Why Your Baby Slides Shallow After Latching—and How to Help
There’s nothing more frustrating than finally getting a deep latch, only to have your baby slide shallow moments later. You’re not alone in this experience, and the good news is that this issue isn’t about something you’re doing wrong—it’s about figuring out why it’s happening so you can address the root cause. Let’s dive into what shallow latching means and how to help your baby feed comfortably.
What Is Shallow Latching, and Why Does It Happen?
A baby’s latch isn’t just about what happens to start a feed—it’s also a window into how well the muscles inside their mouth are working together during the process. When everything is functioning as it should, your baby uses all the muscles in their mouth in a balanced way, including the back of their tongue. This balance helps them maintain a deep latch, making feeding more efficient and comfortable.
When all of the muscles are working like they should, and you have set your baby up to get the deepest latch that you can through optimal positioning, your baby will naturally stay latched deeply because it’s the easiest and most efficient way for them to feed. Their body instinctively chooses what feels best when everything is working together as it should.
When babies slide shallow, it’s often because some of these muscles—usually the ones in the back of the tongue—aren’t working optimally. To compensate, your baby might rely more on their lips, jaw, or the front of their tongue. This adjustment can happen for several reasons:
Reasons your baby may slide shallow:
✔ A Fast Letdown: If your milk flows 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 struggle to coordinate sucking and swallowing, causing them to slide shallow.
✔ Oral Function Challenges: Limited movement in the back of the tongue or other oral muscles can make it difficult for your baby to maintain a deep latch consistently.
✔ Positioning Challenges:: If your baby isn’t well-aligned or their position feels uncomfortable during feeding, they might adjust their latch to compensate and make their body more comfortable.
Sliding shallow isn’t the problem—it’s a symptom of something deeper. By understanding why it’s happening, you can take steps to help your baby feed more comfortably and effectively.
How to Fix a Shallow Latch
Addressing a shallow latch isn’t something you can always fix instantly by changing positions or latch techniques—unless the issue is specifically related to positioning. In those cases, adjusting alignment or making small changes can immediately improve the latch. Otherwise, it’s about understanding why it’s happening and supporting your baby through the underlying cause. Here’s how to address the three most common scenarios:
1. Sliding Shallow During Letdown
If your baby slides shallow only during letdown but can maintain a deep latch later, they might be trying to manage a fast milk flow. Here are a few things you can try to help:
💡 Adjust Your Position: Lean back slightly once your baby is latched. This allows gravity to help slow the flow, making it easier for your baby to stay latched deeply.
💡 Express or Pump Before Feeding: Hand express or pump a small amount of milk before latching to reduce the initial rush. Be careful not to express too much, as it can sometimes make your letdown faster.
💡 Feed More Frequently: The more often you feed, the less forceful your letdown is likely to be. This can help your baby stay comfortably latched.
Most often, it's not the lettown that's the problem, is a baby's ability to move their tongue to keep up with the flow. This can be a red flag for oral function challenges.
2. Inconsistent Latching
If your baby sometimes latches deeply and other times slides shallow, this might reflect temporary discomfort, such as gas, or challenges with positioning during feeding. It’s often more about how your baby is feeling in the moment than an issue with the latch itself. These inconsistencies are typically situational and can be addressed with small adjustments. Here are some things to try:
💡 Look for Discomfort Cues: Watch for signs like arching their back, squirming, or fussiness. These could indicate that your baby is uncomfortable. Adjust their position to ensure they are well-supported and relaxed while feeding.
💡Gently Relieve Gas: Use gentle movement to bounce your baby to help them pass any gas so that they are more comfortable and can feed better.
💡Take a Short Break: If your baby is having belly issues because of gas, then sometimes taking a break and then coming back to feeding once they have settled can make the latch better.
If your baby is uncomfortable, it’s not your fault or because you did something wrong. Feeding challenges often reflect how your baby is feeling in the moment and can be resolved with time and small adjustments.
3. Always Sliding Shallow
If your baby consistently slides shallow no matter what you try, it could be a sign of oral function challenges. These may include limited tongue mobility, difficulty coordinating oral muscles, or other structural or functional issues. While this can feel discouraging, addressing it early can make a big difference in your baby’s feeding comfort and success. Here are some things to try:
💡 Seek Professional Support: Reach out to a feeding professional or an oral function specialist for a thorough assessment of your baby’s oral reflexes and muscle function. They can help identify the root cause and provide personalized strategies for improvement.
💡 Focus on Alignment: Check your baby’s positioning during feeds. Make sure their head, neck, and body are well-supported and aligned. Proper alignment can make it easier for your baby to latch deeply and feed more effectively.
It’s not uncommon for babies with oral function challenges to grow and gain weight well while still compensating for latching difficulties. Early evaluation can help you address the root cause and prevent potential long-term feeding struggles.
To Recap the Root Cause of Your Shallow Latch
Sliding shallow isn’t the problem itself—it’s a symptom of something deeper. It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong; it just means your baby might need a little extra help.
Understanding the underlying cause, whether it’s managing a fast letdown, temporary discomfort, or oral function challenges, allows you to make feeding feel better for both you and your baby. Small adjustments or professional support can go a long way in addressing the issue and improving your feeding experience.
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 single time.
How to Find a Lactation Consultant: Learn how to find a lactation consultant that's right for you.
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