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Feeding Your Baby

Breastfeeding, formula, hunger cues, and starting solids with confidence.

Step-by-step infographic showing how to achieve a deep latch: bring baby close, nipple to nose, wait for a wide open mouth, bring baby to the breast, check for a deep latch, and signs of effective feeding — How to achieve a deep latch — a step-by-step visual guide. If feeding hurts or baby isn't feeding well, speak to your midwife, lactation consultant, or health visitor.

1. Breastfeeding basics

Feed on demand in the early weeks — most newborns want 8–12 feeds per 24 hours.
A good latch is key: baby's mouth wide, lower lip flanged, chin touching the breast.
Let baby feed from one breast until soft, then offer the other.
Stay hydrated and eat regular meals; your body needs energy to make milk.

2. Before you latch

Get comfortable and support your back, shoulders and arms. Bring your baby to the breast rather than leaning forward.
Keep your baby close, with their head, neck and body in a straight line and their tummy facing your body.
Aim your baby's nose toward your nipple. This encourages them to open their mouth wide and take in a good amount of breast.

3. How to achieve a deep latch

Tickle or brush your nipple across your baby's upper lip and wait for a wide-open mouth.
Bring baby quickly and gently toward the breast, aiming the nipple toward the roof of the mouth.
Baby's chin should be close to the breast, with the nose free or lightly touching.
You should see more of the areola above the baby's upper lip than below it, although this can vary.
The baby's lips should be flanged outward and their cheeks should look rounded rather than dimpled.
A comfortable latch should feel like a strong tugging or pulling sensation rather than sharp or pinching pain.

4. Breastfeeding positions

There is no single 'correct' position — choose what is comfortable for you and keeps baby close, supported and aligned.
Cradle hold: baby lies across your front with their head supported in the crook of your arm — comfortable once you're both confident.
Cross-cradle hold: use the arm opposite the breast to support baby's neck and shoulders, giving more control while learning to latch.
Football / rugby hold: baby is tucked alongside your body under the arm on the same side — useful after some births or to keep pressure off the abdomen.
Side-lying: you and baby lie facing each other. For sleep, always follow safe-sleep guidance and return baby to their own safe sleep space after the feed.

5. Signs feeding is going well

You can hear or see regular swallowing once your milk is flowing.
Baby's jaw moves deeply and rhythmically rather than only making small sucking movements.
Baby appears relaxed during and after the feed and releases the breast naturally when finished.
Wet and dirty nappies and weight gain are appropriate for your baby's age and individual circumstances.

6. If the latch hurts

If feeding is painful, your nipple looks pinched or misshapen after a feed, or baby repeatedly slips off, gently break the suction with a clean finger and try again.
Ask for support if baby consistently struggles to latch, feeds are very painful, you're worried about milk supply, or there aren't enough wet nappies.
Persistent pain or concerns about milk transfer or weight gain should be discussed with a midwife, health visitor, lactation consultant or doctor — early support makes a big difference.

7. Formula feeding

Follow the powder-to-water ratio on the tin exactly — never dilute or concentrate formula.
Use freshly boiled water that has cooled for no more than 30 minutes for babies under 3 months.
Discard any formula left in the bottle after one hour at room temperature.
Sterilise bottles and teats until your baby is at least 12 months old.

8. Hunger & fullness cues

Early hunger: stirring, opening mouth, rooting, bringing hands to mouth.
Late hunger: crying, agitated body movements. Try to feed before this stage.
Fullness signs: slowing down, turning away, sealing lips, pushing the bottle away.

9. Starting solids

Most babies are ready around 6 months when they can sit upright and show interest in food.
Start with single-ingredient purees or soft finger foods like steamed vegetables.
Introduce common allergens (peanut, egg, dairy, wheat) one at a time in tiny amounts.
Continue milk feeds alongside solids; food is complementary until 12 months.

When in doubt, ask a professional

This guide is for general information only. If you're worried about your baby's health or feeding, speak with your GP, health visitor, or paediatrician.