If your bub is having a hard time with bottles, cups, or any new way of feeding, take a breath. It’s a journey—one that many parents find a little bumpy, but also full of sweet discoveries and tiny victories along the way. So, how do you go from a frustrated feeding time to a peaceful, playful experience? Let’s explore some tips to help your little one get comfy with new feeding vessels (and let’s do it with as little stress as possible).
And remember, if you ever feel unsure or overwhelmed, it’s always appropriate to reach out for support. You know your baby best, and seeking guidance is a sign of strength and care.
The Feeding Journey: A Roadmap with Baby Steps
Every parent dreams of those blissful mealtimes where their baby happily drinks or eats from anything, anywhere. But in reality, sometimes bubs are more like tiny food critics than easygoing foodies. And that’s okay! Every baby is unique and has their own timeline. When they resist a new bottle, cup, or spoon, it can feel like a roadblock. But it's more like a detour—a chance to discover new ways to approach feeding and build their comfort at their own pace.
Here are some easy, low-pressure ways to make feeding fun, pressure-free, and supportive for your little one.
1. Give It a Break and Hit “Reset”
Sometimes, taking a step back is exactly what’s needed. If your baby isn’t taking to a bottle or a particular cup, give it a break for a week or two. A little pause can help reset any strong associations they've built up around that particular way of feeding.
Think of it like taking a break from a puzzle that’s got you stumped—when you come back, there’s a fresh perspective. After a little reset, try reintroducing the bottle or cup they’re most okay with. Stick to the same one for a while, so it feels familiar and less like a brand-new stranger every time they see it.
2. Bring Bottles into PlaytimeWho says bottles have to be about feeding right away? Make it a fun, playful experience. Let bub explore the bottle during bath time, playtime, or whenever they're relaxed and content. No milk, no pressure—just a new toy to discover.
If your little one’s ready for more, you can dip the teat in milk, adding a new layer of curiosity. It’s like giving a sneak preview of what’s to come, one playful moment at a time.
3. Tiny Sips, Zero PressureRemember, it’s not a chugging contest. Try offering just a tiny amount of liquid—be it water, breastmilk, or formula. Even 1 mL is a win! The goal isn’t to fill their tummy just yet; it’s to help them get comfy with this new way of drinking.
This is all about exploration. It’s like letting them dip their toes in the water before diving in—it helps them get used to the idea without overwhelming them.
4. Mix It Up: Open Cups and StrawsIf bottles aren't their thing, you could try introducing something different, like an open cup or a straw cup without a valve. And here’s where you get to be creative! Mix up a smoothie with their favourite flavours (and maybe a touch of breast milk), and let them have a taste.
Think of it like a little smoothie party. You can dip a straw into the smoothie, then gently place it in their mouth for them to suck up. Or, sip up a bit yourself and let them try it out. It’s all about finding the fun in trying new things—pressure-free and full of curiosity.
Babies explore the world through their mouths—it’s their way of learning, discovering, and understanding new things. So why not let them mouth toys or spoons during playtime? Start with things that aren’t associated with feeding. Once they’re having fun mouthing those, start dipping them in a tiny bit of yoghurt, milk, or a new dip during mealtime.
This isn’t about getting them to eat a whole spoonful; it’s just about introducing new textures and tastes in a playful, tiny-speck-at-a-time way.
6. Build Positive AssociationsFeeding should be fun, happy, and pressure-free. And sometimes, a single sip or a little taste can feel like climbing Mount Everest—it’s a huge win! Celebrate those little moments. The goal is to build positive, pressure-free pathways that help your baby explore the world of food and drinks with confidence.
When bub feels safe and in control, they’re more likely to approach new foods and drinks with curiosity, rather than resistance.
7. Explore Mouth Feel with Hard Munchables
First, let's clarify the history of the Hard Munchable.
Hard Munchables is a “name” made up by SOS that describes a texture of food specifically used to help children explore textures in their mouths using a single visual and tactile input, and to assist with a child gaining volitional control over the transverse tongue reflex. A Hard Munchable is a long, hard, stick shaped food. This food should be long enough for the children to fully hold one end in their hand and get the other end down the side of the mouth, all the way to the back molar ideally. This food needs to be hard enough that the child cannot easily get a bite off it, even if they have some teeth. This food also need to be small enough that the child can get it into their mouth, and ideally place it down the side of the mouth. You can read all about this and more at the SOS Approach to Feeding website.
Feeding isn’t just about flavours—it’s also about textures. To help your baby explore how different things feel in their mouth, you could offer hard munchables like a big raw carrot stick, a whole English cucumber, or leaf-free celery stick (always under supervision, of course). This gives your little one the chance to safely gnaw, chew, and learn about different sensations without the expectation of actually eating.
And if your bub is sensitive to tastes or smells, a silicone spoon with bumps or ridges might be a great option. It lets them explore new mouth-feels without overwhelming them with flavour. It’s all about taking baby steps—introducing textures first, then flavours when they’re ready.
8. The Right Posture Makes All the DifferenceEating and drinking are easier when you’re comfortable. To make feeding more supportive, aim for your baby to sit at a 90° angle at their hips, knees, feet, and back. Feet should be resting on a footrest or solid surface, providing that all-important stability. You can also use towels, cushions, or wedges to help with posture and keep them from slouching.
A solid table surface that’s between their belly button and chest level allows them to reach their food or cup easily and naturally. It’s all about making the mealtime experience as comfy and supportive as possible.
Every Sip Is a Step Forward
Feeding is more than just nutrition—it's a journey of exploration, learning, and connection. Whether it’s a bottle, cup, straw, or spoon, introducing something new takes time, patience, and a whole lot of love. Some days your baby might dive right in; other days, they might refuse every sip. That’s okay. It’s all part of the process, and every tiny step forward is progress.
So, lean into the journey. Celebrate the wins (even the small ones), stay playful, and remember: it's not just about getting the food or drink down—it's about creating a positive, joyful experience for you and your baby, one sip at a time.
It’s All About Connection
Feeding is about more than just getting milk or food into your bub. It's about bonding, learning, and making memories together. There’s no one “right” way to do it, and every baby will have their own path to feeling comfortable and confident with new feeding experiences. Keep things low-pressure, make it playful, and remember—you’ve got this, one sip, one spoon, one little step at a time.
And as always, if you feel like you need extra support or guidance, reaching out is absolutely okay. You’re not alone on this journey, and finding the right support can make all the difference for both you and your baby.