Feeding Your Baby

Feeding a baby may involve breastfeeding, expressed breast milk, first infant formula or a combination of approaches. Families have different circumstances, and feeding plans sometimes change.

This UK baby feeding guide brings together practical questions and direct NHS resources covering breastfeeding, safe formula preparation, bottle feeding, expressing and support services.

Kidora does not assess feeding difficulties or recommend an individual feeding plan. Use the original NHS guidance and support from the professionals caring for your baby.

How to Use This Guide

This page is an information and signposting guide, not a diagnosis, feeding prescription or replacement for your midwife, infant-feeding specialist, health visitor, GP or neonatal team. Follow any individual feeding plan and the exact product instructions.

For a baby who is seriously unwell, the NHS guidance on urgent medical help for children under five explains warning signs and when to call 999 or use urgent NHS care. This page cannot assess a baby’s symptoms.

Trusted UK Baby-Feeding Links

These links lead to official or established specialist organisations. They are not endorsements of Kidora. Check the source pages for updates and guidance relevant to your circumstances.

• NHS feeding your baby guidance
• NHS breastfeeding guidance
• NHS bottle-feeding guidance
• NHS formula preparation instructions
• National Breastfeeding Helpline
• UK Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls
• NHS urgent medical help for babies and children under five
• NHS: expressing and storing breast milk
• GOV.UK: buying second-hand products safely
• NHS guidance on expressing and storing breast milk

Feeding Choices Can Change

Parents may intend to:

• Breastfeed
• Express breast milk
• Use infant formula
• Combination feed
• Change approach over time

Feeding decisions can be influenced by birth recovery, the baby’s health, milk supply, pain, mental wellbeing, work, medication and family circumstances.

Use the NHS Start for Life feeding guidance for current UK information.

Responsive Feeding

The NHS provides responsive-feeding guidance for breastfeeding and bottle feeding. This involves responding to the baby’s cues and avoiding pressure to continue when the baby shows they have had enough.

Feeding patterns vary, particularly in the early weeks and for premature or unwell babies. Follow the individual advice from your maternity, neonatal or health-visiting team rather than using another baby’s schedule.

Use the NHS feeding guidance.

Signs a Baby May Be Full

A baby may show fullness by:

• Slowing or stopping sucking
• Turning away
• Relaxing the hands and body
• Closing the mouth
• Falling asleep after an effective feed

Do not pressure a baby to finish a bottle when they show clear signs that they have had enough.

How Often Newborns Feed

Newborns usually feed frequently because their stomachs are small and their feeding patterns are still developing.

Some babies:

• Feed little and often
• Cluster feed at particular times
• Have longer and shorter feeds
• Need to be woken for feeds under a clinical plan

Follow individual advice when the baby was born early, has jaundice, is unwell, is not gaining weight as expected or has another medical need.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can take time to learn for both parent and baby.

Early support may include help with:

• Positioning
• Attachment
• Recognising swallowing
• Comfort
• Frequent feeding
• Expressing

Ask for feeding support before leaving the maternity unit and contact your community midwife or health visitor if concerns continue at home.

Positioning for Breastfeeding

A comfortable position should help the baby reach the breast without the parent leaning or twisting for the whole feed.

General points include:

• Support the parent’s back and arms
• Bring the baby towards the breast
• Keep the baby’s head and body aligned
• Allow the baby’s nose to remain clear
• Check that the latch feels comfortable after the initial moments

A trained feeding supporter can observe a full feed and suggest adjustments.

Signs of Effective Breastfeeding

Possible signs include:

• Deep rhythmic sucking
• Visible or audible swallowing
• Rounded cheeks rather than dimpling
• The baby appearing settled after many feeds
• Expected wet and dirty nappies
• Weight progressing as assessed by healthcare professionals

No single sign should be considered alone when there is a concern.

Get Help with Breastfeeding Pain or Damage

Breastfeeding can take practice. If feeding is painful, nipples are damaged, or you are worried about attachment, milk transfer or the baby’s intake, ask a midwife, health visitor or trained infant-feeding professional to observe a full feed.

Do not use this page to diagnose the cause. Use the current NHS breastfeeding guidance and the National Breastfeeding Helpline.

Colostrum and Early Milk

Colostrum is the concentrated first milk produced during early feeding.

Milk production changes during the first days after birth. Frequent effective feeding and appropriate support can help establish supply.

If direct feeding is difficult, a maternity professional may discuss hand expressing or another feeding plan.

Expressing Breast Milk

Breast milk can be expressed by hand or with a pump.

Expressing may be useful when:

• The baby cannot feed directly
• The parent and baby are separated
• Supply needs additional stimulation
• A partner or carer will provide some feeds
• The parent is returning to work

Hand Expressing

Hand expressing can be particularly useful in the early days because only small amounts of colostrum may be available.

Ask a midwife or feeding supporter to demonstrate the technique.

Using a Breast Pump

Choose a pump based on:

• How often it will be used
• Comfort
• Correct flange size
• Ease of cleaning
• Whether single or double pumping is needed
• Whether replacement parts are available in the UK

A pump should not cause significant pain or tissue damage.

Cleaning Pump Equipment

Follow the exact manufacturer instructions and current NHS hygiene guidance.

Parts that contact milk should be:

• Separated correctly
• Cleaned after use
• Rinsed where instructed
• Dried fully
• Stored in a clean place

Storing Expressed Breast Milk

Breast milk storage recommendations depend on the fridge or freezer temperature, whether milk was previously frozen and the baby’s individual needs. Guidance for premature or unwell babies may be different.

Use the NHS instructions for expressing and storing breast milk for current storage periods, defrosting and disposal. The hospital or neonatal team should advise when an individual plan is required.

Warming Expressed Milk

Follow NHS guidance and avoid microwaving breast milk because heating may be uneven and create hot spots.

Test the temperature before feeding.

Formula Feeding

First infant formula is generally the standard formula used from birth unless a healthcare professional recommends a specialist product.

Follow the instructions on the exact product and use current NHS guidance.

Do not switch to specialist, comfort, anti-reflux, lactose-free or hypoallergenic formula without suitable professional advice where this is needed.

Powdered Formula Is Not Sterile

Powdered infant formula must be prepared carefully because it is not sterile.

Use the current NHS instructions for making up a formula feed.

Preparing Formula Safely

Powdered formula is not sterile, so the NHS provides detailed instructions about cleaning, water temperature, measurements, cooling feeds and disposing of leftovers. The NHS advises using water that is at least 70°C when it is mixed with the powder and preparing feeds as needed.

This short overview must not be used as an independent preparation method. Follow the complete NHS step-by-step formula-preparation instructions, including information on preparation machines and bottled water, as well as the exact product label.

For a premature or unwell baby, or when a clinician has provided a specific feeding plan, follow that clinical guidance.

Never Change the Formula Ratio

Do not add:

• Extra powder
• Extra water
• Cereal
• Baby rice
• Sugar
• Medication unless specifically directed

Using the wrong ratio can be dangerous.

Do Not Use Bottled Water Routinely Without Advice

Bottled water is not automatically safer for formula preparation and may contain too much sodium or sulphate for babies.

Use current NHS advice when tap water is unavailable or unsuitable.

Ready-to-Feed Formula

Ready-to-feed liquid formula is sterile until opened when packaging remains intact and it is stored correctly.

Follow the label for:

• Opening
• Storage
• Use-by time after opening
• Warming
• Disposal

Sterilising Feeding Equipment

The NHS provides guidance on cleaning and sterilising bottles, teats and other equipment used for formula or expressed milk. Requirements can differ by feeding method and the baby’s clinical circumstances.

Check the NHS bottle-feeding guidance and the manufacturer’s instructions for your equipment. A used product or second-hand steriliser is not automatically suitable because it looks clean.

Cleaning Bottles and Teats

Before sterilising:

• Separate all parts
• Wash thoroughly
• Clean bottle threads and teat holes
• Rinse as instructed
• Check for damage

Replace cracked bottles, split teats and damaged components.

Bottle-Feeding Position

Hold the baby close in a semi-upright position and support the head.

Keep the bottle sufficiently horizontal to help the baby control the flow while ensuring the teat remains filled with milk.

Follow NHS responsive bottle-feeding guidance.

Never Prop a Bottle

Do not leave a baby alone with a propped bottle.

Always hold the baby and bottle during feeding.

Do Not Force a Baby to Finish

Watch for fullness cues and allow breaks.

A baby may take different amounts at different feeds.

Discard Leftover Formula

Follow NHS guidance about how long a prepared feed can be kept and discard milk left after a feed.

Do not save and reoffer milk that has been in contact with the baby’s mouth.

Combination Feeding

Combination feeding means using both breast milk and infant formula, or breastfeeding alongside bottles of expressed milk.

Parents may combination feed because of:

• Personal preference
• Milk-supply concerns
• Return to work
• Sharing feeds
• Medical advice
• Birth recovery

If maintaining breast-milk supply is important, ask for support before making major changes to feeding frequency.

Introducing a Bottle

Some babies need time to learn a different feeding method.

Helpful approaches may include:

• Offering when the baby is calm
• Trying a slow-flow teat
• Allowing another trusted adult to offer it
• Holding the baby close
• Following responsive bottle-feeding principles

Burping

Some babies need help to bring up wind during or after feeds, while others do not.

Common positions include:

• Against the adult’s shoulder
• Sitting supported on the adult’s lap
• Lying face-down across the lap while awake and supervised

Support the head and neck and use gentle movements.

Posseting and Reflux

Small amounts of milk coming back up can be common in babies.

Seek health advice if the baby:

• Appears distressed
• Is not gaining weight as expected
• Vomits forcefully
• Has green or bloody vomit
• Refuses feeds
• Has breathing or choking concerns

How to Know Whether Feeding Is Going Well

Healthcare professionals assess feeding using several factors, including:

• Weight
• Wet nappies
• Dirty nappies
• Alertness
• Feeding effectiveness
• Signs of dehydration or illness

Ask the midwife or health visitor what to expect for the baby’s age and feeding method.

When to Seek Prompt Feeding Support

Contact a midwife, health visitor, GP, infant-feeding specialist or the baby’s clinical team whenever feeding, wet nappies, weight, alertness, vomiting or pain raises concerns. The right action depends on the individual baby and this article cannot assess seriousness.

Emergency: The NHS urgent medical help page identifies potentially serious signs such as difficulty breathing, abnormal colouring, difficulty waking and other changes requiring immediate medical attention. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency rather than treating these as routine feeding questions.

Feeding Premature or Unwell Babies

Babies born early or with medical needs may have an individual feeding plan.

This may involve:

• Expressed breast milk
• Fortified milk
• Specialist formula
• Measured volumes
• Tube feeding
• More frequent weight monitoring

Follow the neonatal or paediatric team’s instructions rather than general feeding schedules.

Vitamin Supplements

UK vitamin guidance for babies depends on age, feeding method, formula intake and individual health needs.

Use current NHS advice and ask a health visitor, pharmacist or GP when unsure.

Do not give adult vitamins or exceed the stated dose.

Cows’ Milk and Other Drinks

Ordinary cows’ milk is not used as the main drink for babies under 12 months, although it may be used in cooking from the appropriate stage.

Plant-based drinks are not a direct substitute for breast milk or infant formula during infancy unless a specialist healthcare team provides a plan.

Starting Solid Foods

Most babies begin solid foods from around six months, when they show the appropriate developmental signs.

Milk remains important during the transition.

Use the NHS Start for Life weaning guidance when the time approaches.

Feeding Equipment You May Need

Depending on the feeding method, useful items may include:

• Muslin cloths
• Bibs
• Feeding bras
• Breast pads
• Breast pump
• Milk storage containers
• Bottles and teats
• Bottle brush
• Sterilising equipment

Buy only what is likely to be used.

Do Not Overbuy Feeding Equipment

Babies may prefer different bottle shapes, teat flows or feeding positions.

A parent may also discover that a breast pump does not fit comfortably or suit their routine.

Begin with a small supply and add more once the feeding pattern is clearer.

Buying Feeding Equipment Preloved

Take extra care with feeding products because hygiene, wear and missing components matter.

Suitable preloved items may include:

• Some electric pump motor units where the model is designed for safe reuse
• Unopened compatible replacement parts
• Bottle-drying racks
• Storage organisers
• Feeding chairs for adults

Check the manufacturer’s guidance before buying a used breast pump. Some pumps are intended for one user only because milk or moisture may enter internal components.

Use New Personal-Contact Parts Where Appropriate

Depending on the product, consider replacing:

• Teats
• Bottles showing wear
• Pump tubing
• Valves
• Membranes
• Breast shields where hygiene or fit requires it

Use only compatible manufacturer-approved parts.

Check Product Recalls

Before using feeding equipment or infant formula, check current UK product alerts where relevant.

Use the official UK Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls database and the Food Standards Agency food alerts service.

Do Not Buy Opened Formula from Another Person

Do not buy or accept:

• Opened formula powder
• Damaged tins
• Products with missing batch information
• Out-of-date formula
• Formula stored in unknown conditions
• Products affected by a recall

Feeding Support in the UK

Support may be available through:

• Community midwives
• Health visitors
• Maternity units
• GP practices
• NHS infant-feeding teams
• Local breastfeeding groups
• Children’s and family centres

Ask for local contact details before leaving hospital where possible.

Feeding and Parental Wellbeing

Feeding difficulties can affect sleep, confidence and mental health.

Seek help when you feel:

• Overwhelmed
• Persistently anxious
• Unable to rest
• Pressured or judged
• Unable to cope with pain or feeding demands

A safe and sustainable feeding plan should consider the health of both baby and parent.

How Partners and Family Can Help

Support does not have to mean taking over feeds.

Helpful tasks include:

• Bringing food and drinks
• Cleaning equipment
• Changing nappies
• Settling the baby after feeds
• Managing visitors
• Looking after older children
• Helping the parent access support

Feeding Items on Kidora

Feeding a baby can involve numerous small items, but buying more equipment than needed is rarely the priority. Kidora is a UK-only marketplace where parents can find suitable preloved family items and offer things their children have outgrown.

Before considering used feeding equipment, consult product instructions, recall notices and GOV.UK’s second-hand safety guidance. Some breast pumps are intended for a single user and food-contact parts may need replacing. Do not buy opened, expired, damaged or recalled infant formula from another person.

Kidora has no seller fees: sellers keep 100% of an item’s sale price. Suitable items may also be listed at £0 as FREE, for collection only, without a Kidora Fee. Kidora and Buyer Protection do not certify hygiene, feeding suitability, product history or safety. For milk preparation, use the NHS’s original instructions.

A Baby Feeding Checklist

• Learn the baby’s feeding cues
• Ask for help with positioning and attachment
• Use responsive bottle feeding
• Prepare formula exactly as instructed
• Clean and sterilise equipment correctly
• Do not force the baby to finish feeds
• Monitor nappies, alertness and weight
• Seek help early for pain or poor feeding
• Check vitamins with a UK healthcare professional
• Buy feeding equipment selectively

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Kidora Parent Hub Guides

• Weaning: NHS Guidance on Starting Solids
• Newborn Essentials: Feeding Supplies
• Baby Safety: Choking and Emergency Signposting

About This Guide

Prepared by: Kidora Team.

Sources: The NHS, the National Breastfeeding Helpline, GOV.UK and the Food Standards Agency, with direct links above and throughout this guide.

Editorial sources checked: 15 October 2026. This was a source and editorial review, not a clinical or product-safety expert review. Guidance may change; use the linked original sources for the latest information.

Important: Kidora is not a healthcare provider or infant-feeding service. This is general information for UK parents, not feeding, allergy, hydration, nutrition or medical advice for an individual baby. Follow the original NHS instructions and any personalised clinical plan; ask a qualified professional if feeding or your baby’s health concerns you. In an emergency call 999.