Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Feeding your baby

Feeding your newborn baby

One of the most important choices you need to make as a new parent is how you will feed your baby. Find out about the different options available.

Breastfeeding your baby

Breastfeeding provides all the nutrition your baby needs during their first 6 months of life. Find out all you need to know about breastfeeding.

Feeding your baby with formula

Learn about infant formula feeding for your baby and how formula is different to breastmilk. Find out how to choose between types of formula.

Bottle feeding your baby

You can use a bottle to feed your baby expressed breast milk or formula if you are unable or choose not to breastfeed.

Expressing and storing breast milk

Learn how to express milk from your breasts by hand or with a pump. Expressed breast milk can be stored and fed to your baby later.

Cleaning and sterilising baby bottles

Until your baby is 12 months old you should sterilise bottles before you use them. Clean equipment helps protect your baby from germs and infections.

A partner’s guide to breastfeeding

Learn what you need to know about breastfeeding and how you can support your partner. Also read up on activities to help you bond with your baby.

Mixed feeding

Mixed feeding is when your baby is fed formula and breastmilk. Learn why you might choose mixed feeding, how to manage it, and where to get help.

Burping, wind and colic in babies

Babies can swallow air when they’re crying or feeding. They can get rid of wind by burping or passing wind. Find out how to burp your baby and how to ...

Introducing solid food

By the time your baby is about 6 months of age, breast milk or formula will no longer provide all the nutrition they need for healthy growth.

Balancing introducing solids with milk feeds

Find out how to get started with introducing solid foods and balancing milk feeds. Learn about the best foods to start with.

Weaning

Weaning is when you stop breastfeeding your baby or toddler. Find out how to start reducing breast feeds and weaning your child to a bottle or cup.

How to introduce allergy foods

You can gradually introduce allergy foods to your baby's diet when they start on solids, at about 6 months.

Milk allergy and lactose intolerance in babies and children

Find out more about lactose intolerance and milk allergies in babies and children, including the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

When can babies drink water?

You may wonder when it is safe to start giving your baby water. Whether you are breastfeeding or formula-feeding, learn how and when to get started.

Vegetarian and vegan feeding guide for babies

If your baby is ready for solids and you plan to start them on a vegetarian or vegan diet, you may need to take extra care to ensure they get adequate...

Donor breast milk and milk banks

Learn how and when donor breast milk can be used to feed babies. Milk from a milk bank can be helpful for premature or unwell babies.

Breast pumps

Find out why you might need a breast pump to express milk. Learn what types there are and where to get one.

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

1800 882 436

Video call

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2024 Healthdirect Australia Limited

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.