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spoon feeding a newborn baby breastmilk
By Marley Henry · 17 September 2025
Spoon feeding is a gentle way to give a newborn small amounts of expressed colostrum or breastmilk, especially in the first few days if your baby is sleepy, finding it hard to latch, or needs a little extra while feeding gets established. It avoids introducing a teat and lets your baby take the milk at their own pace.
How to spoon feed your baby
- Wash your hands and use a clean, sterilised teaspoon or a small feeding cup.
- Hold your baby upright or semi-upright, well supported, never lying flat.
- Put a small amount of milk on the tip of the spoon.
- Rest the spoon gently on your baby's lower lip and tip it just enough for the milk to reach their lips.
- Let your baby lap or sip the milk themselves. Never pour milk into their mouth.
- Go slowly, pause often and watch for signs they have had enough, such as turning away or closing their mouth.
Colostrum comes in small amounts, often just a few drops to a teaspoon at a time, and that is exactly what a newborn's tiny stomach needs.
If your baby is struggling to feed, isn't having wet and dirty nappies, or you are worried, speak to your midwife, health visitor or infant feeding team.
