Shallow Latch? Fix These Three Easy Things First
If your baby keeps getting a shallow latch, the problem may be happening before their mouth ever reaches the breast.
Your baby's starting position, where you place your supporting hand, and how you bring your baby forward can all affect whether they are able to open wide and latch deeply.
In this 6-minute video lesson, Avery Young, IBCLC, shows you three common positioning mistakes that can contribute to a shallow latch—and what to do instead.
You will learn how to:
- Position your baby so they have room to look up, open wide, and approach the breast chin-first
- Support your baby's neck and shoulders without pushing the back of their head
- Bring your baby toward your body instead of moving your breast toward your baby's mo ...
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If your baby keeps getting a shallow latch, the problem may be happening before their mouth ever reaches the breast.
Your baby's starting position, where you place your supporting hand, and how you bring your baby forward can all affect whether they are able to open wide and latch deeply.
In this 6-minute video lesson, Avery Young, IBCLC, shows you three common positioning mistakes that can contribute to a shallow latch—and what to do instead.
You will learn how to:
- Position your baby so they have room to look up, open wide, and approach the breast chin-first
- Support your baby's neck and shoulders without pushing the back of their head
- Bring your baby toward your body instead of moving your breast toward your baby's mouth
Why Small Latch Changes Matter
A comfortable latch is not just about where your nipple goes. Latching is a coordinated process between you and your baby.
Your baby uses their reflexes, head movement, tongue, jaw, and body position to participate in the latch. Your positioning helps create the space they need to move, open, and organize those feeding movements.
When latching feels difficult, looking at small details like your baby's starting position, where you provide support, and how much freedom your baby has to move can help you understand what may be getting in the way.
Troubleshooting Latch Challenges
Latch challenges are rarely about one single thing. A comfortable latch depends on how your baby is positioned, how they are able to move, and how their feeding reflexes work together.
Small changes in positioning and support can sometimes make feeding feel very different. The goal is to understand what your baby is trying to do and identify what may be making latching harder.
Explore More Expanded Access Resources
Continue exploring related resources inside your Expanded Access library.
âžś Go Deeper: How to Get a Good Latch
âžś Latching in Real Life: Getting a Deeper Latch
âžś Baby Won't Open Wide? Get the Gaping Reflex Back On Track
About the Expert
Avery Young, IBCLC, is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who has spent more than a decade helping parents and professionals understand their baby’s reflexes, build confidence, and make latching and feeding feel better.
Read more about Avery →
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