Slow Down, Little One: Feeding Is Not a Race

In today’s world, everything feels rushed. Milestones are tracked, compared, and sometimes pushed—often with the best intentions. Feeding is no exception. Many parents feel pressure to start solids early, as if eating is something a baby must keep up with rather than grow into.

But feeding is not a race.
And every little one is beautifully unique.

For the first six months of life, breast milk (or formula when needed) is not just enough—it is perfectly designed. It supports growth, immunity, brain development, and the rhythmic coordination babies are still mastering. During this time, babies are learning how to regulate, connect, and feel safe in their bodies. Feeding is as much about comfort and connection as it is about nutrition.

Readiness for solids isn’t about age alone—it’s about development. When we push before a baby is truly ready, we can unintentionally create stress around eating—something that may linger far longer than we expect.

SLP Insight: What “Readiness” Really Looks Like

From a feeding and swallowing perspective, signs a baby may be ready for solids often include:

• Good head and trunk control while sitting with support

• Ability to bring hands or toys to mouth with ease

• Interest in watching others eat without distress

• Emerging oral coordination (tongue, lips, jaw working together)

• Comfort with different sensations around the mouth

If these skills aren’t quite there yet, that’s okay.
Milk feeds continue to provide complete nutrition while these abilities naturally develop.

A Note for Medically Complex Families

For families navigating prematurity, tube feeding, cardiac or respiratory concerns, genetic conditions, or a history of aspiration or oral aversion—feeding may already feel heavy. You may feel pressure from all sides to “move things along,” even when your instincts say your child needs more time.

Please know this:
Going slow is not falling behind.

Milk feeding—whether by breast, bottle, tube, or a combination—can be a powerful way to build safety, trust, and regulation. These moments matter. They lay the foundation for future feeding success far more than rushing textures or volumes ever could.

Your child’s feeding journey may look different—and that difference deserves respect, patience, and compassion.

You are not late.
You are not doing it wrong.
You are meeting your child exactly where they are.

Life will move fast soon enough.
Schedules will fill. Plates will crowd. Expectations will grow.

But these early feeding moments? They are fleeting.
They are soft. They are sacred.

There is no need to rush through them.

Because babies don’t need to hurry—
and neither do we.