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There is a total of 5 errors on this form, details are below. Error: This is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value Error: This is required 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 provides all the nutrition your baby needs during their first 6 months of life. Find out all you need to know about breastfeeding. Learn about infant formula feeding for your baby and how formula is different to breastmilk. Find out how to choose between types of formula. Learn how to manage common breastfeeding issues from mastitis and sore nipples to low milk supply and engorgement, for easier feeding. You can use a bottle to feed your baby expressed breast milk or formula if you are unable or choose not to breastfeed. 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. 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. There are ways you can support your partner to breastfeed. Learn about breastfeeding, how you can help, and how you can also bond with your baby. Mixed feeding is when a baby is fed formula as well as breast milk. If you plan to mixed feed, learn how manage it, and when to get help. Babies can swallow air when they’re crying or feeding. They can get rid of wind by burping or passing wind. Learn more about how to burp your baby. 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. A balanced diet is important for your baby’s development. Learn about introducing solids to your baby’s diet and while maintaining milk feeds. Weaning is when you stop breastfeeding your baby or toddler. Find out how to start reducing breastfeeds and weaning your child to a bottle or cup. You can gradually introduce allergy foods to your baby's diet when they start on solids, at about 6 months. Some babies and children have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. Learn about the symptoms and treatment of milk allergy and lactose intolerance. 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. 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... Learn how and when donor breastmilk can be used to feed babies. Milk from a milk bank can be helpful for premature or unwell babies. Find out why you might need a breast pump to express milk. Learn what types there are and where to get one. Cluster feeding is when your baby wants lots of short feeds over a few hours. Find out when your baby is most likely to do this, and how to cope. Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses? 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. © 2025 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. Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below: You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.