If you’re a new parent, chances are you’ve Googled something like “How often should my baby eat?” or “Why is my baby so gassy after feeding?” — probably at 2 a.m. while trying to burp a half-asleep newborn. You’re not alone.
Feeding your baby, whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or a mix of both, can feel surprisingly complicated at first. Everyone seems to have advice, and not all of it matches up. The truth? Every baby is different, and every parent learns through trial and error.
But there are some common feeding mistakes most new parents make — and the good news is, they’re easy to fix once you know what to look for. Here are 7 baby feeding mistakes (and how to avoid them), plus a few helpful tips — and products — to make feeding time smoother for everyone.
1. Waiting Too Long to Feed (Ignoring Hunger Cues)
One of the biggest misconceptions new parents have is that babies should be fed on a strict schedule — every three hours, no exceptions. While structure can help later, newborns thrive on cue-based feeding, especially in those early months.
When you wait too long to feed, your baby may become overly hungry, which makes feeding more stressful. Crying is actually a late hunger cue — by then, your baby is frustrated and harder to calm.
Watch for Early Hunger Cues:
- Rooting (turning their head toward your chest or bottle)
- Sucking on hands or fingers
- Smacking lips
- Fidgeting or fussing
The fix? Try to feed before your baby cries. You’ll both enjoy calmer, more peaceful feedings — and less air swallowed from frantic sucking.
Twistshakeshop Tip: Keep a Twistshake Anti-Colic Bottle prepped and ready for on-demand feeds. Its design allows for quick assembly and even flow, reducing frustration for both you and your baby.
2. Overfeeding or Forcing Finishes
It’s easy to assume that finishing the bottle means a “successful” feeding — but that’s not always true. Babies have small stomachs and strong self-regulation instincts. Forcing them to finish a bottle (or an extra spoonful) can lead to discomfort, spitting up, or even early overeating habits later on.
The Fix: Follow Baby’s Cues
If your baby turns their head away, slows down, or starts playing with the nipple or spoon, they’re probably done. Trust those signals.
Smaller, more frequent feeds are perfectly fine — especially during growth spurts when patterns change from day to day.
Twistshakeshop Tip: The Twistshake Anti-Colic Bottle features a flow control design that prevents overfeeding by mimicking a natural pace, allowing your baby to suck and pause naturally.
3. Forgetting to Burp (Air Management Matters!)
We’ve all been there — the baby finally drifts off mid-feed, and you think, “Perfect, I’ll just let them sleep.” But skipping burping can lead to big trouble later: gas, fussiness, and spit-up marathons.
When babies feed (bottle or breast), they swallow air, and that air has to go somewhere. Without a proper burp, it stays trapped in their tiny tummies, making them uncomfortable.
Try These Burping Tricks:
- Over-the-shoulder method: Support baby’s bottom and gently pat their back.
- Seated position: Sit your baby upright on your lap, supporting their chest and chin, and pat gently.
- Belly-down across your knees: A soothing option for gassy babies.
Twistshakeshop Tip: The Twistshake Anti-Colic System is designed to reduce swallowed air thanks to its unique air valve and mixer net — meaning fewer bubbles, less gas, and happier tummies.
4. Using Only One Feeding Position
Just like adults, babies appreciate variety — and using only one feeding position can lead to uneven digestion, trapped air, or even ear discomfort.
Changing positions also helps you find what works best for your baby’s needs, whether you’re nursing or bottle feeding.
Try Rotating Between:
- Cradle hold: Great for closeness and comfort.
- Upright hold: Ideal for reflux-prone babies.
- Football hold: A good choice for moms recovering from C-sections.
- Side-lying hold: Perfect for relaxed evening feeds.
Twistshakeshop Tip: Because Twistshake bottles are lightweight and easy to grip, they’re ideal for any feeding position — and for when baby starts holding their own bottle.
5. Skipping Proper Cleaning and Sterilization
This one’s easy to overlook — especially when you’re exhausted and juggling five other things — but it’s so important.
Even small traces of milk residue can breed bacteria. And since newborn immune systems are still developing, proper sterilization is key to keeping them safe.
Cleaning Checklist:
- Wash bottles, nipples, and utensils in hot, soapy water after every use
- Sterilize daily (especially in the first 3 months)
- Let everything dry completely before reassembling
Twistshakeshop Tip: Twistshake bottles are designed for easy cleaning — wide openings and detachable parts mean no hidden spots where bacteria can linger. You can even pop them in the dishwasher (top rack!) for extra convenience.
6. Not Planning Feeds When Out and About
If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic or out shopping when your baby suddenly decides they must eat now, you know how stressful it can be.
Planning ahead saves you from the meltdown moments. Having clean bottles, pre-measured formula, or snacks ready makes outings much smoother (and way less chaotic).
Here’s How to Stay Prepared:
- Keep Twistshake Formula Containers stacked and filled — they’re compact and easy to pour
- Pack a Twistshake Insulated Bottle to keep milk warm or cold
- Bring a Twistshake Bib with Catcher for mess-free feeds anywhere
Twistshakeshop Tip: Always bring extra — one more serving of formula, one more bib, one more bottle. Canadian weather can turn quickly, and you never want to be stuck hungry in a snowstorm!
7. Ignoring Baby’s Natural Pace
Feeding isn’t a race — but it’s easy to accidentally rush. Maybe you’re trying to fit a feed in before an appointment or baby keeps falling asleep halfway through.
Rushing or interrupting baby’s natural rhythm can cause discomfort, swallowing too much air, or even refusal at the next feed.
The Fix: Paced Feeding
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, paced feeding encourages your baby to:
- Take natural pauses
- Control their intake
- Develop healthy eating habits
Hold the bottle horizontally so the nipple is only partially filled with milk. Let your baby suck, pause, and breathe. This mimics the flow of breastfeeding and reduces overfeeding.
Twistshakeshop Tip: Twistshake’s Anti-Colic Nipples come in different flow rates so you can match your baby’s pace perfectly. As your baby grows, simply switch to the next flow level — no need to replace the entire bottle.
How to Fix (and Avoid) These Feeding Mistakes
Now that you know the most common pitfalls, here’s how to set yourself — and your baby — up for feeding success:
1. Focus on Cues, Not the Clock
Your baby’s hunger cues will always tell you more than a feeding schedule ever could. Trust your instincts and your baby’s signals.
2. Keep Feedings Calm
Find a comfortable, quiet spot. Turn off screens, lower lights, and focus on connection.
3. Use the Right Gear
Choose bottles and feeding gear designed with your baby’s comfort in mind — anti-colic features, soft silicone nipples, and easy-to-clean parts make a world of difference.
4. Mix Textures Slowly
When introducing purees or solids down the road, go one texture at a time. Mixing too quickly can confuse your baby’s palate (and tummy).
Feeding your baby is one of the most intimate parts of parenting — and it’s also one of the trickiest to “get right.” But here’s the truth: there’s no perfect way to feed your baby.
What matters most is connection, responsiveness, and care. You’ll learn your baby’s patterns faster than you think. And with the right mindset (and the right gear), those feeding moments will become some of the sweetest, calmest parts of your day.
So take a deep breath, grab your Twistshake bottle, and know — you’ve got this.