Feeding questions to bring to your healthcare professional

Every baby is different, and feeding questions are among the most common at check-ups. Your doctor, midwife, pharmacist or health visitor knows your baby and is the right person to guide feeding decisions.

Spitting up

Bringing up small amounts of milk after feeds is very common in the first months and usually improves as babies grow. Ask for advice if your baby vomits forcefully, seems in pain, refuses feeds, isn’t gaining weight, or if the vomit is green or contains blood.

Tummy troubles

Wind, fussiness and changes in stools are part of normal infancy. Persistent diarrhoea, a swollen tummy, rash, or ongoing distress after feeds may need a professional assessment — symptoms of lactose intolerance and cow’s milk protein allergy can look similar but need different approaches.

Choosing and changing formula

If your baby needs formula, choose it with your healthcare professional. Special formulas — for example for reflux or lactose intolerance — are designed for specific needs and should be used on professional advice. Avoid switching formulas frequently without guidance.

Always seek urgent help if…

Your baby has fewer wet nappies, is unusually sleepy or floppy, has a high temperature, or you are worried for any reason. Trust your instincts.