Feeding your baby should be a beautiful, bonding experience, right? Or at least, that’s what many of us are told. But for countless new parents, it can quickly become a frustrating cycle of discomfort and missed connections. You might start to doubt yourself and wonder if you somehow missed out on the "natural instinct" lottery.

The good news is that you haven't missed anything. Latching is just a skill to learn, and you might not have been taught about all the reflexes that help make latching feel like the natural experience you expected it to be.

If you’ve ever wondered why your baby isn’t latching deeply or why feeding feels harder than it should, there might be a key reflex missing in the mix: the Gaping Reflex. This reflex plays a key role in understanding how to get a deep, pain-free latch that makes feeding time enjoyable for everyone.

Why Reflexes Matter in Infant Feeding

We’re all born with reflexes—automatic, natural responses that help us handle everyday tasks from day one. Babies come with a special set of reflexes made just for feeding. Reflexes like rooting and sucking usually get all the attention, but they aren’t the whole story. For a latch that actually feels good, the Gaping Reflex is crucial. It helps babies open wide before latching, setting them up for a deep, comfortable latch every time.

Using these reflexes right, especially the gaping reflex, can be the difference between a painful, shallow latch and a smooth, comfortable feeding session.

About The Gaping Reflex 

So, what exactly is the Gaping Reflex? Think of it as a little built-in switch that tells your baby to open their mouth wide, making space for a deep latch. That’s the Gaping Reflex at work. It’s triggered by touching your baby’s chin with your breast, which sends a message to their brain to open their mouth wide, giving the best start for a comfortable latch.

Why it Matters 

💡 Deep Latch: A wide gape helps your baby latch deeply, so they get enough milk and you have less nipple pain.

💡  Efficient Feeding: With a good latch, feeding is quicker and more comfortable for both you and your baby.

Without this reflex, latching can feel like trying to eat a burger without opening your mouth enough—it’s just not comfortable or easy!

Getting a deep latch is the gold standard for feeding your baby, but what you may not know is that how wide your baby’s mouth opens before latching on sets the stage for how deep (and comfortable) your latch will be. Another important thing about the Gaping Reflex is that it helps activate other muscles your baby needs for swallowing, making the whole feeding process easier for them.

Getting Your Baby To Open Wide

The key to getting the gaping cue right is in how you position your baby, making sure their chin is placed correctly and making sure that your baby gets the cue to gape before they get the reflexive cue to suck. Here’s how to do it:

1. Positioning: Hold your baby close, making sure their chin touches your breast. Align their nose with your nipple to encourage a natural gape.

2. Trigger the Reflex: Position your baby so that their chin is gently pressed against the lower part of your breast. The contact with your breast tissue around the chin area naturally triggers the Gaping Reflex, prompting your baby to open their mouth wide.

3. Wait for the Gape: Once their mouth is open wide, guide them to latch onto your breast. Make sure you bring them to your body and not the other way around.

Final Thoughts for Comfortable Latching

Understanding and activating the Gaping Reflex can make a big difference in your feeding experience. By making sure your baby opens wide before latching, you create the foundation for a deeper, more comfortable latch that benefits both of you. Don’t let a simple reflex hold you back from being able to make feeding your baby feel better and getting the feeding experience you've been waiting for. 

GET THE GUIDE
If you’re ready to see the Gaping Reflex in action and learn step-by-step techniques for activating this powerful reflex, download my free Reflexive™ Latching Guide here.

Need More help? Check Out These Related Blogs

How to Know if Your Baby Has a Deep Latch: Dive deeper into why a deep latch is crucial for effective and comfortable breastfeeding.

Demystifying Latching: Here's What to Do When Your Baby Won't Gape: Get to the root of what’s making gaping hard, and how to help.