Breastfeeding is best for your baby. Breastmilk contains nutrients that are best for brain, eyesight, speech and jaw development and the immune system. It also helps you bond with your baby. Babies who are breastfed often take solids more easily as they are already used to some of the flavours through their mother’s milk.

Breastmilk or formula is all the food your baby needs for the first 6 months of life.  

• From 6 months, breastmilk can be combined with solids up to 12 months or longer if you and your child want
• Formula fed babies, can be given cow’s milk instead after 12 months of age
• Cow's milk should not be given as a main drink to babies less than 12 months of age.

Breastfeeding is not always easy and can be tiring, especially at first. If you have trouble breastfeeding, ask for help from a lactation consultant, child and family health nurse or the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Some women, for different reasons, are unable to breastfeed or don’t wish to breastfeed. If this is your experience, you can still use feeding time to cuddle and bond with your baby. Talk to your paediatrician, child and family health nurse or dietitian about infant formula.