Becoming a parent comes with countless questions, and feeding is often at the top of the list. How often should a newborn eat? When should solids be introduced? What feeding essentials do you actually need?
Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle feeding, introducing purees, or navigating toddler mealtimes, understanding your baby's changing needs can make feeding easier and more enjoyable.
At Kicks & Crawl, we believe feeding is about more tha nutrition, it's a time for comfort, connection, and growth. Here's a simple guide to your baby's feeding journey from birth to 2 years.
Stage 1: Feeding Your Newborn (0–6 Months)
For the first six months, breast milk, formula, or a combination of both provides all the nutrition your baby needs.
How Often Should a Newborn Feed?
Most newborns feed every 2–3 hours, or around 8–12 times in 24 hours. Rather than relying only on the clock, watch for hunger cues such as:
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Sucking on hands or fingers
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Smacking lips
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Rooting towards the breast or bottle
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Becoming more alert or restless
Feeding Essentials for Newborns
A few essentials can make feeding easier:
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Baby feeding bottles with slow-flow nipples
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Soft baby burp cloths for spit-ups
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Gentle baby wash cloths for quick clean-ups
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Soft bibs for babies to keep clothes dry
Signs Your Baby Is Full
Your baby may be full when they:
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Turn away from the bottle or breast
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Slow down sucking
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Relax their body and hands
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Fall asleep after feeding
Stage 2: Introducing Solids (6–8 Months)
Around 6 months, many babies are ready to start solids alongside breast milk or formula.
Signs of Readiness
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Good head and neck control
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Sitting with support
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Interest in food
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Reaching for food during meals
First Foods for Babies
Start with simple purees such as:
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Sweet potato
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Pumpkin
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Avocado
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Pear
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Apple
Spoon Feeder Bottles
Spoon feeder bottles can make introducing purees easier by reducing spills and helping babies transition from milk to solids.
Don't forget soft bibs with catch pockets—they can save a lot of clean-up time during this messy stage.
Stage 3: Exploring Textures & Self-Feeding (8–12 Months)
As babies become more confident eaters, they can begin exploring new textures and practicing self-feeding.
Foods may include:
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Soft fruits
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Mashed vegetables
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Yogurt
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Scrambled eggs
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Soft pasta
Silicone Mealtime Sets
From around 8–9 months, silicone feeding sets can encourage independent eating. Look for:
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Suction bowls and plates
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Training spoons
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Baby-safe cups
Keep baby wash cloths and bibs nearby—self-feeding can get wonderfully messy.
Stage 4: Family Meals & Toddler Feeding (12–24 Months)
By their first birthday, many toddlers can enjoy modified family meals.
Focus on offering:
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Fruits and vegetables
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Whole grains
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Protein-rich foods
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Dairy or suitable alternatives
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Plenty of water
Remember, toddlers' appetites can vary from day to day. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
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Feeding only by the clock
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Missing early hunger cues
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Overfeeding
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Skipping burping when needed
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Introducing solids too early
How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Eating Enough?
Signs include:
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Steady weight gain
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Regular wet diapers
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Active sucking and swallowing
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Healthy growth
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Alertness when awake
If you have concerns about feeding or growth, speak with your paediatrician.
Feeding Is a Journey
From first feeds to first bites and eventually independent meals, feeding evolves throughout your child's first two years.
With patience, responsive feeding, and the right essentials—from baby feeding bottles and burp cloths to spoon feeder bottles and silicone mealtime sets—you can create positive mealtime experiences that support your little one's growth and confidence.
At Kicks & Crawl, we're proud to support families through every stage of their feeding journey.