Why Does My Baby Make a Clicking Sound While Breastfeeding? 👶🔊
If you notice your baby making a clicking sound while breastfeeding, it's natural to feel concerned. The clicking sound during breastfeeding is usually harmless and often resolves as your baby's latch and nursing technique improve. Still, it's important to pay attention, as it can occasionally signal an issue.
Clicking sounds while breastfeeding are common, especially in newborns. This noise typically happens in the mouth, where the tongue meets the roof of the mouth, as your baby lets in air or the nipple shifts position. In most cases, clicking sounds are not dangerous for either baby or mom.
What Is a Clicking Sound During Breastfeeding? 🦷
A clicking sound is a short, popping or smacking noise you may hear from your baby's mouth while nursing. It occurs when your baby lets air in or the nipple moves in the mouth during feeding. Most often, it's related to latch technique, how well your baby closes their mouth around the nipple, or nipple position.
How Does Clicking Happen?
- Baby doesn't seal their mouth fully around the nipple.
- Tongue movement lets air into the mouth.
- Nipple slips, breaking the vacuum.
Why Do Babies Click While Nursing? – The Biology
During breastfeeding, your baby creates a vacuum in their mouth to help milk flow. If this vacuum breaks—because of a shallow latch or the nipple slipping—air enters, causing a clicking sound. This is part of the normal learning process, especially for babies still mastering their latch.
Common Causes:
- Imperfect latch
Baby hasn't learned to seal their mouth completely, so air gets in. - Nipple slipping
If the breast isn't taken deeply enough, the nipple can shift. - Engorged breast or fast let-down
Strong milk flow can make it harder for baby to maintain suction. - Anatomical differences in palate or tongue
Rarely, a baby's mouth or tongue shape can affect nursing.
When Is Clicking Normal? 🤱
Clicking sounds during breastfeeding are usually normal, especially in the first weeks as your baby learns to nurse. If your baby is gaining weight, you're comfortable, and feedings go smoothly, there's typically no need to worry.
It's usually normal if:
- Baby is gaining weight well.
- Nursing is pain-free for you.
- Baby is calm, not tense or choking.
- Feeding duration and frequency fit your baby's age.
Practical Tips – What to Watch For 👀
- Watch your baby's face and posture!
If your baby is relaxed and content after feeding, clicking is likely harmless. - Check your nipple after nursing!
If it's flat or white, latch technique may need improvement. - Monitor diapers!
Plenty of wet and dirty diapers mean your baby is getting enough milk. - Try different nursing positions!
Side-lying or upright positions may help reduce clicking.
Possible Risks & When to Pay Attention ⚠️
While clicking is usually harmless, sometimes it can signal a problem:
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
If your baby isn't gaining weight, seek professional advice. - Painful nursing for mom
If your nipples are sore, cracked, or painful, latch technique may need adjustment. - Choking, coughing, or trouble swallowing
If these occur with clicking, a medical check is needed. - Low urine or stool output
This may mean your baby isn't getting enough milk.
When to See a Doctor or Lactation Consultant 🩺
Reach out to a professional if:
- Clicking sounds persist and your baby isn't gaining weight.
- Nursing is painful or your nipples are damaged.
- Your baby chokes, coughs, or struggles to swallow.
- There are few wet or dirty diapers.
- Your baby seems tense or unsettled after feeding.
A lactation consultant can help you improve latch and technique, and your pediatrician can check for any underlying issues.
What Can You Do at Home? – Practical Tips 🏡
- Try nursing in different positions.
- Make sure your baby takes a deep latch.
- If you're unsure, ask a lactation consultant for help.
- Don't worry if clicking is the only issue and everything else is going well!
Reassurance for Moms 💙
Breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby. Clicking sounds during breastfeeding are usually not a problem and often disappear as your baby gets better at nursing. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to a professional—you’re not alone.
Our app offers more helpful guides and tips to support you in your breastfeeding journey.