How to Build a Feeding Routine That Works in 2025

By Priya Elkins, Early Years Contributor | Baby & Toddler Column | Childcare Standards Council

Feeding your baby or toddler is one of the most important and at times, most challenging, parts of early parenting. Between growth spurts, changing sleep habits, and evolving tastes, finding a routine that suits your child and your family can feel overwhelming.

In 2025, with greater flexibility in childcare advice and a more holistic understanding of infant development, there’s a welcome shift away from rigid schedules and towards routines that are responsive, realistic, and family focused.

Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or offering solids, this guide will help you create a feeding routine that supports your child’s growth, respects your lifestyle, and evolves as they do.

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Why a Feeding Routine Matters

A feeding routine offers comfort and predictability, not just for your child, but for you too. Knowing when your baby typically eats can help structure your day, support sleep, and ease transitions like weaning or returning to work.

That said, a “routine” in the early months doesn’t mean a strict schedule. Instead, it’s about creating gentle rhythms that respond to your baby’s needs and fit your family’s daily life.

Understanding Feeding in 2025: A Responsive Approach

Health professionals across the UK now strongly support responsive feeding, that is, feeding your baby when they show signs of hunger rather than by the clock.

This approach:

• Builds trust between you and your baby

• Supports healthy weight gain and appetite regulation

• Encourages bonding and secure attachment

In 2025, responsive feeding continues to be encouraged for both breastfed and bottle fed babies, and can be carried into the toddler years during mealtimes.

Building a Feeding Routine by Age

Let’s look at how feeding routines typically evolve from birth through the toddler years:

0 to 6 Months: Milk, Sleep, and Cuddles

For the first six months, breast milk or formula provides everything your baby needs. Feeding is frequent, often every 2 to 4 hours, and irregular, especially in the early weeks. Try not to worry about a strict timetable; instead, look for hunger cues such as:

• Rooting (turning head towards the breast or bottle)

• Sucking on hands

• Lip smacking or fussing

Keep track of feeds with a simple app or notebook if you’re feeling unsure or if advised by your health visitor.

At this stage, “routines” are best seen as soft patterns. Over time, your baby may naturally settle into a rhythm of feeding, playing, and sleeping every few hours.

6 to 12 Months: Introducing Solids Alongside Milk

Around six months, most babies are ready to start solid foods while continuing their usual milk feeds. As solids are introduced, you can gradually build in three small meals a day alongside breast or bottle feeds.

A typical day might look like:

• Morning milk feed

• Breakfast (e.g. porridge, mashed banana)

• Mid morning milk feed or nap

• Lunch (e.g. soft veg, finger foods)

• Afternoon milk feed

• Dinner (e.g. soft cooked rice, lentils)

• Bedtime milk feed

Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t eat much at first ,the focus is on exploration, not quantity. Milk remains the primary source of nutrition until 12 months.

Offer water in an open or free flow cup at mealtimes once solids begin.

12 to 18 Months: Milk Becomes Complementary

As your toddler moves past their first birthday, solid foods take centre stage. Aim for:

• Three meals and 1 to 2 snacks per day

• One or two milk feeds, usually morning and bedtime

If your child is still breastfeeding, feeds may be more frequent, this is perfectly normal and can continue for as long as it suits both of you.

From 12 months, you can introduce full fat cow’s milk as a main drink if breastfeeding has stopped.

At this age, mealtimes can become more social. Sit together, eat the same foods where possible, and model healthy habits without pressure.

18 Months to 2 Years: Settling Into a Family Routine

Toddlers thrive on routine, but they also love to test boundaries! By this stage, most children are eating three meals and 1 to 2 snacks a day.

They may be:

• Drinking from an open cup or beaker

• Using a spoon or fingers to feed themselves

• Showing strong food preferences (and aversions!)

It’s normal for toddlers to have fluctuating appetites and go through fussy phases. Stick with regular mealtimes, offer a variety of foods, and avoid turning meals into battles.

Offer familiar favourites alongside new foods to reduce mealtime stress.

Balancing Routine with Flexibility

In 2025, parents are encouraged to strike a balance, offering structure while remaining flexible to their child’s cues.

Here’s how:

• Watch your child, not the clock:  hunger and fullness cues are more reliable than a schedule

• Build in flexibility: babies go through growth spurts, teething, illness, and developmental leaps that can all affect appetite

• Prioritise consistency over strict timing: regular mealtimes and wind down routines are more helpful than rigid schedules

Common Questions in 2025

How do I transition from breast or bottle to a routine with meals?

Start slowly. Introduce meals at a time of day when your baby is alert and content. Gradually shift milk feeds to before or after meals depending on appetite.

What if my baby refuses to eat at mealtimes?

That’s okay. Don’t pressure or force them. Offer food, stay calm, and try again at the next mealtime. It’s common for toddlers to skip a meal occasionally.

Can I still follow a routine if I work or use childcare?

Yes. Work with your childcare provider to create a shared routine. Most nurseries and childminders follow age appropriate feeding schedules and will happily coordinate with your home routine.

Helpful Tools and Resources (2025 Edition)

Parents now have access to a range of resources to support feeding routines:

• NHS Start for Life app: offers age specific feeding guidance and meal ideas

• Childcare Standards Council’s Early Years Hub: practical weaning and feeding resources for families and providers

• Online weaning workshops and toddler nutrition courses

• Digital meal planners to help balance nutrition and structure throughout the week

Final Thoughts

There’s no one size fits all approach to building a feeding routine, but the key principles remain the same: be responsive, be flexible, and be kind to yourself. Routines will naturally shift as your child grows, and it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly every day.

Whether you’re at the start of your weaning journey or managing a spirited toddler with opinions about toast, you’re doing a brilliant job. Trust your instincts, follow your child’s lead, and lean on support when you need it.

Feeding is more than just nourishment, it’s connection, learning, and love in every bite.