Behavior & Social

Baby Arching Back and Crying During Feeding

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed baby arching back and crying during feeding, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

A baby who arches their back and cries during feeding is often showing signs of discomfort. The most common cause is gastroesophageal reflux (GER) - stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus causes a burning sensation, and the baby arches to try to relieve it. Other causes include an improper latch (breastfeeding), a bottle nipple with too fast or too slow a flow, ear infection pain worsened by swallowing, oral thrush, or being overstimulated. If this is happening regularly, discuss it with your pediatrician.

Key takeaways

  • A baby who arches their back and cries during feeding is often showing signs of discomfort. The most common cause is gastroesophageal reflux (GER) - stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus causes a burning sensation, and the baby arches to try to relieve it. Other causes include an improper latch (breastfeeding), a bottle nipple with too fast or too slow a flow, ear infection pain worsened by swallowing, oral thrush, or being overstimulated. If this is happening regularly, discuss it with your pediatrician.
  • Usually normal when: Occasional fussiness during a feeding when overtired or overstimulated
  • Call your doctor if: Your baby is refusing all feeds and showing signs of dehydration

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, a baby who arches their back and cries during feeding is often showing signs of discomfort. The most common cause is gastroesophageal reflux (GER) - stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus causes a burning sensation, and the baby arches to try to relieve it. Other causes include an improper latch (breastfeeding), a bottle nipple with too fast or too slow a flow, ear infection pain worsened by swallowing, oral thrush, or being overstimulated. If this is happening regularly, discuss it with your pediatrician. At 0-12 months, arching during feeding is most commonly associated with reflux, which peaks around 4 months and usually improves by 12 months. Babies with reflux may arch their back, pull off the breast or bottle, cry, and refuse to continue feeding. Other signs of reflux include spitting up frequently, wet-sounding burps, and fussiness after feeds. If breastfeeding, check for tongue or lip ties that may cause pain during feeding. If bottle feeding, try a slower nipple flow and paced feeding. Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeds. Your pediatrician may recommend positioning changes, thickened feeds, or medication if reflux is severe. It is generally considered normal when occasional fussiness during a feeding when overtired or overstimulated. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby is refusing all feeds and showing signs of dehydration.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Occasional fussiness during a feeding when overtired or overstimulated
Your baby is refusing all feeds and showing signs of dehydration
Brief arching that resolves with a change in position or brief break
Arching is accompanied by forceful vomiting, especially if projectile (possible pyloric stenosis in young infants)
Pulling away from the breast or bottle to look around (common at 3-4 months when babies become more aware)
Your baby seems to choke, gag, or have difficulty swallowing during feeds

By Age

What to expect by age

0-12 months

Arching during feeding is most commonly associated with reflux, which peaks around 4 months and usually improves by 12 months. Babies with reflux may arch their back, pull off the breast or bottle, cry, and refuse to continue feeding. Other signs of reflux include spitting up frequently, wet-sounding burps, and fussiness after feeds. If breastfeeding, check for tongue or lip ties that may cause pain during feeding. If bottle feeding, try a slower nipple flow and paced feeding. Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeds. Your pediatrician may recommend positioning changes, thickened feeds, or medication if reflux is severe.

1-3 years

Toddlers who arch and cry during meals are less likely to have reflux (which usually resolves by 12-18 months) and more likely to be experiencing food refusal from a sensory or behavioral standpoint. However, toddlers with ongoing reflux or esophageal irritation may refuse certain textures or temperatures. Some toddlers arch and cry at mealtime due to the desire for independence (wanting to self-feed), disliking the food offered, feeling pressured to eat, or being too tired or overstimulated. If arching specifically occurs during swallowing, rule out dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) with your pediatrician.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed baby arching back and crying during feeding and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if arching and crying during most feedings.
  • Mention if your baby is not gaining weight well due to feeding difficulties.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Occasional fussiness during a feeding when overtired or overstimulated
  • Brief arching that resolves with a change in position or brief break
  • Pulling away from the breast or bottle to look around (common at 3-4 months when babies become more aware)
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Arching and crying during most feedings
  • Your baby is not gaining weight well due to feeding difficulties
  • Feeding sessions are consistently stressful and taking a long time
  • Your baby seems to be in pain during feeding (not just distracted)
Act now when...
  • Your baby is refusing all feeds and showing signs of dehydration
  • Arching is accompanied by forceful vomiting, especially if projectile (possible pyloric stenosis in young infants)
  • Your baby seems to choke, gag, or have difficulty swallowing during feeds
  • Arching is constant (not just during feeding) and very rigid - this may be a neurological sign requiring evaluation

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice baby arching back and crying during feeding — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that occasional fussiness during a feeding when overtired or overstimulated — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby is refusing all feeds and showing signs of dehydration.

Baby Reflux / GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux is very common in babies because the valve at the top of the stomach is still maturing. Most infant reflux is uncomplicated, meaning your baby spits up but is otherwise happy and growing well. True GERD, where reflux causes pain, feeding difficulties, or poor weight gain, affects a smaller number of babies and is very treatable.

Baby Spitting Up Frequently

Spitting up is extremely common in healthy babies and is rarely a sign of anything serious. About half of all babies spit up regularly in the first few months, peaking around 4 months and typically resolving by 12 months. If your baby is gaining weight well, seems comfortable, and is a "happy spitter," the spit-up is usually more of a laundry problem than a medical one.

bottle refusal

breastfeeding difficulty

Triage

Excessive Crying Triage

Determine whether crying patterns need medical attention.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is baby arching back and crying during feeding normal?
A baby who arches their back and cries during feeding is often showing signs of discomfort. The most common cause is gastroesophageal reflux (GER) - stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus causes a burning sensation, and the baby arches to try to relieve it. Other causes include an improper latch (breastfeeding), a bottle nipple with too fast or too slow a flow, ear infection pain worsened by swallowing, oral thrush, or being overstimulated. If this is happening regularly, discuss it with your pediatrician.
When should I call the doctor about baby arching back and crying during feeding?
Your baby is refusing all feeds and showing signs of dehydration Arching is accompanied by forceful vomiting, especially if projectile (possible pyloric stenosis in young infants) Your baby seems to choke, gag, or have difficulty swallowing during feeds
When is baby arching back and crying during feeding normal?
Occasional fussiness during a feeding when overtired or overstimulated Brief arching that resolves with a change in position or brief break Pulling away from the breast or bottle to look around (common at 3-4 months when babies become more aware)
What causes baby arching back and crying during feeding?
A baby who arches their back and cries during feeding is often showing signs of discomfort. The most common cause is gastroesophageal reflux (GER) - stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus causes a burning sensation, and the baby arches to try to relieve it. Other causes include an improper latch (breastfeeding), a bottle nipple with too fast or too slow a flow, ear infection pain worsened by swallowing, oral thrush, or being overstimulated. If this is happening regularly, discuss it with your pediatrician. Common explanations include: Occasional fussiness during a feeding when overtired or overstimulated. Brief arching that resolves with a change in position or brief break.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby arching back and crying during feeding?
You should mention baby arching back and crying during feeding at your next visit if: Arching and crying during most feedings. Your baby is not gaining weight well due to feeding difficulties. Feeding sessions are consistently stressful and taking a long time.
Is baby arching back and crying during feeding normal at 0-12 months?
Arching during feeding is most commonly associated with reflux, which peaks around 4 months and usually improves by 12 months. Babies with reflux may arch their back, pull off the breast or bottle, cry, and refuse to continue feeding. Other signs of reflux include spitting up frequently, wet-sounding burps, and fussiness after feeds. If breastfeeding, check for tongue or lip ties that may cause pain during feeding. If bottle feeding, try a slower nipple flow and paced feeding. Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeds. Your pediatrician may recommend positioning changes, thickened feeds, or medication if reflux is severe.
Is baby arching back and crying during feeding normal at 1-3 years?
Toddlers who arch and cry during meals are less likely to have reflux (which usually resolves by 12-18 months) and more likely to be experiencing food refusal from a sensory or behavioral standpoint. However, toddlers with ongoing reflux or esophageal irritation may refuse certain textures or temperatures. Some toddlers arch and cry at mealtime due to the desire for independence (wanting to self-feed), disliking the food offered, feeling pressured to eat, or being too tired or overstimulated. If arching specifically occurs during swallowing, rule out dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) with your pediatrician.
Should I go to the ER for baby arching back and crying during feeding?
Seek emergency care if your baby is refusing all feeds and showing signs of dehydration, or if arching is accompanied by forceful vomiting, especially if projectile (possible pyloric stenosis in young infants). When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does baby arching back and crying during feeding go away on its own?
In many cases, baby arching back and crying during feeding resolves on its own, especially when occasional fussiness during a feeding when overtired or overstimulated.
AAPAAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. GER and GERD in Infants. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Why Babies Spit Up. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  3. [3]National Library of Medicine. Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Arching Back and Crying During Feeding.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed baby arching back and crying during feeding and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if arching and crying during most feedings.
  • Mention if your baby is not gaining weight well due to feeding difficulties.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Arching and crying during most feedings
  • Your baby is not gaining weight well due to feeding difficulties
  • Feeding sessions are consistently stressful and taking a long time

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your baby is refusing all feeds and showing signs of dehydration
  • Arching is accompanied by forceful vomiting, especially if projectile (possible pyloric stenosis in young infants)
  • Your baby seems to choke, gag, or have difficulty swallowing during feeds

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Crying TriageEmergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of baby arching back and crying during feeding are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby is refusing all feeds and showing signs of dehydration.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Baby Spitting Up Frequently

Spitting up is extremely common in healthy babies and is rarely a sign of anything serious. About half of all babies spit up regularly in the first few months, peaking around 4 months and typically resolving by 12 months. If your baby is gaining weight well, seems comfortable, and is a "happy spitter," the spit-up is usually more of a laundry problem than a medical one.

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