Feeding your baby is one of the most important, and sometimes most stressful, parts of parenting. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or moving on to solids, the first year can bring plenty of challenges. The good news? You’re not alone, and most feeding hurdles are completely normal.
Here are 5 of the most common feeding challenges parents face in the first year, plus gentle tips to make mealtimes calmer for both you and your little one.
1. Latching Difficulties
Some newborns struggle to latch properly, which can make feeding painful for mum and frustrating for baby.
💡 Tip: Don’t hesitate to seek help from a midwife, health visitor, or lactation consultant. Sometimes a small adjustment in position makes all the difference. Patience and practice are key.
2. Reflux and Spit-Up
Many babies bring milk back up after feeds. While messy, reflux is often harmless, but it can make feeding sessions stressful.
💡 Tip: Keep your baby upright during and after feeds, and offer smaller, more frequent feeds. Make sure their cot or cot bed mattress is kept flat for safe sleep. If reflux seems severe, check in with your GP.
3. Fussiness or Refusing the Bottle
Some babies happily switch between breast and bottle, while others put up a fight. Refusals can also happen when trying to introduce formula or expressed milk.
💡 Tip: Experiment with different bottle teats that mimic the breast, and try feeding when your baby is calm but hungry. Sometimes a different caregiver offering the bottle can help.
4. Introducing Solids (Weaning Worries)
Around 6 months, most babies start their weaning journey. Some take to food instantly, while others refuse spoons, textures, or new flavours.
💡 Tip: Start slow with simple, single-ingredient foods. Offer the same new food several times before moving on, it can take 8–10 tries before a baby accepts something new! Keep mealtimes relaxed and fun.
5. Food Mess and Mealtime Chaos
From spitting purées to flinging finger foods, mealtime mess is part of the journey, but it can feel overwhelming.
💡 Tip: Embrace the mess as part of learning. Use a wipe-clean highchair, easy bibs, and keep plenty of muslin cloths nearby. Over time, your little one will develop coordination and calmer mealtimes will follow.
Final Thoughts
Feeding challenges are a normal part of your baby’s development. Every child’s journey is different, and what feels tricky now will soon become a distant memory.
At KUB, we design nursery furniture with parents in mind — from supportive rocking chairs that make feeding more comfortable, to sturdy storage solutions for bottles, bibs, and baby essentials. Because when you’re comfortable and organised, feeding becomes a little easier.