast letdown or oral function challenges, it will take more time and patience to help your baby latch better. Here’s how you can tackle the most common causes:
1. Sliding Shallow During Letdown
If your baby only slides shallow when your milk lets down but can latch deeply later, it’s likely they’re trying to manage the fast milk flow. Try these tips to help:
💡 Adjust Your Position: Lean back slightly after your baby latches. This will use gravity to slow the milk flow, helping your baby stay latched deeply.
💡 Express or Pump Before Feeding: Try expressing a little milk before latching to reduce the rush of milk. Be careful not to express too much, as it can sometimes make your letdown faster over time....you just want to catch any milk that comes shooting out.
💡 Feed More Often: Feeding more frequently can help reduce the force of your letdown. This can make it easier for your baby to stay latched comfortably.
Most often, it's not the letdown that's the problem—it's your baby's ability to move their tongue to keep up with the flow. If this sounds like your baby, it could be a red flag for oral function challenges.
2. Inconsistent Latching
If your baby sometimes latches deeply but slides shallow at other times, it could be because of temporary discomfort, like gas or positioning problems. It’s usually more about how your baby is feeling than about the latch itself. These inconsistencies can often be fixed with small changes:
💡 Look for Discomfort Cues: If your baby is arching their back, squirming, or looking fussy, they may be uncomfortable. Try adjusting their position so they’re more relaxed while feeding.
💡 Gently Relieve Gas: Use gentle movement to bounce your baby to help them release any trapped gas, making them more comfortable during feeds.
💡 Take a Short Break: If your baby is having trouble because of belly discomfort, sometimes taking a short break and then coming back to feed can help them latch better.
If your baby is uncomfortable, it’s not your fault. Feeding challenges are often about how your baby is feeling, and small adjustments can make a big difference.
3. Always Sliding Shallow
If your baby always slides shallow, no matter what you try, it could mean they have oral function challenges. This could include problems with tongue movement, muscle coordination, or other issues in their mouth. While this can feel discouraging, getting help early can make a big difference. Here’s what you can do:
💡 Get Professional Help: Contact a feeding professional or an oral function specialist who can assess your baby’s reflexes and muscle function. They can identify the root cause and provide strategies to improve your baby’s latch.
💡 Check Your Baby’s Positioning: Make sure your baby’s head, neck, and body are well-supported and aligned while feeding. Good positioning can make it easier for your baby to latch deeply and feed effectively.
It’s not uncommon for babies with oral function challenges to grow and gain weight well while having latching difficulties. Early help can prevent future feeding issues and make a big difference in the long run.
Final Thoughts
I understand how frustrating it can be when your baby keeps sliding shallow after you’ve worked hard to get a deep latch. But don’t worry, this isn’t a sign that you’re doing anything wrong. It just means your baby might need some extra help, and with the right steps, you can make feeding easier and more comfortable.
Whether your baby is struggling with a fast letdown, temporary discomfort, or oral function issues, knowing the cause will help you find the right solution. Small changes, along with professional support when needed, can make a huge difference in improving your feeding experience.
Take your time. Every baby is different, and feeding is a learning process for both of you. With patience and the right support, you’ll find your rhythm, and feeding will start to feel easier for both you and your baby.
Need More Help? Check Out These Related Blogs
How to Get a Deep Latch: Learn how to position your baby to get their best latch every time.
How to Find a Lactation Consultant: Learn how to find the right lactation consultant for you and your baby.
Want to Learn More About What Your Baby’s Latch Is Telling You?
Take my online latch quiz to identify red flags and get a personalized guide to help improve your baby’s latch.
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