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start the baby off with foods that they can hold and that aren’t hard foods. they should start with soft foods that can melt in their mouth and that don’t require large amounts of chewing. puréed food is also a good start because it can include a range of vegetables and fruit

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once the baby is able to hold their head up and keep themselves upright, also once they start to use their mouths to investigate objects (chewing and biting toys) and reaching for foods/ opening their mouths when food is around

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make sure the bottles have been cleaned and sterilised and that they don’t have any old products in. Make sure that the baby is in a position where the milk can flow safely and controlled if the child isn’t drinking independently.

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Ensure the baby is comfy with their head up and support the babies neck to reduce the risk of choking, the mum should avoid sea food, alcohol and caffeine.

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the baby has physical independent support on their backs, hands and neck, showing interests in other foods being solid and liquid, coordination of hand to mouth

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start around 6 months with single ingredient pureed or mashed fruit and vegetables in different variety and textures as baby gets used to new textures and tastes

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give them food that they can hold but are soft to chew on that can melt away in the mouth. give them soft liquids such as yougurt or baby food from the shops

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that the bottles have been sterilized and cleaned out of any old product or cleaning soap, that the baby is in a comfortable position where you can control the flow of milk if there not drinking independently, burping should occur to let out trapped wind

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they can sit in a sitting postion for long time while holding head up

corrdinate eye with hand and mouth

and they can swallow food which mean their gag relex has softens

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the ability to sit up with support hold of their head steady and having the coordination of their hands eyes and mouth movements to begin able to reach the food and placing into their mouths

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They can be introduced to cows milk from the age of 1 as their digestive system will be fully developed by then.

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the mother should ensure that the baby is in a position of where both are comfortable and the baby wont choke to control the flow of breast milk and there is no damaging liquids or drugs in her system

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make sure you have all the equipemnt, wash and staizler after every use or dropped on a surface

make sure formula is right for the age of baby

feed them close to you in a semi up right postions and support their head and make sure they are not swallowing any air

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It is letting your baby choose what and how they eat.

Pros- they'll develop independence, explore different textures, help them figure out what foods they like and don't like.

Cons-messier and worries of a less nutritious diet, less control over how they eat.

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making sure the bottles are sterilising the bottle before giving it to the baby

making sure the temperature is correct as making sure it not too hot or cold

only make up the correct amount making less waste depending of the child

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the parents will need to make sure that they have sterilising equipment such as a cold-water steriliser, microwave or a steam steriliser. they should wash their hand well before sterilising the bottles. they should also learn to not leave their babies unattended when feeding as they may choke. they should learn to follow the babies lead as to when/how much they want. they should make sure that they are burping he baby when they have had enough food. they also will need to throw away any milk the baby has not drank

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make sure you and baby are in a comfy position, makes sure mum has a good diets. feed when baby want to.make sure the latch is good. avoid sea food caffeine and alcohol

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the mother should do when feeding the baby should tilt the their baby neck and should support the child neck and make sure the child is supported through their back and shoulders and also having a good balanced of diet and having an good attachment with her and the child

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Eat with your baby as much as you can as they will copy you and praise them when they eat and give them smaller portions so it doesn't look to overwhelming for them and change the way meals look to make it look exciting and inviting.

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the mum should support the babies head and allow the baby to feed as much as they want. the mum and baby will have to work together to get them to latch on, she will also need to learn when the baby is giving signs as to when they are hungry. the mum should also maintain a healthy diet and staying hydrated to make the process easier

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Giving them foods that they can hold and easily breakable foods that they can break up in their mouths and with their hands, avoid hard food, give them soft foods like cooked veg and cut up pasta.

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Signs are them trying to grab your food, biting toys, being able to hold their heads up and being able to sit up by themselves and have hand eye coordination so they can try to feed themselves and pick up the food.

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Make sure the sterilise the bottles correctly and make sure when ur giving the baby the bottle to make sure that it isn't to hot by putting a drop of the milk onto your wrist and make sure the measurements are all correct depending on the child's age.

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The mum needs to support the babies neck,shoulders and back so they can easily tilt their head back swallow and she needs to make sure that the baby is latched on properly to otherwise it'll lead to poor attachment.

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Baby led weaning is about letting your baby choose what and how they eat.
Pros, they develop independence, get used to different textures, could potentially stop child from being fussy eaters and have more control over their diet in later life so they are less likely to be overweight.
Cons, some people think there is more chance of choking and gagging, it is messier and stickier and worries of a less nutritious diet.

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babies can be introduced to cows milk from 1 year old as their digestive system would be fully developed. if it is introduced before it can cause damage to the baby

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the mother when feeding the baby should tilt their babies neck and make sure they are supported through their back and shoulders. for the baby to have a good and safe feed, the mum needs to make sure they have a good latch otherwise, it can lead to poor attachment. as well as a good and nutritious diet for the baby

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baby led weaning is introducing your little one to solid food in their own time

benefits -

a chance to choose pick and explore their foods and getting used to different food textures

babies who feed themselves are more likely to control their appetite reducing their risk of being overweight later on in life

negatives -

some parents worry that baby led weaning is more likely to cause baby to choke

baby led weaning can become very messy and challenging as the babies are figuring it out for themselves

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babies can be given cows milk once they are a year old as this is when their digestive system has developed enough to handle it. but cowsmilk is best for under 2s as it provides vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D.

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cows milk can be included in cooking or mixed with food from around 6 months but should not be given as a main drink to babies until they are 12 months old. Cows milk does not have the right balance of nutrients to meet baby's needs.

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a method of introducing solid foods to your baby that allows them to feed themselves, rather than being spoon-fed purées by a caregiver. usually starts around 6 months of age, when babies are developmentally ready for solids. pros-

Promotes Independence, Encourages Healthy Eating Habits, Reduces Risk of Picky Eating.

cons-

Less Control Over Quantity, Not Suitable for All Babies, Risk of Choking.

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Starting off with finger foods that are able to break up easily in their mouths and are big enough for them to be able to be able to grasp it. avoid hard foods, give them things like soft cooked vegetables like carrots, broccoli cauliflower.

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try to eat with your baby as often as you can as babies copy you so if they see you eating they will be more inclined to eat , give smaller portions and praise your child for eating ,make meal times enjoyable and change the way the food looks so it looks more inviting.

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Check for Illness or Discomfort, still offer food although they don't take it, also maybe contact a doctor to se if it more than them not wanting to eat.

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plan meals that are easy to chew/swallow for your baby ensuing there some what healthy.start of with ginger foods that break up easily in their mouths and avoid hard foods. examples of finger foods , hard boiled eggs , avocado , fish without bones , soft cooked vegetables, potatoes

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A baby can be given cow's milk when they reach 12 months old, this is because until they reach 12 months their digestive system can not handle cow's milk because it is not fully developed yet. Cow's milk should be introduced as a drink and not a necessity as by 12 months they will be eating solid foods and will not need to be bottle fed.

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normally starts when your baby is around 6 months old could be earlier or later depending on the baby. make sure they have breast milk or formula along side this aswell.signs of weaning is trying to grab your food , biting toys , staying in a sitting position holding their heads steady , coordinate their eyes hands and mouth so they can look at their food , pick it up and put it in their mouth , swallow food rather then spit it out.

signs that could be mistaken chewing fists , wanting extra milk feeds and waking up in the night more than usual

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you will need to stay calm and check for any discomfort and illness. you could tyr changing their food. if it goes on for too long you need to take them to a doctor and get them checked.

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Baby-led weaning is all about offering your baby a selection of foods to choose from and letting them feed themselves. It allows them to be in charge and explore eating.

The Pros:

It allows your baby to explore their food and feel comfortable with eating.

It allows the baby to eat what other people are eating but safer.

It may mean that the baby will have more control of their appetite and have wider food tastes.

It allows them to get used to different textures.

The cons:

A risk of choking.

Messier then spoon-feeding.

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Make sure that your sterilising the bottles before the baby feeds , the temperature isn’t too hot for the baby you can test this by putting the milk on your wrist. make sure you put the right amount of powder in for the child depanding on their age

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when the baby is able to hold their head up and are able to keep themselves upright when sitting this indicates that they are able to start weaning. Other things that they do that also indicate this are when they are using their hands and mouth to explore objects (chewing/biting toys), reaching and grasping at food or opening their mouths when food is offered.

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You can give your baby cows milk when they are over the age of 1 years old . This is because their digestive system won't be properly develop to have cows milk if their younger than a year old .

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mum needs to ensure that she’s supporting the baby’s neck and head whilst the baby is feeding. For the baby to have a good feed they need to have a good latch , make sure that your burping the baby afterwords this is really important because the baby could develop colic and issues with reflux

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Baby led weaning is when you don't give your child any spoon or cutlery which allows your baby to feed themselves this can become messy but it gives your baby chance to explore different foods by themselves . The cons of this it can be easier fore them to choke . The pros of this will will help them learn how to wean .l

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Continue to encourage them to eat and keep offering them different variety of foods and liquids. Make sure your baby is healthy and doesn't have a temperature or isn't teething.

if no routine is in place then create a routine as this may encourage your baby to eat and may help them as they know when they are being fed.

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Baby bottles, teats need to be sterilized. support the baby's neck, shoulders and back so they are able to feed easily. before giving the baby the bottle check that the temperature to ensure it is at the right warmth. Once the baby is feeding on it let the baby control the flow, Once the baby has fed burp the baby so they can let out any wind that they have.

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If your child refuses to eat or drink keep offering them different variety of foods and drinks. Check for any discomfort your child may be feeling as in feeling unwell or teething . You could also try to distract them while they are being fed .

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Start to introduce your baby to solid food around 6 months, go at your baby's pace and let them show you when they're hungry or full, make sure to stop when your baby shows signs that they've had enough. Avoid large solid foods as it is a choking hazard, Try to feed your baby pureed fruits and meals and also small cut up bits of fruit and veg.

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You should start slowly using soft fruits and vegetables when the child starts to show signs they are ready to wean . You should introduced foods one by one avoiding large solids food .

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A child will have an increase appetite , they will start showing a lot more interest in your food , they will open their mouth when they see others eating , they will also start to seem uninterested in formulas / breast milk.

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If a baby is ready to wean they will start to want feeding more, they will start to show interest in solid foods, they will start to bite and chew toys and put objects in their mouths, they will wake in the night for an extra feed and even sometimes double their birthweight.

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start slowly with pureed fruits and vegetables when the child starts to show signs that they are ready to start weaning then introduce different small pieces of solid food making sure they don't choke and are safe.

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The mum needs to support the baby's neck, shoulders and back this should allow the baby to tilt their head back and swallow better. The mum should focus on proper latch techniques otherwise if done incorrectly it can lead to poor attachment. She also needs to maintain a healthy and balanced diet alongside staying hydrated.

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Baby-led weaning is an approach to adding complementary foods to a baby's diet of breast milk or formula. It facilitates oral motor development and strongly focuses on the family meal, while maintaining eating as a positive, interactive experience. The cons of this can be that it can get very messy and could prevent choking. The pros of this can be that it will help them learn how to wean.

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You'll need multiple bottles , teats , and a bottle brush . Make sure your sitting comfortably with your baby close to you . Enjoy holding your baby and talk to them while they are fed. Never leave your baby alone to feed with a propped up bottle .

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If your breastfeeding try to let your baby as much as they want to. This could be every hour, day and night . Make sure that the mum is in a safe environment . Having a good diet can also postivly affect the baby .

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She can make sure that she is allowing the baby to feed when they want and making sure they are in a safe environment. She should also make sure she is maintaining a healthy diet and is staying hydrated.

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They can be given cows milk after their fist birthday around 12 months old because their digestive system isnt developed properly yet breast milk provides the right nutrients for a baby and cows milk can be introduced as a drink rather than a neccesety

Tiff n Milly

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Stay calm and try encourage them to eat keep offering them different varieties of foods and drinks . Check for discomfort make sure your baby isn’t teething or feeling unwell . create a routine .limit distractions no toys around them but you could possibly give the a iPad to watch a show to maybe try distract them from the foods .

Milly n tiff

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You need to make sure all equipment is sterilised and safe for the baby to use- You would do this until the baby is at least 12 months old. You would also need to make sure there are no lumps of formula left and that it is the right temperature for the baby so they don't get hurt/burnt. Make sure the baby is supported so they feel/safe when they are feeding. You need to also make sure that the baby is burped once finishing the feed.

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if a child wants to eat often, has doubled their birthweight, if they open their mouth when they see others eating, if they seem uninterested in formula/breastmilk and if the seem interested in what you are eating

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You should start at the right time around 6month when your baby shows signs as sitting up and showing interest in foods . Choose the right foods and introduce the foods one by one .avoid large solid foods as it’s a risk for chocking .

Tiff n Milly

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Sitting up and showing interest in your food . Loss of tongue thrust reflex . A child will have an increased appetite . They will have the ability to coordinate hand and mouth .

Milly n tiff

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firstly you need to sterilise all of your equipment until the child is at least 12 months old make sure the lid is on tightly make a different bottle for every feed and make sure it has no lumps check temperature and make sure baby is comfortable and safe

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Choose the right bottle that is easy to hold and that mimics breastfeeding . Hold the baby properly support there head to help them drink easily . Check the temperature before entering baby’s mouth . Feed on demand and allow the baby to control the flow .make sure to burp the baby and ensure bottles and nipples are clean

Tiff n Milly

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The mum needs to make sure to be in a comfy environment and position the baby well . She should focus on proper latch techniques feeding on demand and maintains a healthy diet and hydration .

Milly n tiff

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Whether you decide to breastfeed or formula feed (or a bit of both), we have advice and tips to support you.

It can take time to feel confident about feeding your baby, but there is lots of help available.

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Feeding your newborn baby - Start for Life

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For advice and tips on feeding your baby, have a look at our guide to breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

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Handy tips for bottle feeding your baby, including hygiene, being prepared, how to wind your baby and how to keep them safe.

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What is weaning?

Introducing your baby to solid foods, also referred to as weaning or complementary feeding, starts when your baby is around 6 months old.

Your baby should be introduced to a varied diet, alongside their usual breast milk or first infant formula.

It can be confusing knowing when and how to start introducing solid foods. We're here to guide you through the weaning journey and explain what it all means.

We've got expert NHS advice, helpful videos, tips from other parents, and lots of simple, healthy weaning recipe and meal ideas.

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Weaning means introducing your baby to solid foods alongside their usual breast milk or infant formula. We're here to guide you through the journey.

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Why call the support line?

When it comes to feeding - we know how physically and emotionally challenging it can be. It can take time to feel confident about feeding your baby. If you need information, support or just someone to talk to, give one of our trained breastfeeding counsellors a call on 0300 330 0700* (option 1). The line is open every day from 8am to midnight, including bank holidays.

Please do call with any questions or worries you have. Watch the video below to see one of our lovely breastfeeding counsellors, Fran, answer the five most common questions we get calls about, including ' Am I doing this right?' and 'How long should I feed for?'

Who will you speak to?

By calling 0300 330 0700(option 1), you'll speak to one of our amazing breastfeeding counsellors. They've had extensive training and will use their person-centred counselling skills to support you. This includes listening to you without judging or criticising and offering relevant information and suggestions - whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding or a bit of both.

NCT breastfeeding counsellors can also provide new mums with face-to-face support. You can find them at breastfeeding support groups, such as Baby Cafes, and the breastfeeding session if you attend an NCT antenatal course.

Our Infant Feeding Line is free to all parents and available to anyone who would like support with feeding their baby. If you would like to make a donation, please click here. You can also tell us about your experiences of support from an NCT breastfeeding counsellor.

What do parents say about our feeding line?

This is what mums who called the infant feeding line have said about the support and information they received.
"She was open and listened in a relaxed environment. She helped me understand that what was right for one woman and their baby was not necessarily right for another." "Approachable, kind and friendly. Gave common sense advice and increased my confidence as a new mum. What a brilliant woman doing an essential job. Can't believe I found such a wonderful, free, non-judgemental service." "She was decisive and clear in the way she spoke. She is obviously hugely knowledgeable and was able to reassure me and give me practical hands-on advice. She spent a good amount of time with me explaining and making sure I was confident and happy before moving on." "The breastfeeding counsellor was so helpful. Her kind, caring manner really helped me not to worry. She is a true gem and I can't thank her enough."
Call us if you have any questions about feeding: 0300 330 0700 (option 1)

The line is open everyday from 8am to midnight, including bank holidays.
* A call to an 0300 number costs the same as a call to a normal home or business landline. If your phone includes free calls to landlines, calls to 0300 numbers will be part of this.
Further information

You'll find lots more information and support about feeding your baby our website here.

For sources of breastfeeding support, visit this page.

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Support with breastfeeding or bottle feeding: our infant feeding line | NCT

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Find out more here about our infant feeding support line and the help available if you have any questions or concerns about feeding your baby.

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Baby Feeding Schedule for the First Year | Pampers UK

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Nourish your baby and explore the baby feeding schedule by age, from newborn to 12 months, with tips on breastfeeding, formula, and starting solids.

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This food group includes meat, fish, eggs, beans and pulses, and is suitable from around 6 months.

As well as giving your baby protein, these foods contain other useful nutrients, such as iron and zinc, which are important for babies.

For eggs, make sure you buy ones stamped with the British Lion stamp mark. There have been improved food safety controls in recent years, so infants, children and pregnant women can now safely eat raw or lightly cooked hen eggs (as long as they have the British Lion stamp), or foods containing them.

If you have a severely weakened immune system or are on a medically supervised diet prescribed by health professionals, you should cook all eggs thoroughly. Read about the healthy way to eat eggs.

Protein foods include:

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What to feed around 6 months - Start for Life

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Find out what to feed your your baby if they're around 6 months old and ready to wean, along with advice on texture, drinks and how to handle foods that can cause allergies.

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Dr Frankie Phillips – Registered dietitian and public health nutritionist

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Choosing a weaning style to suit you and your baby can feel daunting, with everyone seemingly having an opinion. Registered dietitian and leading child nutritionist Frankie Phillips outlines what baby-led weaning means.

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You might have heard of it but are not sure how to do it. We look at the pros and cons of baby-led weaning, and how you can start your baby on their first foods.

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Guide to bottle feeding leaflet - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This leaflet provides families and health professionals with key information about bottle feeding and how to make up feeds safely.

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From the moment your baby is born, there are a number of things you can do to improve your chances for breastfeeding success.

Stay together after the birth

Keeping your baby with you after the birth will promote a feeling of closeness and a strong hormonal response that is linked with breastfeeding success. In many cases it is even possible to have your baby with you immediately after a caesarean birth.

Get your position and attachment right

The ﬁrst few days after the birth offer the best opportunity for you and your baby to learn to breastfeed. Your breasts are still soft for a few days after the birth, then as breast milk changes from highly nutritious colostrum to mature milk, your breasts can become quite full and ﬁrm. Try and use the first few days to get your position and attachment right, this may help to avoid potential problems down the track.

Be patient

Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby are learning and for some mothers and babies it is harder than it is for others. Like anything new, it takes time and patience. Relaxation is important for both you and your baby. If you find you are getting frustrated or angry at yourself while you're trying to breastfeed, stop and try again in a little while. If your baby is distressed, and if it is possible, ask someone to keep them distracted until you are ready to try again. You could also express for this feed and try feeding from the breast for the next feed.

Feed on demand or according to need

While you are establishing your breastfeeding your baby will feed between seven and twelve times in 24 hours. This will settle over time. Frequent and effective feeding will help you to make enough milk for your baby.

Keep baby in the room with you

There are many benefits to having your baby in the room with you in the hospital and at home; including that it reduces the risk of sudden infant death.

It also promotes breastfeeding. Having your baby in the same room as you will help you to recognise when your baby is hungry, tired or in need of a cuddle; it will make it easier for you to know when your baby is ready to feed.

It is important to provide a safe sleep environment for your baby night and day.

Avoid teats, dummies, and complementary feeds

Because your new baby is still learning to breastfeed, they can become confused if they are offered a teat or dummy. If your baby has ﬂuids other than breast milk they will breastfeed less, and your breast milk supply will decrease. Frequent, unrestricted suckling at the breast will satisfy your baby and ensure that your milk supply continues to meet your baby's needs.

Breast milk only for the first six months

When babies are exclusively breastfed, they need no other food or drink until at least six months of age. You can be confident that your baby is receiving enough breast milk in the early weeks if they have six or more heavy, wet nappies and at least one bowel motion a day. It's also a good sign if your baby settles after most feeds.

Disclaimer

The Women's does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women's provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.

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From the moment your baby is born there are a number of things you can do to improve your breastfeeding success. Even the simple step of keeping mother and baby together after the birth is going to improve the chances of successful breastfeeding.

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5 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding - Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health

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Overcoming obstacles to benefit your baby and you.

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About bottle-feeding

If your baby can't always feed directly from your breast, you might choose to bottle-feed with expressed breastmilk. Or you might need to feed your baby infant formula, which is the only safe alternative to breastmilk.

Before you bottle-feed your baby, it's important to know how to clean and sterilise bottle-feeding equipment, as well as how to prepare, store and warm bottles of formula. This will help to keep your baby safe from infection and make sure baby is getting the right nutrition.

Getting the right flow when bottle-feeding

To test the flow of the formula or breastmilk, hold the bottle upside down when it's filled with liquid at room temperature. The liquid should drip steadily from the teat but not pour out.

If you have to shake the bottle vigorously to see the drip, the flow is too slow. Your baby might go to sleep before drinking what they need.

When you feed your baby, you might see a little leakage at the corners of your baby's mouth. This doesn't mean the flow is too fast. It's nothing to worry about. It will stop as your baby gets older.

If you have trouble finding a teat with a flow to suit your baby, try a faster teat rather than a slower one. You might need to try a few different teats before you find one that suits.

Giving baby the bottle

Make yourself comfortable and cuddle your baby close to you, holding baby gently but firmly. It's better for your baby to be on a slight incline so any air bubbles rise to the top, making burping easier.

Put the teat against your baby's lips. Your baby will open their mouth and start to suck. Keep the neck of the bottle at an angle so it's filled with formula or breastmilk.

When your baby stops sucking strongly or when about half of the formula or breastmilk has gone, gently remove the bottle and see whether baby wants to burp. Once you've tried burping your baby, you can offer the bottle again.

Paced bottle-feeding
Babies who are normally breastfed might find it hard to pace themselves when bottle-feeding, particularly if they're premature. This is because they're used to controlling the flow of breastmilk. Sometimes these babies can drink too much too quickly.

Paced feeding can sometimes help. This involves holding your baby in an upright position and letting them rest every few minutes. If you're interested in paced bottle-feeding, it's best to get help from your child and family health nurse or a lactation consultant.

Holding, cuddling and talking to your baby during feeding will help baby develop and grow. It's also a great opportunity to bond with your baby.

When baby doesn't finish the bottle or goes to sleep while feeding

Don't worry if your baby doesn't finish the bottle. Babies are very good at judging how much they need, so you can let your baby decide when they've had enough formula or breastmilk.

If your baby goes to sleep during a feed, put baby over your shoulder, rub their back, and stroke their head, legs and tummy. This can help your baby to wake up. A nappy change is a good way to wake up your baby if that doesn't work.

Wait until your baby is properly awake before offering the rest of the formula or breastmilk.

If there's any formula or breastmilk left in the bottle, throw it away after one hour. When your baby drinks from a bottle of formula or breastmilk, bacteria from their mouth get into the milk. The bacteria can grow and make your baby sick if you give your the baby the half-finished bottle later.

When baby refuses the bottle

Babies sometimes refuse a bottle altogether. Here are things to try if this happens:

Try a new feeding position or change the feeding environment. For example, move around while you're feeding, find a quieter place to feed, or play some relaxing background music.

Try again later when your baby is more settled. For example, give your baby a bath and then try again.

Ask your partner or another family member to give your baby the bottle.

Try using a different teat. If the flow of formula or breastmilk is too slow, it might frustrate your baby.

Let your baby open their mouth for the bottle when they're ready, rather than putting the teat into their mouth.

Offer the formula or breastmilk from a small cup or spoon. To do this, sit your baby up and offer them small sips.

If your baby is regularly refusing the bottle, you could try adjusting your routine.

If you think your baby is refusing the bottle because they're unwell, treat your baby's symptoms or take your baby to see your GP.

How much do bottle-feeding babies drink?

Newborn babies commonly have 6-8 feeds every 24 hours, but there's no set amount of food or number of feeds your baby should have. Different babies drink different amounts of formula or breastmilk. Some might have feeds close together and others further apart. And it can change from day to day.

Just feed your baby whenever they're hungry. You'll see baby cues that say 'I'm hungry' - for example, your baby will make sucking noises or start turning towards the breast or bottle. If your baby stops sucking or turns their head away from the bottle, you'll know they've had enough.

As your baby eats more and more solid food, the total amount of breastmilk or formula they take in a day will decrease. The amount of breastmilk or formula will also decrease as your baby starts to drink from a cup instead of a bottle.

Some babies never drink the 'recommended amount' for their age and size, and others need more. Plenty of wet nappies, consistent healthy weight gains, and a thriving, active baby mean all is well. If you're concerned about how much breastmilk or formula your baby is taking, talk to your child and family health nurse or GP.

Bottle-feeding in bed: issues and risks

Sleep associations
If your baby gets used to falling asleep with a bottle in bed, they might depend on it to get to sleep. This can make it more difficult for your child to fall asleep or settle for sleep independently.

Bottle-feeding in bed also has several risks for your baby.

Choking
Babies who fall asleep while bottle-feeding can draw liquid into their lungs. They might then choke on it or inhale it.

Tooth decay
Babies have less saliva in their mouths to protect their teeth during sleep. If your baby falls asleep with a bottle, the lactose in the milk can build up on your baby's teeth, putting your baby at risk of tooth decay.

Ear infections
If your baby drinks while lying flat, milk can flow into the ear cavity, which can cause ear infections.

It's best to put your baby to bed without a bottle or to take the bottle away after your baby has finished feeding.

Using a feeding cup

When your baby is around 6 months old, you can help your baby start leaning to drink from a cup. It's best to stop using bottles by the time your baby is 12 months old.

You should continue to thoroughly wash and sterilise feeding cups containing infant formula or breastmilk until your baby is 12 months old.

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Bottle-feeding babies: giving the bottle

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If your baby can't always feed directly from your breast, you might choose to bottle-feed with expressed breastmilk. Or you might need to feed your baby infant formula, which is the only safe alternative to breastmilk. Before you bottle-feed your baby, it's important to know how to clean and sterilise bottle-feeding equipment, as well as how to prepare, store and warm bottles of formula.

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NCT Introducing Solid Foods workshop | Courses & workshops | NCT

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Introducing your baby to solid foods can be a very exciting time but you’ll also probably have lots of questions. We’ll help you decide when the time is right, how you want to go about it and what to expect. Join one of our online or in-person workshops to get all your questions answered.

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Get advice on starting solids (weaning), including when to start, what foods to give your baby, and which milks to offer as they grow.

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Read advice and tips for parents of fussy eaters or children who have problems with eating.

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What to do when baby won’t touch food - Solid Starts

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There are many reasons why a child may not be interested in eating, but what do you do when your baby won’t even touch their food?

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Sarah Almond-Bushell, MPhil, BSc (Hons) RD

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What to do if your baby is refusing to eat! | The Children’s Nutritionist

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When your baby refuses to eat it’s worrying. In this blog, I’ll explain the reasons why, what you can do to help and when to seek professional advice.