16 wk old screaming when offered the bottle

[Broms]

My 16 week old baby for a few weeks now kicks and screams at most feeds. He eventually takes it but with a massive fight. I don't understand what is going on as he must be hungry as he nearly always has at least 6/7oz at each feed once he gets going. Starting him off is so stressful though and is driving me mad. No way can we go out and feed somewhere as it looks like I am torturing him. He is also sucking his hand like mad and generally whingeing all the time - is this the start of teething or is he hungry?? Any advice welcome - thanks

I don't know the answer to this. I know that there are alot of different types of teats, have you thought of trying different ones incase he finds the one you are using uncomfortable? Sucking hand is normally a sign of teething, try a teether that can be put in the fridge.
I'm sure someone with some more knowledge will come along soon.

How often do you feed him? Could he be over-tired?

he is teething, try some paracetamol about 20mins before you want to feed him. the teeth might still take months to come thru but they are on the move and they are causing discomfort to his sucking. you might find you have some good and bad days but they will come in clusters of about 3.

try to also have a nice quite calsm time when feeding and don't force it. offering a distraction at feed time can also work like a nice shiny object or something while you sneak the bottle in.

its usually only the first few mins of the feed that a sore so just keep trying for a bit. cold drink can often be more soothing for them than warm.

i hope some of this helps you as i found it a bit trial and error with my ds at exactly this age but it did turn out to be teething and these were the things that worked for me.

Thank you so much everyone - Moocowme I will try calpol or bonjela to start with at the beginning of the feed - actually I did that tonight and he seemed so much calmer - fingers crossed - hate seeing him so upset. He has not been the easiest baby and I was starting to think what problem have we got now!? Why is it that all the teething rings are so big - he can't fit any his mouth. Has anyone found good teething rings?

you might also find that he is taking less during the day and more at night. I also found that the best time to get some more in was when they had just woken up as gums were not as sore at this time.

i did try bonjela but would that DS did not like having it applied and it just made the situation more stressful.

whatever you do don't force it as they just start to fear feeding time then. stay happy and go slowly.

the corner of a frozen flannel can ofter be soothing as well.

Thanks for the tips - I feel bad as I had been forcing it a bit but since I have been trying it your way much better and he seems a lot happier. Just hope these gums/teeth don't bother him for long. Thanks again - really appreciate it.