Common Baby Feeding Challenges (And How to Overcome Them)

If you’ve ever felt like mealtimes are more mayhem than magic, you’re not alone. Feeding a baby between 6–18 months can be filled with unexpected twists—some days they’re ravenous, other days they act like you’ve served them cardboard. Whether your baby is suddenly refusing the bottle, spitting out solids, or you’re dealing with sore wrists from endless feeds, know this: these challenges are normal, and they do get easier.

At Pigeon, many of us are parents too, and we understand how overwhelming this phase can feel. That’s why we design feeding solutions with real families in mind—and why we’re here to offer a little support (and a lot of encouragement) as you navigate it all.

Baby Refusing the Bottle?

You’ve warmed the milk just right, you’re in your go-to quiet corner… and your baby still refuses the bottle. It’s frustrating—and confusing. But it’s also common.

Some of the most frequent causes of bottle refusal include:

- Teething or sore gums

- Distraction (hello, curiosity phase!)

- Changes in routine or caregiver

- Growth spurts or developmental shifts

- Nipple confusion if switching between breast and bottle

What can help bottle refusal?

- Try feeding in a dim, calm environment with minimal distraction

- Check the teat flow—too fast or too slow can throw them off

- Stick to a predictable schedule where possible- Experiment with different bottle temperatures

Our Pigeon baby bottles are specially designed to mimic the breast, with a soft silicone nipple and anti-colic system to make transitions smoother for bub—and life easier for you. The teat sizes grow with your baby, so you can adjust the flow rate as they grow.

As reviewed by one of our lovely parents: 

“When I use Pigeon teats, I never use any brand again... It helps my baby drink without the air and colic problem.”

Wrist Strain From Bottle Feeding?

One of the less talked about side effects of feeding a baby multiple times a day? Sore wrists. Many parents experience wrist and forearm pain from holding bottles in repetitive positions—especially as the baby grows heavier.

What can help wrist pain while bottle feeding?

- Switch arms regularly during feeds

- Do gentle wrist and forearm stretches between feeds

- Use an ergonomically designed bottle that reduces wrist tension

The Pigeon Curved Baby Bottle was created with your comfort in mind. Its unique shape supports a natural feeding position and helps take pressure off your wrist and arm, making those long days (and nights) a bit easier to manage. Read more about our New Curved Bottle range for more details. 

Trouble With Solids and Early Weaning Frustrations?

Some babies dive into solids with enthusiasm; others... not so much. If your baby is spitting out food or turning their head away during spoon feeds, it’s okay. Feeding is a whole new world, and it can take time to adjust.

What can help with weaning to solids?

- Firstly, consider if your baby is ready for solids. Our friends over at Boob to Food have a few ques to help you understand if bub is actually ready to take the leap. While interest in food might appear as early as 4 months, it's crucial to consider other readiness indicators to ensure safety and proper development, including:

- Sitting Unassisted
Your baby should be able to sit upright without support. This posture indicates sufficient core strength and reduces the risk of choking, as it ensures the airway remains open during feeding.

- Good Head and Neck Control
Strong head and neck muscles allow your baby to turn their head to signal fullness or interest, and maintain a safe position while eating.

- Loss of Tongue Thrust Reflex
The tongue thrust reflex, which causes babies to push food out of their mouths, should diminish. Its absence indicates readiness to handle solids without automatically expelling them.

- Interest in Food
While curiosity about food is a positive sign, it should be considered alongside other developmental milestones. Babies may show interest in food early on, but this alone doesn't confirm readiness for solids.

- Ability to Reach for and Grasp Objects
Your baby should be able to reach out and grasp food or utensils, indicating the development of fine motor skills necessary for self-feeding.

It's essential to wait until all these signs are present before introducing solids, typically around 6 months of age. Starting too early can pose risks, including choking and digestive issues.

Other ways to help with early weaning frustrations include;

- Offer solids slowly and consistently—repetition helps

- Let baby self-feed with soft finger foods to build confidence

- Keep mealtimes calm and pressure-free

Above all, trust your instincts and follow your baby’s cues. Each child will develop at their own pace.

How to Balance Bottles & New Routines?

Knowing when and how to wean off the bottle can feel like a guessing game—but experts agree it’s best to begin around 12 months and aim for a full transition by 18 months. NSW Health even recommends stopping bottle feeds at 12 months to protect dental health. We understand as parents how comforting a familiar feeding routine can be—especially when it helps your little one settle for sleep—so the idea of change can feel daunting. The good news is that a gradual approach not only makes the process smoother for your baby, it’s also kinder to you.

Tips to support the transition:

- Replace one bottle a day with a cup (start with a daytime feed)
- Offer milk in a straw or sippy cup with meals
- Praise your baby for trying the cup—positive reinforcement goes a long way
- Save night feeds for last, as they’re often the most emotionally comforting

Our Pigeon Step-Up Straw Bottle Set is designed to make this phase feel less daunting. It helps bridge the gap between bottle and cup, with baby-friendly features that support grip, posture, and self-feeding. For more in-depth weaning tips, check out our Baby Bottle Weaning Guide.

Feeding challenges are tough, especially when you’re trying everything and still facing resistance. But these bumps in the road are just that—bumps, not roadblocks.

With time, patience, and a bit of trial and error, most feeding issues resolve naturally. Trust that you know your baby best, and don’t be afraid to adapt the “rules” to fit your family.