Sucking Reflex in Babies: What You Need to Know

What is the Sucking Reflex?

The sucking reflex is an involuntary movement that triggers a baby to suck when something touches the roof of their mouth. This could be a nipple, a pacifier, your finger, or even the infant’s own thumb. The reflex is essential for breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, allowing babies to extract milk for nourishment.

Development of the Sucking Reflex

The sucking reflex isn't something babies learn after birth. It starts developing remarkably early, around week 32 of pregnancy, while they're still in the womb. By week 36, it's usually fully formed. You might even catch a glimpse of this reflex during a routine ultrasound with your baby sucking the thumb! Premature babies, however, might have a weaker or less coordinated sucking reflex at first, as it hasn't had enough time to develop fully.

Importance

The sucking reflex goes beyond just feeding. It plays a significant role in a baby's development, such as —

• Nutrition:

The sucking reflex allows babies to draw milk efficiently, ensuring they receive the vital nutrients they need for growth and development.

• Oral Motor Development:

The coordinated movements involved in sucking help strengthen the muscles in a baby's mouth and jaw, which are essential for future speech and chewing.

• Soothing and Comfort:

Sucking is a natural way for babies to self-soothe and find comfort. It can help them relax and manage stress, promoting feelings of security and well-being.

How does it Work?

The sucking reflex involves a two-stage process —

1. Latching:

When a nipple (breast or bottle) touches the baby's mouth, they'll instinctively initiate sucking. In breastfeeding, the baby will position the lips over the areola (the darker area around the nipple) and squeeze the nipple between the tongue and the roof of the mouth. A similar action takes place with bottle feeding.

2. Expression:

The second stage involves the baby moving the tongue rhythmically to draw milk out of the nipple. This action, known as expression, creates suction that helps keep the breast or bottle in place during feeding.

Another important reflex that works alongside sucking is rooting. This reflex allows babies to instinctively search for the breast by turning their heads and opening their mouths when their cheeks are stroked. While rooting helps them find the nipple, the sucking reflex takes over for extracting milk.

When Does the Sucking Reflex Develop?

The sucking reflex development begins around week 32 of pregnancy and is usually fully formed by week 36. However, even full-term babies might need some time to learn how to coordinate sucking efficiently with swallowing and breathing, which are crucial skills for successful feeding. This coordination usually develops within the first few weeks of life.

Signs of a Healthy Sucking Reflex

Here are some signs that indicate your baby has a healthy sucking reflex:

• The baby readily turns his/her head towards your breast or a bottle when hungry.

• The baby opens the mouth wide when the nipple touches the lips.

• The baby can latch onto the breast or bottle effectively and maintain a good seal.

• The baby exhibits a rhythmic sucking pattern during feeding.

• The baby seems satisfied after a feeding session.

Sucking isn't just a feeding reflex; it's also a way for babies to self-soothe. So, even if your baby sucks on his/her fingers or hands, it doesn't necessarily mean he/she is hungry. It's a natural reflex that provides babies with comfort.

Common Issues

While the sucking reflex is a natural instinct, some babies might experience challenges with it. Here are some common issues —

• Weak Suck:

Premature babies born before 37 weeks might have a weak sucking reflex due to its incomplete development. This can make it difficult for them to extract milk efficiently.

• Unsynchronised Sucking, Swallowing, and Breathing:

This can be an issue for some babies, especially those with breathing difficulties. It can make feeding tiring for them and hinder their ability to consume enough milk.

• Poor Latch:

If the baby struggles to latch onto the breast or bottle securely, it can affect their ability to suck effectively and receive adequate milk.

These challenges can lead to problems like poor weight gain, frustration during feeding, and dehydration.

When to See a Doctor?

If you're concerned about your baby's sucking reflex, here are some signs that might warrant a visit to your paediatrician:

• Feeding Issues:

◦ The baby frequently loses the latch on the breast or bottle.

◦ The baby gets tired quickly while sucking or falls asleep within minutes of starting to feed.

◦ The baby shows frustration during feeding sessions.

◦ After nursing for 30-45 minutes, the baby seems hungry, indicating it might not be sucking efficiently.

◦ An infant who’s reluctant to eat or feeds less than eight times within one day

◦ A newborn who seems constantly hungry or wants to eat more than 14 times in a 24-hour period

• Wet Diapers:

Not having a wet diaper every 6-8 hours can be a sign of dehydration, which could be linked to feeding difficulties.

• Weight Gain:

If your baby isn't gaining enough weight consistently, it could indicate he/she is not receiving enough milk due to sucking issues.

• Breastfeeding Pain:

If breastfeeding becomes painful for you, with bruised, cracked, or misshapen nipples, it could be a sign of a poor latch related to the sucking reflex.

• Milk Supply Concerns:

If you don't feel like your breasts are emptying after a feeding session, it could be because the baby isn't sucking effectively to remove enough milk, potentially impacting your milk supply.

If you suspect any challenges with your baby's sucking reflex, consulting your paediatrician can help identify the issue and establish appropriate feeding strategies. They can also provide guidance on techniques to strengthen the sucking reflex and ensure your baby receives the nourishment he/she needs to thrive.