Feeding & Nutrition
Evidence-based guidance on breastfeeding, formula feeding, and introducing solid foods.
Latest Articles
Discover expert insights and evidence-based information
Responsive settling at 6-18 months: reducing settling help
Responsive settling is responding to children’s comfort needs while helping them settle and sleep. Settling in arms and hands-on settling are responsive ways to settle babies and toddlers. If you wa
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Responsive settling at 0-6 months: settling in arms, hands-on settling, verbal reassurance
Responsive settling is responding to babies’ comfort needs while helping them settle and sleep. Responsive settling helps babies feel safe and secure. Settling in arms, hands-on settling and verbal
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Baby sleep and settling at 3-6 months: tips
In the early months, it’s important to be flexible and respond to babies’ needs. Three things can help with baby sleep and settling: make night and day different, put baby to bed drowsy but awake, an
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
About sleep
Sleep is important for growth, immunity, learning and memory. Babies, children and teenagers need different amounts of sleep. Sleep patterns change as babies and children get older. We all move thr
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Tired signs in babies and toddlers
When you see tired signs, it’s time to reduce stimulation and settle babies and toddlers for sleep. Newborn tired signs include pulling at ears, jerking arms and legs, and sucking fingers. Babies an
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Baby sleep at 2-12 months: what to expect
If babies seem content and healthy, it’s a sign that they’re getting enough sleep. Most babies under 6 months of age still need overnight feeds and help to settle in the night. As babies get older,
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Babies: videos
Baby development at 0-6 months What do babies need for development at 0-6 months? Everyday interactions like comforting, playing and talking help to build your baby’s brain and skills. Baby developm
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Babies: sleep
Baby sleep at 2-12 months: what to expect Baby sleep changes from 2-12 months. Babies need less sleep and sleep more at night. But many babies still wake at night and need help to settle. Read more.
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Babies: safety
CPR for babies under 12 months: in pictures See how to do baby CPR. 1. Check for danger. 2. Check response. 3. Send for help. 4. Check airway and breathing. 5. Start compressions and rescue breaths.
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Babies: play & learning
Play is more than just fun for babies and children. It’s how they learn and develop. Playing with your child is one of the most important things you can do. Article available in: Arabic, Dari, Dinka,
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Babies: health & daily care
Hygiene and daily care for babies Find out how to clean baby eyes, ears, teeth, umbilical cords and genitals in our illustrated guide to hygiene and daily care for newborns and babies. Article availa
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Babies: family life
Positive relationships for parents and children: how to build them Positive relationships between parents and children are key to child development. These relationships are about being in the moment,
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Babies: development
Baby development and developmental milestones Babies develop through relationships and play. Developmental milestones track changes in babies as they learn to move, see, hear, communicate and interac
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Babies: connecting & communicating
Bonding and attachment: babies Bonding and attachment are about giving your baby plenty of love, attention and interesting experiences. This helps your baby’s learning and development. Bonding with
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Babies: breastfeeding, bottle-feeding & solids
Breastmilk and breastfeeding: benefits Breastmilk – designed by nature for human babies. Breastmilk and breastfeeding have many health and practical benefits for mothers and babies. Read more. Breas
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Babies: behaviour
As babies become more aware of the world, baby behaviour changes. Babies also get better at communicating, so it gets easier to understand baby behaviour. Temperament: what it is and why it matters
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Parenting in Pictures: babies
Telehealth appointments for children and teenagers: in pictures Our guide shows you how to get the most out of telehealth appointments: set up somewhere quiet, check technology, prepare children and
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
We’re sorry – we can’t find the page you’re looking for.
Try these tips to find what you need: Use the search bars at the top or bottom of this page. Use the main navigation to choose content by age and other groupings. Browse health topics using the A-Z
Key Points:
- •Source: Raising Children Network
- •Evidence Grade: A
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Helping New Moms Navigate Feeding and First Foods
A comprehensive guide for new mothers on breastfeeding, formula, and the transition to solids.
Key Points:
- •Breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months if possible
- •Introduce solids around 6 months when baby shows readiness signs
- •Iron-rich foods are critical first foods for breastfed babies
Nutrition and Healthy Eating
Healthy eating during the COVID-19 pandemic Food nourishes the body and gives us energy to get through each day. Healthy eating is fundamental to good health and is a key element in healthy human de
Key Points:
- •Source: Health Canada
- •Region: CA
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Young children and food: common questions
What are healthy snacks for young children? raw vegetable sticks, such as cucumber and carrots, on their own or with hummus a plain unsweetened yoghurt with a sliced banana in it a slice of toast w
Key Points:
- •Source: National Health Service (NHS)
- •Region: UK
- •Evidence-based information for parents
What to feed young children
Like the rest of the family, your toddler needs to eat a variety of foods. Here are some tips on the different sorts of food to offer your child, plus a few it's best to avoid. Fruit and vegetables
Key Points:
- •Source: National Health Service (NHS)
- •Region: UK
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Vitamins for children
The government recommends all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D every day. Babies who are having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant
Key Points:
- •Source: National Health Service (NHS)
- •Region: UK
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Fussy eaters
It's natural to worry whether your child is getting enough food if they refuse to eat sometimes. But it's perfectly normal for toddlers to refuse to eat or even taste new foods. Do not worry about w
Key Points:
- •Source: National Health Service (NHS)
- •Region: UK
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Foods to avoid giving babies and young children
Babies should not eat much salt, as it's not good for their kidneys. Do not add salt to your baby's food or cooking water, and do not use stock cubes or gravy, as they're often high in salt. Remembe
Key Points:
- •Source: National Health Service (NHS)
- •Region: UK
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Food allergies in babies and young children
Allergies and breastfeeding or formula feeding Exclusive breastfeeding or first infant formula is recommended for around the first 6 months of life. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you do not n
Key Points:
- •Source: National Health Service (NHS)
- •Region: UK
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Drinks and cups for babies and young children
Solid foods and milk for your baby You should continue to breastfeed or give your baby first infant formula until they're at least 1 year old. Breastfeeding will continue to benefit you and your bab
Key Points:
- •Source: National Health Service (NHS)
- •Region: UK
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Children's food: safety and hygiene
Keep your child safe from food bugs Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Make sure your child isn't put at risk because of the way you prepa
Key Points:
- •Source: National Health Service (NHS)
- •Region: UK
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Baby and toddler meal ideas
If you need some inspiration to help you cook healthy and tasty food for your child, try these meal ideas. These are not suitable as first foods but are fine once your baby is used to eating a wide r
Key Points:
- •Source: National Health Service (NHS)
- •Region: UK
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Help your baby enjoy new foods
Once your baby is eating solids, it's important to give them a wide variety of foods from the 4 main food groups: pulses, meat and other proteins Getting your baby used to eating a variety of foods
Key Points:
- •Source: National Health Service (NHS)
- •Region: UK
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Your baby's first solid foods
When to start introducing solid foods Introducing your baby to solid foods, sometimes called complementary feeding or weaning, should start when your baby is around 6 months old. At the beginning, h
Key Points:
- •Source: National Health Service (NHS)
- •Region: UK
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from Six to 24 Months
Learn more about the revision process. This statement by the Infant Feeding Joint Working Group provides health professionals with evidence-informed principles and recommendations. Provinces, territo
Key Points:
- •Source: Health Canada
- •Region: CA
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Nutrition for healthy term infants: Recommendations from birth to six months
Learn more about the revision process. This statement by the Infant Feeding Joint Working Group provides health professionals with evidence-informed principles and recommendations. Provinces, territo
Key Points:
- •Source: Health Canada
- •Region: CA
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Nemours KidsHealth® Celebrates 30 Years!
Nemours KidsHealth® (KidsHealth.org) is thrilled to mark a major milestone – its 30th anniversary! Founded on September 1, 1995, by visionary Dr. Neil Izenberg, a renowned (and recently retired) pedia
Key Points:
- •Source: KidsHealth (Nemours)
- •Region: US
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Working and Breastfeeding - Choosing a Child Care Provider - La Leche League International
Going back to work and leaving your baby in someone else’s care can be one of the most difficult parts of returning to work. Choosing the right person and right setting takes care. You want to find a
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Determined to Breastfeed: Three Guatemalan Mothers Share Their Secrets to Combining Work with Breastfeeding
(Spanish version: Determinadas a amamantar: tres madres guatemaltecas comparten sus secretos para combinar el trabajo con la lactancia.) Mothers in Guatemala have the legal right to devote one hour a
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Fighting for Fair Breastfeeding & Expressing Break Laws in South Africa & Across the Globe
After the birth of my son I witnessed the wonders of breastfeeding and was amazed by how breast milk is so much more than just food. It is such a special bond and the central piece to my whole motheri
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Working and Breastfeeding - La Leche League International
You may choose to continue breastfeeding while working outside the home for many reasons – the best food for your baby, antibodies to protect your baby, great way to reconnect when you return from wor
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Weaning: Unexpected - La Leche League International
Were you planning on continuing breastfeeding, but your baby has other ideas? Do you worry baby is trying to wean? First, make sure it isn’t just a nursing strike. Bottles, pacifiers or increased so
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Weaning: I Want To - La Leche League International
Are you thinking about weaning? Your child may be a few weeks or months old, or may be a breastfeeding toddler. Some mothers decide to continue breastfeeding until the baby outgrows the need. This is
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Weaning - How to Stop Breastfeeding
Are you feeling ready to wean completely? Sometimes just cutting back on the amount of times you breastfeed will make you feel better, breastfeeding can sometimes be overwhelming. Breastfeeding is a t
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Weaning - La Leche League International
If your doctor decides you need to take a drug (medicine) for a medical condition, make sure that they know how important it is for you to continue breastfeeding and check to see if a breastfeeding co
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Water Supplements - La Leche League International
Exclusively breastfed babies do not need water supplements – your body makes the perfect milk for your baby, actually changing the composition as he needs more or less water. Giving water to newborn
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Vitamins and Other Nutritional Supplements - La Leche League International
Advertisements, family members and even health professionals often urge mothers to add “something” to baby’s perfect diet of human milk. According to the our comprehensive guidebook, The Womanly Art o
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Vitamin D, Your Baby, and You - La Leche League International
It is a known fact that human milk is the superior infant food. Human milk is the most complete nutritionally, immunologically, and is the only food designed specifically for your baby. Given that it
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Impfungen - La Leche League International
English: Vaccines Gehe zu: Impfungen Gehe zu: Impfungen und stillende Mütter Gehe zu: COVID-19 Impfstoffe in der Stillzeit Gehe zu: Impfungen und das gestillte Baby Gehe zu: Ressourcen Du hast vielle
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Vaccines - La Leche League International
Deutsche: Impfungen Skip to: Vaccines Skip to: Vaccines and the breastfeeding parent Skip to: COVID-19 Vaccines and breastfeeding Skip to: Vaccines and the breastfed baby Skip to: Resources You may h
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
When There Are Two—Breastfeeding Twins
Adapted from a write-up of a discussion on breastfeeding twins by Sarah Gill and Sadie Morrison at the La Leche League Great Britain (LLLGB) Conference on 15 October 2016 in Derby. First published in
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Travel - La Leche League International
Traveling with a baby can be difficult! In many cases, babies travel well. Bringing your baby with you to a special event can be exciting… or nerve-racking! There are a few things many families have
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Transgender & Non-binary Parents - La Leche League International
La Leche League is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organisation.1 LLL supports everyone who wants to breastfeed or chestfeed in reaching their goals. We at La Leche League have all nursed o
Key Points:
- •Source: La Leche League International
- •Region: Global
- •Evidence-based information for parents
Explore Other Topics
Discover more expert insights across different areas
More content hubs coming soon. Explore our main topics above.
