What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Feeding My Baby

Feeding a newborn is often described as instinctive, but for many parents, it can be one of the most challenging parts of early parenthood. The image of a baby latching perfectly or peacefully taking a bottle rarely matches reality. Many babies struggle to feed well in the early weeks, and understanding why can make a world of difference — both for your baby’s health and for your own confidence and peace of mind.

This article explores some of the most common feeding problems, what they look like, what you can do at home, and when to seek professional advice.

Understanding Feeding Problems

Feeding difficulties in babies can manifest in many ways — from refusing to feed, to prolonged feeding sessions, or appearing distressed during or after feeding. They can arise for a variety of reasons: mechanical (such as a tongue-tie), digestive (such as reflux), or developmental (such as immature swallowing coordination).

While minor challenges are common and often resolve naturally, persistent issues should never be ignored. Feeding is not only how your baby grows — it’s also how they feel comforted and connected to you.

Tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia)

What it is

Tongue-tie occurs when the strip of skin (the frenulum) under a baby’s tongue is shorter or tighter than usual. This can limit the movement of the tongue, making it difficult for a baby to latch properly, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

Signs to look for

• Clicking or smacking sounds while feeding
  
• Dribbling milk, poor weight gain, or very long feeds
  
• Cracked or sore nipples (if breastfeeding)
  
• A visibly short or heart-shaped tongue tip

What you can do

If you suspect tongue-tie, contact your midwife, health visitor or GP. They may refer you to a lactation consultant or infant feeding specialist. Diagnosis is straightforward, and in some cases, a minor procedure called a frenulotomy can quickly resolve the issue. The NHS provides tongue-tie assessment and treatment services in many areas.

In the meantime, adjusting positioning, using a nipple shield, or trying paced-bottle techniques can reduce discomfort and improve feeding efficiency.

Seeking support and assessment from paediatric Chiropractors and Osteopaths can also be very helpful. Often struggling babies have structural imbalances as the result of the birth process which affects their feeding, latching and other crying behaviours. The right treatment will support and help these babies.

➡️ Learn more on the NHS page about tongue-tie and feeding.

Reflux (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux)

What it is

Reflux happens when milk travels back up from the stomach into the oesophagus. Nearly half of all babies experience some degree of reflux in the first few months of life, often peaking around eight weeks and improving by one year.

For most babies, it’s harmless — but when reflux causes pain, poor weight gain, or disrupted feeding, it becomes gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Signs to look for

• Frequent vomiting or regurgitation
  
• Arching the back or crying during feeds
  
• Refusing to feed or taking only small amounts
  
• Coughing, hiccups or gulping noises

What you can do

Try feeding your baby upright, and keep them in a semi-upright position for 20–30 minutes afterwards. Smaller, more frequent feeds may also help. Burping regularly during feeds can reduce discomfort from swallowed air.

If symptoms persist — especially if there’s blood in the vomit, poor weight gain, or difficulty breathing — seek medical advice. Your GP might recommend further evaluation or prescribe medication to reduce stomach acid.

➡️ Information based on BMJ Best Practice. Gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants. 2024.

Colic and Digestive Discomfort

What it is

Colic refers to excessive, unexplained crying in otherwise healthy babies, typically starting at 2–3 weeks of age and resolving by around 3–4 months. The cause isn’t fully understood, but immature digestion, gas, or heightened sensitivity to stimulation are thought to play a role.

Signs to look for

• Long bouts of crying, often in the evening
  
• Clenched fists, red face, and knees drawn to the tummy
  
• Difficulty settling despite feeding and cuddling

What you can do

Colic is not your fault, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Try gentle rocking, white noise, or baby massage to comfort your baby. Keeping a diary of feeding patterns and crying episodes can help you and your health visitor spot triggers.

If your baby seems inconsolable, has a fever, vomits persistently, or passes blood in the stool, seek immediate medical attention to rule out other conditions.Some parents find that calming aids, such as the Qudo Calmer, can help reduce sensory overstimulation and support soothing routines, though these are best used alongside professional guidance.

Swallowing and Coordination Difficulties

What it is

A small number of babies have oral-motor or neurological issues that affect how they coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. These can make feeding slow, tiring, or unsafe if milk enters the airway.

Signs to look for

• Coughing, choking, or blue-tinged lips during feeds
  
• Gurgling, wet-sounding breathing
  
• Difficulty staying awake to feed
  
• Very long feeding sessions with limited intake

What you can do

If you observe any of these signs, stop the feed and seek urgent medical advice. Babies with swallowing problems may need assessment by a speech and language therapist (SLT) specialising in feeding and swallowing.

While waiting for an appointment, ensure your baby is fed in an upright position and monitor for any signs of distress or dehydration.

Poor Feeding or Feeding Refusal

What it is

Sometimes a baby simply doesn’t seem interested in feeding, or feeds poorly over several sessions. This may be due to temporary causes (such as illness or teething), or more serious conditions affecting the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, or metabolism.

Signs to look for

• Weak sucking, slow feeding, or short feeds
  
• Fewer wet nappies than usual
  
• Weight loss or failure to gain weight
  
• Appearing lethargic or unusually sleepy

What you can do

Offer feeds in a quiet, low-stimulation environment. Skin-to-skin contact can help trigger feeding reflexes. If bottle-feeding, try different teat sizes or flow rates. If breastfeeding, a lactation consultant can check your baby’s latch and positioning.

If poor feeding persists for more than 24 hours, or you notice dry lips, reduced urine output, or persistent vomiting, contact your GP or go to A&E.

When to Seek Help

It’s normal to have questions and worries about your baby’s feeding, but there are clear times when professional input is essential. Seek medical help if your baby:

• Consistently refuses to eat or drink
  
• Shows signs of dehydration (fewer than six wet nappies per day, dry mouth, sunken fontanelle)
  
• Struggles to breathe or swallow during feeds
  
• Vomits blood, or vomit is green or forceful
  
• Has not regained birth weight by two weeks, or shows poor growth thereafter

Your first point of contact is usually your midwife, health visitor, or GP. In complex cases, referrals may be made to paediatricians, lactation consultants, dietitians, or SLTs.

Supporting Yourself as a Parent

Feeding problems can take an emotional toll. It’s common to feel anxious, frustrated, or guilty — but these feelings are not a reflection of your ability as a parent. Feeding challenges are physiological, not personal.

Try to:

• Rest when you can; fatigue makes feeding sessions harder.
  
• Accept help with household tasks so you can focus on feeding and bonding.
  
• Speak openly with your partner, family, or health visitor about how you’re coping.
  
• Join local or online feeding support groups — hearing others’ experiences can be reassuring.

Remember, every baby is different. There’s no single “right way” to feed, only the way that works best for you and your child.

How Tools Like the Qudo Calmer Can Help

Babies with reflux, colic, or sensory sensitivity often struggle to regulate themselves during or after feeding. The Qudo Calmer, designed to soothe babies by gently reducing overstimulation, can be a useful addition to your feeding routine. By supporting calm, rhythmic sucking and breathing, it may help babies settle more easily between feeds.

While such tools can be beneficial, they work best as part of a holistic approach — one that includes proper feeding technique, responsive parenting, and professional guidance when needed.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your baby is a journey — sometimes smooth, sometimes unexpectedly complicated. Tongue-tie, reflux, colic, and other feeding challenges are far more common than many parents realise. Early recognition and support can make an enormous difference, preventing unnecessary distress for both baby and parent.

Trust your instincts: if something doesn’t feel right, ask for help. With patience, support, and the right advice, most feeding problems can be overcome, allowing feeding to become what it should be — a time of nourishment, connection, and calm.

More information can be found at – Johns Hopkins Medicine. Feeding Problems in Infants. 2024 and Centre for Paediatric Gastroenterology. Infant feeding difficulties: prevalence and management. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2023.

Why Does My Baby Cry So Much? 7 Common Reasons and What You Can Do

Bringing home a new baby is one of the most profound and emotional experiences of life. Alongside the joy, however, comes an enormous challenge: coping with crying. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my baby cry so much?” — you’re not alone. Every parent reaches moments of exhaustion and worry when their little one seems inconsolable. The good news is that frequent crying is common in infancy, and understanding the reasons behind it can help you respond with confidence and calm.

Crying is a baby’s primary way of communicating needs, discomforts, and emotions. While it can feel overwhelming, crying in itself is not a sign that anything is “wrong” with your baby or with you as a parent. Let’s look at seven of the most common reasons babies cry, explore practical solutions, and answer some of the questions parents ask most often.

1. Hunger

Perhaps the most obvious — and most frequent — reason babies cry is hunger. Newborns have tiny stomachs, and they need feeding little and often. In the early weeks, it’s not unusual for a baby to feed every 2–3 hours, sometimes even more frequently.

What to try tonight: Watch for early hunger cues such as rooting (turning the head and opening the mouth), sucking on fists, or restlessness before crying escalates. Feeding promptly when you see these signs can reduce distress for both you and your baby.

2. Tiredness

Overtired babies can be particularly challenging. Ironically, the more exhausted they become, the harder it is for them to settle into sleep.

What to try tonight: Look out for sleepy signs such as glazed eyes, yawning, or rubbing the face. Create a calm sleep environment with dim lighting and soft sounds, and try to catch the sleep window before overtiredness sets in.

3. Discomfort (Temperature, Nappy, or Clothing)

Sometimes the cause is simple: a wet nappy, an uncomfortable piece of clothing, or being too hot or too cold.

What to try tonight: Check your baby’s nappy, feel the back of their neck to gauge body temperature, and ensure clothing layers are appropriate for the room environment.

4. Colic

Colic refers to episodes of intense, unexplained crying, often in the late afternoon or evening. Babies with colic may clench their fists, arch their back, or pull their knees up to their tummy.

Research has shown that colic affects around 1 in 5 infants in the first months of life. Although it can be distressing for parents, colic usually improves by 3–4 months of age.

What to try tonight: Gentle rocking, tummy massage, or bicycle leg movements can sometimes help release trapped wind. Some parents find gentle singing, humming, or playing relaxing music or a warm bath soothing for their baby.

5. Reflux

Babies with reflux may cry due to discomfort from stomach acid travelling back up the oesophagus. They might spit up frequently, arch their back during feeds, or seem unsettled when lying flat.

What to try tonight: Hold your baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeds, and consider offering smaller, more frequent feeds. If you suspect reflux, speak with your GP or health visitor for further advice.

6. Overstimulation

The world is a busy, noisy place for a newborn. Too much stimulation — bright lights, loud sounds, or constant activity — can overwhelm babies, leaving them unsettled.

What to try tonight: Take your baby into a quieter, dimly lit room. Swaddling or holding them close in a sling can help reduce sensory overload and create a sense of security.

7. The Need for Comfort

Sometimes, babies simply want to suck, cuddle, or be held. For many, sucking is deeply soothing — even when they’re not hungry. This is why many mums tell us: “My baby will only settle when feeding”.

Is it normal for my baby to only settle when feeding?

Yes, this is very common. Babies are born with a strong sucking reflex, and for many, being at the breast provides comfort and reassurance in addition to nutrition. However, it can leave mums feeling drained, both physically and emotionally, when a baby wants to suck constantly between feeds.

This is where gentle comfort aids can help. Some parents choose dummies, while others prefer alternatives. The Qudo Calmer, for instance, is a specially designed comforter for babies who seek sucking for soothing. Unlike conventional dummies, it works differently: Qudo has carried out research to validate its design, showing that it can help babies settle between feeds without interfering with feeding itself. Many parents have reported that it helps reduce constant suckling at the breast, giving mums a much-needed break while still meeting their baby’s comfort needs.

How can I soothe a baby who won’t stop crying?

Every parent has faced this question at some point. Here are some gentle, practical ideas to try tonight:

• Hold and rock: Sometimes, simply being in your arms is enough. Try gentle rocking or a rhythmic sway.
• White noise: A low, steady sound (like a hairdryer or a white noise machine) can remind babies of the womb environment.
• Movement: A walk in the pram or a drive in the car can sometimes calm even the most unsettled baby.
• Skin-to-skin contact: Holding your baby against your bare chest helps regulate their heartbeat, breathing, and temperature.
• Offer a comfort aid: For babies who want to suck constantly, something like the Qudo Calmer can be a reassuring option.

Take a break: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to put your baby safely in their cot for a few minutes and step away to breathe. Reaching out to your partner, a friend, or family member can also help you recharge.

You Are Not Alone

Caring for a crying baby can feel incredibly isolating, but remember: you are not failing, and you are not alone. Crying is part of your baby’s development and communication. With time, you’ll come to understand your baby’s cues and rhythms more clearly.

Gentle strategies, patience, and support can make a huge difference. Whether it’s responding quickly to hunger cues, creating a calm sleep routine, trying comfort techniques, or making use of innovations like the Qudo Calmer, there are always small steps you can take tonight to bring relief for both you and your baby.

And remember — this stage doesn’t last forever. Your baby will grow, their crying will ease, and you’ll both find your rhythm. Until then, be kind to yourself, seek support when you need it, and know that countless other parents are walking the same journey right alongside you.

Meet Our Founder: The Unexpected Journey Behind the Qudo Calmer

 Why we do what we do — and the woman who started it all

“I wanted to be a marine biologist… but life had other plans.”

That’s how Nicky Bateman, founder of Qudo, often begins her story. A story that spans continents, disciplines, and thousands of babies — all of them her teachers.

Born in Nigeria and raised across the globe, Nicky always saw the world through a wide lens. From the moment she took to the water at 18 months old, something in her was drawn to nature, connection, and flow. But as she says, “Sometimes the detour becomes the destination.”

By her mid-forties, she wasn’t cataloguing coral reefs — she was treating crying, unsettled newborns in her chiropractic and cranio-sacral therapy clinic. And what she saw, over and over again, changed everything.

“After 25 years treating thousands of babies, I kept seeing the same struggles. Traditional soothers weren’t addressing the root cause – so I created one that does.”

In 2010, Nicky began the first work on what would one day become the Qudo Calmer— a calming, therapeutic tool designed not just to pacify, but to support babies. Babies with colic. With reflux. With feeding difficulties. Babies who, for reasons big and small, just couldn’t settle. Babies who cried a lot for no apparent reason and nothing else was helping them.

And most importantly, it wasn’t just the babies who transformed. It was entire families. Mums finally able to breathe. Dads able to hold their child without tears. That, Nicky says, is what kept her going through the hardest seasons.

“The babies always led the way — they showed us what worked, and what didn’t. And the universe always provides, often in the most unexpected ways.”

Qudo is grounded in Nicky’s global perspective and her whole baby, whole family approach. Her toolkit is unlike any other: science and spirituality, reiki, healing modalities and research, chiropractic care, craniosacral therapist and cross-cultural baby wisdom. In her words:

“Western medicine meets ancient wisdom. Every culture has baby widsom – I’ve studied them all and continue to learn.”

That blend — compassionate, curious, and deeply practical — is at the heart of every Qudo product.

Because when you treat a baby, you’re not just calming a cry. You’re supporting development, bonding, feeding, and family life. And that takes more than just a plug-it-in-and-hope kind of solution. It takes vision. Experience. And love.

The Qudo Calmer is the result of everything Nicky has learned across decades, countries, and healing disciplines. A small but powerful tool, created by a woman who never stopped listening — especially to the littlest voices.

Can I Use a Soother and Still Breastfeed? What the Latest Research Says

Dear thoughtful parent,

If you’ve ever worried that using a soother might interfere with your breastfeeding journey, you’re not alone. For years, well-meaning advice from hospitals, antenatal classes, or even friends has warned parents off soothers — especially in the early weeks. But what does the evidence actually say?

Well, the research is changing — and so is the guidance.

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 high-quality studies looked at whether pacifiers (soothers) affect breastfeeding success in both term and preterm babies. The findings? There’s no significant difference in breastfeeding success between babies who use a soother and those who don’t. In fact, the evidence quality was ranked moderate to high — giving parents more confidence to make the right choice for their baby.

And the news for preterm babies is even more striking: using a soother was linked with a 7-day shorter hospital stay and quicker transition to full oral feeding — helping those tiniest little fighters go home sooner.

So why the confusion?

Earlier observational studies suggested soothers might reduce breastfeeding success — but newer, better-designed randomised trials show that’s simply not the case. The conclusion? The decision to use a soother should lie with the caregiver, not outdated hospital policies.

How the Qudo Calmer is Different

If you’re looking for a natural, therapeutic way to comfort your baby, the Qudo Calmer might be exactly what you need. Backed by science, and developed with medical professionals from day one, it’s designed to do more than just soothe — it’s a tool that supports baby’s suck-swallow-breathe rhythm, re-balances babies’ (structural) strain patterns and the Cranial-Sacral Rhythm, and helps soothe their nervous system, all of which contribute to symptoms of colic, reflux, or feeding challenges .

“Since 2010, I haven’t worked alone,” says Qudo founder and chiropractor Nicky Bateman.“Every step of creating the Qudo involved fellow chiropractors, GPs, and specialists. It truly takes a village – not just to raise a child, but to create something that helps thousands of them.”

Whether it’s been shared at talks for the Academy of Physical Medicine , recommended by GPs, or quietly passed from one grateful parent to another, the Qudo Calmer is changing how we think about comfort.

“He had a spell of a few unsettled evenings, and the Qudo was like magic,” says one mum (and chiropractor herself). “He absolutely loved sucking on it — and if it popped out, he fussed until it was back in again!”

And as one Doctor dad reflects: “Textbooks don’t always match real life. Since becoming a parent, I recommend the Qudo to any families struggling with persistent crying or settling issues.”

So if you’re worried about your baby’s comfort, or unsure whether a soother might help — you’re not alone. And you’re not doing it wrong. You’re just finding what works for your baby.

Because with the right support, together we are stronger.

Dear Worn-Out Mum

If you’ve landed here after typing “baby won’t stop crying – I feel like I’m failing” or “exhausted new mum, baby won’t settle”, please take a breath. You are not failing. You are doing your absolute best in the hardest moments — and that matters more than you know.

When your baby’s unsettled, every minute feels like hours. The crying, the constant need to be on your breast, the little one who only sleeps when held — it’s exhausting, overwhelming, and at times, utterly lonely. But you are not alone, and there are gentle ways to help.

Could it be colic or reflux?

Many babies go through a fussy phase, but sometimes it’s more than that. Colic typically appears around 2 to 6 weeks and shows up as long periods of unexplained crying — often in the evenings. Your baby may clench their fists, arch their back, or appear in pain despite your best efforts.

Reflux, on the other hand, happens when milk and stomach acid come back up the oesophagus. If your baby is a “sicky baby”, cries when laid on their back, hates the car seat, or brings up feeds often, reflux might be the culprit.

Both colic and reflux are common — and incredibly draining. Especially if your baby had a difficult birth, or is a larger baby boy (who, research suggests, may struggle more with these early feeding and settling challenges).

So where does the Qudo Calmer come in?

Searching for a natural way to comfort your little one? That’s exactly why the Qudo Calmer was developed. It’s a therapeutic solution trusted by GPs and chiropractors, designed to soothe unsettled, sucky, and sicky babies in a gentle, non-invasive way.

Think of it as a hug when it’s needed most. The Qudo helps support the suck-swallow reflex — often disrupted in colicky or refluxy babies — and brings a sense of calm whether you’re at home or on the move. Especially helpful for those tears in the car seat, or when your baby just won’t lie on their back without fuss.

Because together, we’re stronger.

You don’t have to just ‘wait it out’ or push through alone. If your baby isn’t settling, won’t sleep unless held, or always wants to be on your breast — there is support. And sometimes, small changes like using the Qudo Calmer can make a big difference.

You are not broken. Your baby is not broken. You’re just both still learning — together.

With love,
Another mum who’s been there
💛

Five Top Tips for Packing Your Hospital Bag: Advice from One of Our Mums

Packing your hospital bag—especially for a planned C-section—can feel a bit overwhelming, particularly if you’ve previously experienced an emergency birth. That’s why we’ve asked Lydia, a mum who’s been there before, to share her top tips. She’s refined her packing list to include only the essentials and learned a few clever tricks along the way. Here’s what she had to say…

1. Pack Two Separate Bags – One for You, One for Baby

Lydia’s number one tip? Keep it simple by using two separate bags—one for you and one for baby. This is especially helpful post-surgery when bending or rummaging through one large bag is a challenge. It also makes it easier for your birth partner or a midwife to grab what you need without any fuss.

Bonus tip: Lydia’s partner also brings a small bag with his own essentials (like phone charger and snacks), so the main focus stays on mum and baby.

2. Think Practically for Baby

You don’t need to bring the entire nursery. Focus on what’s truly essential for a 1–2 night hospital stay:

• 4 sleepsuits and vests (a mix of newborn and tiny baby sizes, just in case)
  
• Cotton hat
  
• 3 muslin cloths
  
• A soft blanket for hospital and a star blanket for the car seat
  
• Nappies
  
• Qudo soother or dummy if using
  

Keeping baby’s bag simple but complete will give you peace of mind—and extra space.

3. Comfort is Key for You

After a C-section, your body needs time and space to recover. Lydia found comfort and ease of access were most important when it came to clothes and toiletries. Here’s her go-to list:

• 3 loose cotton nighties (hospital wards are warm!)
  
• Slippers
  
• 2 breastfeeding-friendly T-shirts and soft high-waist joggers (though she mostly stuck to comfy pants)
  
• Loose dress to go home in—nothing tight around your tummy
  
• Maternity disposable briefs and a couple of extra high-waist knickers
  
• Maternity pads (yes, even after a C-section, you’ll need them)
  
• Breast pads
  
• Comfy nursing bra or standard bra if not breastfeeding
  

4. Create a Simple Wash Bag

Everyone’s version of “essential” toiletries differs, but Lydia recommends packing a compact wash bag with items that help you feel clean and refreshed:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
  
• Face wash and moisturiser
  
• Hairbrush and flannel
  
• Dry shampoo and your own soap/shampoo if preferred
  
• Chewing gum (great for restarting digestion after surgery)
  

Feeling fresh can make a world of difference in those early hours of recovery.

5. Little Extras that Make a Big Difference

Lydia swears by a few small extras that made her stay that bit more comfortable:

• Jelly babies for when you feel shaky or need a sugar boost
  
• Kindle, book, or headphones for quiet moments
  
• Phone charger (essential!)
  
• 2 plastic bags for dirty laundry
  
• A little toy or gift for older siblings to help them feel involved

Lydia also packed a “big brother” Thomas the Tank Engine bag and a Shrek toy from the new baby for her toddler—such a lovely touch for sibling bonding!

Final Thought

Whether it’s your first baby or your third, packing smartly for a hospital stay can ease anxiety and make the experience smoother. Lydia’s experience proves that thoughtful preparation really pays off. Take what you need, skip the rest, and don’t forget—you’ve got this, mum!

Why it’s OK for your baby to suck a soother

Sucking is one of a baby’s very first reflexes. It begins in the womb and plays a vital role in both feeding and comfort.

While it’s essential for receiving nutrition through breast or bottle feeding, sucking also has powerful calming and regulatory effects on your baby’s body and brain.

More Than Just Feeding

Sucking helps regulate the central nervous system.

It can lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), reduce heart rate, and help stabilize blood pressure — all of which support a baby’s overall sense of calm and well-being.

Some babies have a stronger need to suck than others, even after they’ve finished feeding. This is completely normal. When that extra need arises, a soother like the Qudo™ can offer gentle, non-nutritive comfort — without placing unnecessary pressure on the breast.

Nutritive vs. Non-Nutritive Sucking

• Nutritive sucking (NS): Sucking for nutrition, such as during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
  
• Non-nutritive sucking (NNS): Sucking without feeding — for example, on a soother, a clean finger, or an empty breast.
  

Non-nutritive sucking supports babies of all ages. In fact, studies show that babies begin practicing this reflex as early as 11 weeks into pregnancy.

Soothers and Digestion

Using a soother (or a clean, upside-down finger) between feeds can aid digestion. When babies suck, they naturally swallow more saliva — which contains important digestive enzymes that help break down milk.

Research also suggests that sucking can benefit babies with reflux. It stimulates the production of saliva and helps trigger the downward contractions of the oesophagus, moving acid back into the stomach where it belongs. This can result in fewer and shorter episodes of gastroesophageal reflux.

Protecting Breastfeeding and Comfort

If your baby wants to continue sucking after a feed, they may turn to the breast — even when no milk is available. While this can be comforting for them, it may lead to nipple soreness and discomfort for you. Offering a soother or finger can help redirect that need in a gentle and effective way, especially for “sucky” babies.

Non-nutritive sucking also supports the coordination of suck-swallow-breathe, an important developmental milestone. It helps promote better neurobehavioural organisation and maturation in newborns and preemies.

When to Introduce a Soother

• Bottle-fed babies: A soother can be introduced from birth.
  
• Breastfed babies: It’s best to wait until breastfeeding is established before offering a soother, to avoid any confusion or latch issues.

Soothers and SIDS

Research indicates that sucking a soother during sleep may lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While the exact reason remains unknown, there is strong evidence supporting its protective effect. As The Lullaby Trust explains:

“We do not know exactly what it is about a dummy that may help reduce the chance of a baby dying of SIDS… we only know that there is good evidence to show what you can do to reduce the chance of SIDS.”You can read more at The Lullaby Trust website.

Why Qudo™?

The Qudo Soother was developed to offer a natural, medically backed solution for babies who need extra comfort. It’s designed to:

• Reduce persistent crying
  
• Soothe feeding upset
  
• Support healthy suck-swallow-breathe reflex development.
  

Whether your baby needs extra comfort between feeds or help settling to sleep, Qudo provides a gentle and effective alternative.

See other blogs on our website for more on how Qudo™ can support your baby’s feeding and comfort journey.

Mindfulness for Mums: Looking After Your Mental Health Without Adding More to Your Plate

Becoming a mum is a beautiful, life-changing experience – but it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and lonely at times. Between sleepless nights, constant feeding, and adjusting to a new rhythm of life, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost touch with yourself. The last thing you need is one more thing on your to-do list.

This is where mindfulness can gently step in – not as another task, but as a way to bring more ease, clarity, and kindness into your day.

Mindfulness simply means paying attention to the present moment with openness and without judgement. And the best part? You can practise it while doing what you’re already doing.

Here are a few ways to bring mindfulness into your daily routine as a new mum:

• Nappy changes as a moment of connection: Instead of rushing through it, take a moment to notice your baby’s expressions, the feel of their skin, the sound of their breath. Let this become a mini check-in with your baby – and yourself.
  
• Mindful feeding (bottle or breast): Use this time to focus on your breath, your body, and the feeling of holding your baby. You might notice your mind racing – that’s normal. Just gently bring it back to the present.
  
• Breathe while you rock or walk: Whether you’re pacing the hallway at 3am or out with the pram, tune into your breath. Feel the sensations of each inhale and exhale. This simple act can calm your nervous system and give your mind a break.

• Use The Qudo for a check in: Whenever you use the Qudo, just notice the feel of it in your hand. The way your baby takes the soother, the rhythm of sucking, the temperature and texture of the Qudo. Whenever you notice something you would normally do habitually, that’s a moment of mindfulness.

Research shows that mindfulness can significantly improve mental health in new mothers, reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Practicing mindfulness also helps build emotional resilience – something every mum needs in abundance.

And remember, mindfulness isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about being present, with kindness – especially towards yourself. Some days you’ll forget. That’s OK. Every moment is a new chance to begin again.

So as you care for your little one, don’t forget to care for yourself too. Not by doing more – but by being more present in what’s already here.

You’re doing better than you think.

With love

The Qudo Team

The healthcare professionals’ tale

How the Qudo helped two parents through a medical emergency

You can have all the knowledge you need, and be on your second or more child, and still find things do not go smoothly. 

That was the experience of a chiropractor and her GP husband when their second child, a baby girl, was only three weeks old. 

Mum already had a Qudo, which her daughter had been using from one week old. “It was very useful in those first weeks for if I needed a little break from the constant sucking like young babies do. I wouldn’t have used a soother at this point if it wasn’t for knowing that the Qudo Soother doesn’t give nipple confusion.”

Concerns about the impact of soothers paled when the daughter caught a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and was admitted to hospital. “To reduce the strain on her lungs, she wasn’t allowed any milk for the first few days. It was a very difficult time and she was very upset not being allowed to breast feed. The soother made a big difference as at least she was able to suck on something. After those first days she was allowed breast milk through an NGtube so she still missed the sucking. Again, having the soother made all the difference as having something to suck made her calm down.”

While their daughter is now recovered, the Qudo is still in regular use.  “When witching hour hits, it is an unmissable item. She goes in the carrier with the soother in and the crying soon calms. 

“As a chiropractor I’m so grateful for Nicky and her team to have designed this particular soother. It is amazing to know it is beneficial in reducing cranial strain by the pressure that gets applied to the palate. With my older child I avoided soothers altogether, knowing how they can potentially cause nipple confusion and dental problems. I feel confident that the design of this soother has been created in a way to minimise these problems. I see it as a ‘mini treatment’ every time my baby uses it and I recommend it for the baby patients I treat.”

And what does Dad think?

“As a GP and dad who is heavily invested in the development of my child, I appreciate how this particular pacifier has been designed with great thought to minimise the potential side effects of traditional pacifiers. Although my daughter took a week to get used to it, it soon became easy to use. 

“We didn’t realise how much of an indispensable item the pacifier had become until we lost it for a couple of days. All panic ensued until we found it again underneath the car seat.”

My recommendation is babies who are crying, persistently or struggling should seek the help of an expert in this field. Nicky, who has designed the Qudo from our conversations with her, demonstrates a very high level of specialised knowledge in this field and I’m pretty confident that the product, she has produced, does exactly what it claims to do – I trust her expert opinion on these matters.

The Qudo has been designed with your baby’s health and development in mind. Giving professionals and parents the peace of mind you need that you are doing the best for your baby. 

With much love 

The Qudo Team

Meditation improves the healing properties of breast milk

Nature’s Super food gets even better

We all know breast milk is good for babies. Rich in antibodies to protect against childhood illness, it also provides all the energy and nutrients an infant needs in the first few months of life. 

However the latest research tells us human breast milk is more than a food. According to Dr Hemal, breast milk: ‘Is a sophisticated biological fluid that nourishes, protects, and supports an infant in a way that science is only just beginning to understand.

‘It constantly adapts and changes to a baby’s changing nutritional and immune needs.’

And now there’s a way to boost the power of your milk, with meditation. 

New research shows that pre- and post-meditation the composition of breast milk is favourably influenced, generating additional wound healing proteins.

If you don’t already meditate, don’t worry. 

You might start by just noticing your breathing – not changing it in any way, just being aware. This act alone can soothe any sense of overwhelm, giving you a literal ‘breathing space’ to respond to events rather than reacting to them. 

Agreeing with yourself to do this repeatedly throughout the day – perhaps linking your breath to things you are doing anyway – can be all you need to reduce stress hormone levels and rebalance your nervous system.

A conscious breath when you open your car door, when you put your feet on the floor in the morning, before you make a phone call or send an email. You get the picture. Tie the practice into something you are doing anyway and it doesn’t become another tick on the to do list. 

When you are a busy mum with a new baby, finding time for your own self care still matters. 

It is not a selfish thing to do but incredibly wise and health building not only to yourself but your little one too. The adage about putting on your own oxygen mask first holds true – if you are not caring for yourself, it’s hard to do so for anyone else. 

And what if you can’t breastfeed, for whatever reason? There’s still good evidence to suggest that practicing meditation will help you calm your own nervous system. And that is good for you and your baby. 

We developed the Qudo to support babies in calming and relaxing their nervous systems, to help address root causes of crying and distress. 

And it’s a virtuous circle – the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your baby will be, too. 

Take time for yourself today. 

With much love,

The Qudo Team