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

How will you feed your baby?

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

Breastfeeding your baby

Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your baby, providing all the nutrition your baby needs during the first six months of life and a loving ...

Expressing and storing breast milk

Expressing milk means squeezing milk out of your breast so that you can store it and feed it to your baby at a later time.

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.

Cleaning and sterilising baby bottles

A baby’s immune system is not yet fully developed so cleanliness is therefore very important when preparing your baby’s bottles to avoid infection.

Feeding your baby with formula

Learn about formula feeding for your baby, how is it different to breastmilk, why formula feed and what do if your baby is allergic to formula.

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.

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...

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.

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.