Feeding is one of the ways you get to know your baby. Watch for hunger, offer milk or age-appropriate food, and give them time to pause. You will not recognise every cue straight away. If your care team has given you a feeding plan, keep following it and ask about anything that is unclear.
Getting to know early hunger cues
Your baby may wriggle, suck their hand or turn towards the breast or bottle with an open mouth. These can be early signs of hunger. Crying comes later, when starting a feed may be harder. If they are upset, a cuddle may help them settle first.
Several feeds close together are common in the first few months. If you bottle-feed, allow pauses and stop when your baby shows they have had enough. The NHS paced bottle-feeding guide shows how to give your baby more control over the flow.
Ask for help if feeding hurts, you are worried about milk intake, or your baby seems unwell. Your midwife, health visitor, feeding supporter or doctor can help you work out what is happening.
Milk feeds and vitamins
Breast milk or first infant formula is your baby’s food until around 6 months. Some babies also need vitamin supplements. Ask your care team what applies to your baby, or read the UK guidance on vitamins.
Starting solid food around 6 months
Look for three signs together: your baby can stay sitting with their head steady, bring food to their mouth, and swallow it. More waking, chewing hands or wanting extra milk does not show readiness on its own. If your baby was born early, ask your health visitor or doctor when to start.
Begin with small tastes while milk feeds continue. Let your baby take time to touch and try the food. If they close their mouth or turn away, stop and try another time.
Making room for meals
NHS guidance suggests gradually moving towards three meals between 7 and 9 months, alongside milk feeds, with more tastes and textures through 10 to 12 months. Offer mashed, lumpy and soft finger foods as your baby can manage them. There will be messy meals and days when a familiar food gets refused.
Breast milk or first infant formula remains the main drink through the first year. From 12 months, NHS guidance suggests three meals and up to two healthy snacks. Share family foods in suitable portions and let your toddler ask for more or stop. Breastfeeding can continue for as long as you both want.
Seat your child safely upright, prepare food in a shape and texture they can manage, and stay with them throughout the meal.
For practical UK advice, see first foods and safe preparation, introducing allergens and what to do if a child chokes. Follow the guidance where you live and any individual advice from your care team.
When to ask for support
If eating, swallowing or growth worries you, speak with a health professional. A few notes about what you have noticed can help start the conversation. You do not need to wait for a routine review.