What could be the reason for a two-month-old baby crying, struggling during breastfeeding, yet still wanting to eat?

Generally speaking, a two-month-old baby may cry, struggle, and yet still want to feed during breastfeeding due to incorrect breastfeeding posture, oral ulcers, colds, intestinal colic, thrush, or other causes. If the baby's distress persists, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Incorrect breastfeeding posture

If the mother’s breastfeeding position is incorrect, the baby may cry, struggle, and yet continue trying to feed. In such cases, adjusting the breastfeeding posture appropriately can help the baby suckle more effectively and usually improves the crying and struggling.

2. Oral ulcers

Oral ulcers are associated with factors such as genetics, immunity, and diet. They typically cause mouth pain, leading to crying during feeding. Under medical guidance, topical treatments such as watermelon frost spray, Bingbor powder, or cydiodine tablets may be applied.

3. Cold

If the baby has a cold with nasal congestion, they may only be able to breathe through the mouth, making it difficult to breathe normally through the nose while feeding, which can lead to crying. As directed by a doctor, the baby may take medications such as pediatric cold granules, pediatric paracetamol-phenylamine granules, or oseltamivir phosphate for oral suspension. Once breathing improves, the symptoms of crying and struggling during feeding will subside.

4. Intestinal colic

Intestinal colic results from paroxysmal intense contractions of the intestinal smooth muscle and is related to diet, gastrointestinal gas accumulation, environmental stimuli, and other factors. Symptoms include paroxysmal abdominal pain, pallor, and cold hands and feet, causing the baby to struggle, cry, and become agitated during feeding. Applying a warm water bottle to the abdomen may help. In severe cases, medications such as live combined bifidobacterium granules, amoxicillin granules, or belladonna tablets may be administered under medical supervision.

5. Thrush (oral candidiasis)

Thrush can develop if the nipple is unclean or the mother’s fingers are contaminated, leading to fungal infection. Pain during feeding causes the baby to cry and fuss. Under medical guidance, antifungal medications such as nystatin tablets, itraconazole granules, or compound shiwei granules may be used. Once the infection resolves, the symptoms of crying during feeding typically improve.

It is recommended to establish good daily hygiene habits, including washing the baby’s face, feet, and perineum every morning and evening, changing clothes and diapers frequently, and keeping skin folds clean and dry.