Common Worries

• Can I Overfeed my Baby?

  It is possible to overfeed a formula fed baby. Some babies will naturally drink more than their tummy is comfortable with.

  The how to bottle feed page will help you understand more about their feeding cues. If you allow your baby to end the feed themselves they are less likely to overfeed.

  If your baby drinks more than their tummy can hold, they may bring some milk back up or appear uncomfortable and unsettled after the feed. If you are worried that your baby is not settling after a feed please call Just One Number to speak to a member of our skilled team.

• Has my Baby Got an Allergy?

  If you are worried that your baby has an allergy or sensitivity to their formula feed please call Just One Number to speak to a member of our team.

  It is important to discuss your baby's symptoms with a health professional, as they may not be due to an allergy and it is not advised to change a babies first formula without seeking medical advice first.

  The team will be able to talk with you about your baby's feeding and help your decide if you need to see a GP.

  The NHS has more information you can read if you are concerned that your baby may be allergic to cow's milk.

• My Baby is Sick After Feeds

  It is not unusual for babies to 'posset' or burp up some milk after a feed. This will be a small amount of milk that looks like curds.

  Sometimes babies will bring up more milk but if they are growing well and having wet and dirty nappies this is something they will usually grow out of by the age of one.

  If your baby is very distressed after vomiting, vomits large amounts that are projectile (shoots out violently) or seems not to be able to keep a feed down, please see your GP urgently or call 111.

  Read more about reflux in babies. 

• My Baby Has Lots of Wind

  When bottle feeding your baby, the flow of milk from the teat may make your baby gulp air between swallows.

  You can help to reduce wind by keeping your baby as upright as possible when you give them their bottle. Tilt the bottle enough for the milk to completely cover the teat hole.

  Burp your baby during and after feeds. Laying them face down across your legs and patting and rubbing their back can help babies who struggle to burp.

  Read more about burping your baby

• My Baby Has Oral Thrush

  Oral Thrush in formula fed babies is often caused by a bottle teat or dummy which has come into contact with a bacteria called candida.

  It can look like white patches on the lips, tongue or inside of the cheek. Speak to your GP if you suspect your child has oral thrush.

  Read more about oral thrush

• Is my Baby Constipated?

  Constipation is rare in babies who are solely breastfed, but can be more common in babies having formula or solid foods.

  Babies often appear to be straining when opening their bowels, going red in the face and making grunting noises. If the poo is soft and normal colour they are not constipated.

  Please see the chart on our constipation page for what normal poo should look like and when there might be a problem.

  Please call Just One Number if you would like advice around your baby's pooing. If you see blood in their stool or nappy after they have pooed, please call 111 for advice.