What Can I Give My Baby to Hold While Feeding?

What Can I Give My Baby to Hold While Feeding?

If your baby won’t sit still during feeds, you’re not alone.

One minute they’re feeding calmly…

the next they’re grabbing your hair, scratching your chest, pinching, or pulling at your clothes.

It can feel constant — and exhausting.

A really common question we hear is:

what can I actually give my baby to hold during feeds?

Let’s break it down.

Why do babies grab during feeding?

This is completely normal behaviour.

As babies grow, they become more aware of their surroundings and start exploring with their hands. Feeding is one of the few times they’re close, settled, and have access to you — so naturally, that’s where the grabbing happens.

It’s usually down to:

• Curiosity – they’re learning through touch
• Comfort – being close to you feels safe
• Habit – once they start, it quickly becomes part of feeding

If your baby is constantly twiddling, you might also find this helpful:

👉 https://www.yummikeys.com/blogs/news/why-do-babies-pinch-scratch-or-twiddle-while-feeding

What do parents usually try first?

Most of us try the obvious things first:

• Tying hair up
• Holding baby’s hand
• Moving their hand away
• Giving them a muslin or small toy

And sometimes these help — briefly.

But often:

• Hands come straight back
• Toys get dropped
• You end up constantly readjusting

It can feel like you’re managing a mini wrestling match instead of feeding.

Safe things babies can hold while feeding

There are things you can offer your baby to help keep their hands busy.

Some options include:

Soft cloths or muslins

Easy to grab and gentle on little hands — but often dropped quickly.

Small toys

Can work for some babies, but they’re not always easy to hold while feeding and can become distracting.

Dummy clips

Some parents use these as a temporary solution, though they’re not designed specifically for feeding.

Feeding necklaces

These are designed specifically for this stage — something your baby can safely hold and explore while staying close to you.

If you’re unsure about safety, we’ve covered that in detail here:

👉 https://www.yummikeys.com/blogs/news/are-feeding-necklaces-safe-what-parents-need-to-know

Feeding necklaces: a simple, practical solution

Feeding necklaces are worn by you, so they stay exactly where your baby needs them — no picking up dropped toys or constantly repositioning.

They give your baby:

• Something consistent to hold
• A safe, focused point of attention
• A way to keep their hands busy without grabbing you

For many parents, it’s a small change that makes a big difference to how calm and comfortable feeds feel.

You can explore our full range here:

👉 https://www.yummikeys.com/collections/feeding-necklaces

What to look for in a feeding necklace

If you’re considering one, there are a few things worth paying attention to:

Safety

Look for designs that have been properly tested and are suitable for use around babies.

Materials

Different necklaces use different materials — silicone, wood, or stainless steel. Each has its own feel and durability.

Durability

Something that can withstand pulling, chewing, and everyday use.

Size and weight

Light enough to be comfortable, but substantial enough for little hands to hold easily.

A note on what’s “normal”

If your baby is grabbing, pinching, or pulling during feeds — it doesn’t mean anything is wrong.

It’s a very typical stage, especially as they become more alert and active.

But that doesn’t mean you just have to put up with it.

Small changes — like giving them something appropriate to hold — can make feeds feel calmer, easier, and more enjoyable again.

Final thoughts

Every baby is different, and what works for one won’t always work for another.

But if feeds have started to feel more like a battle than a calm moment, it’s worth trying a few simple options to keep those little hands busy.

Sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest difference.