For the first six months of life, all your baby needs is breast milk. Breast milk provides all the nutrients your baby needs, protects against infection, is easily digested and changes to suit the needs of your baby. No other milks, food or drinks are needed. Continue to give your baby breast milk for the first 12 months or for as long as you and your baby desire. If you stop breastfeeding before your baby is 12 months old, an infant formula should be used until 12 months. See page 37 for information on safe bottle feeding.
Support If you need support or more information about breastfeeding talk to your Child and Family Health Nurse, Lactation Consultant or contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association. See page 42 for website details. WHEN WILL MY BABY BE READY FOR SOLID FOODS? Most babies are ready for solid foods around six months of age. Around this time babies need more nutrients than they receive from breast milk or infant formula alone, especially iron. Signs that your baby is ready to start solids include: Being able to sit up well with support Being able to hold their head up Showing an interest in food such as watching you eat and trying to reach for food when you are eating Being hungrier and not settling well after a full feed.
