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Feeding Your Baby: A Realistic, Non-Judgmental Guide from Birth to 12 Months

Research-supported, mum-of-three observations — not medical advice.


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If there’s one conversation that can make new parents feel vulnerable, it’s feeding. Everyone seems to have an opinion — your neighbour, your great-aunt, the stranger in Costa who suddenly tells you what they did in 1998.


But here’s the truth: feeding your baby is not a personality test. You’re not choosing a “team.” You’re caring for a human being in the way that works for both of you.


This guide walks you through the first year with clarity, reassurance and none of the guilt.


Let’s Start Here: Fed Is Best, but “Supported Is Best” Is Even Better


Lots of families experience challenges — with breastfeeding, bottles, combination feeding, expressing, allergies, routines, you name it.


Feeding choices don’t measure your worth as a parent. Consistency, safety, love and responsiveness do.


NEWBORN — THE FIRST 8 WEEKS


Breastfeeding: Reality, Not Instagram


Breastfeeding is natural — but not always easy. Why is it so challenging early on?

Because:

  • Baby’s latch takes time to learn

  • Your supply responds to demand

  • Cluster feeding is biologically normal

  • Your nipples are adjusting (yes, that’s a polite phrase)


Signs Feeding Is Going Well (NHS)


  • Baby has 6–8 wet nappies daily from day 5

  • Baby is alert during feeds

  • You hear swallowing

  • Weight gain is steady


If it’s not going smoothly, you’re not alone. Support can make all the difference.


Formula Feeding: Safe, Healthy & Absolutely Valid


Formula is nutritionally complete — that’s why it’s so strictly regulated in the UK.


Safety Essentials


  • Prep bottles with water boiled & cooled for no more than 30 minutes

  • Use a sterilised bottle

  • Make each feed fresh (no pre-made bottles unless official ready-made formula)

  • Room temperature or warm is fine — follow your baby’s lead

There is no shame in formula feeding. You are feeding your baby — that’s the headline.


Combination Feeding: Increasingly Popular


Lots of families mix breast and bottle for flexibility, mental wellbeing or practical reasons.

It’s absolutely doable with:


  • Responsive pacing

  • Consistent latch support

  • Gradual introduction of bottles

  • Awareness of potential nipple confusion (varies baby to baby)


Combination feeding doesn’t mean you’re “half doing it.”It means you're meeting your baby’s needs in a way that works for your life.


3–6 MONTHS — FINDING YOUR RHYTHM


More Predictable Feeding Patterns

Baby’s stomach grows. Feeds may space out. You might see the beginnings of a rhythm —not a schedule, just… predictability.


Cluster Feeding Still Happens

Especially during growth spurts (hello, 12 weeks).


Expressing?

Great for flexibility. Just remember:

  • Pumping output isn’t a measure of your worth

  • Everyone’s supply behaves differently

  • You can combo feed and express — it’s not an either/or


6–12 MONTHS — SOLIDS + MILK:

THE DOUBLE ACT


Solids complement milk, not replace it.


NHS Guideline

Start solids at around 6 months, when your baby shows all three signs:


  • Sitting up with minimal support

  • Good head control

  • Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex


How Much Milk?


Most babies still take:

  • Breast on demand

  • Or approx. 500–600ml formula per day


Milk remains a major source of calories until 12 months.


Introducing Allergens (Evidence-Based & Safe)


Ground peanuts, cooked egg, gluten, dairy, fish — all can be introduced early and gradually (from 6 months), following NHS guidance.


Never introduce allergens when baby is sick or overtired.


Common Feeding Challenges (Totally Normal)


Reflux

Messy? Yes. Harmful? Usually no. Speak to your GP if baby:


  • Isn’t gaining weight

  • Seems in pain

  • Is projectile vomiting


Gassy Babies

Try paced feeding, upright positions and burping halfway through feeds.


Fussy Bottle Drinkers

Test nipple/teat flow

Test temperature

Try paced feeding

Try different timings (tired babies often refuse)


Distracted Feeding

Around 4–6 months babies become nosy café critics. A calm environment helps.


Local Support (Farnborough & Surrounding Areas)


🍼 Frimley Health Infant Feeding Team

Breastfeeding clinics, drop-ins, 1:1 support.

🍼 Royal Surrey Infant Feeding Specialists

Known for evidence-based support and excellent continuity.

🍼 Hampshire Healthy Families / Surrey Family Centres

Breastfeeding cafes, weaning workshops, drop-in clinics.

🍼 La Leche League (Farnham & Guildford Groups)

Peer-to-peer breastfeeding support.

🍼 Tongue-Tie Services

Private and NHS options across Hampshire & Surrey — referral usually via HV or GP.

🍼 Local Community Groups


North Hampshire mums’ groups, Surrey baby hubs, baby stay-and-play sessions.

Support exists. Use it. You deserve it.


In Short


Feeding in the first year is not linear — it’s layered, emotional, sometimes messy and always personal. There is no “right” way to feed. There is only the way that works for your baby, your body, and your wellbeing.

You’re feeding your baby with intention, care and responsiveness. That’s enough. More than enough.


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