What to feed your baby
Your baby might be more hungry at some times than others, so allow them to take more or less milk at different feeds.
Breast milk
Breast milk provides all the nutrients your baby needs for the first six months. It also helps protect your baby against some infections and illnesses.
If your baby is breastfed, they might feed more in hot weather.
Infant formula milk
If you are not breastfeeding your baby, you must feed your baby first infant formula milk.
There is no evidence that there are any benefits from buying a particular brand or other type of formula. A cheap formula is as good for your baby as a more expensive one.
If your baby is formula-fed, they may need a little extra boiled and cooled tap water.
What to avoid
- All foods other than breast milk or first infant formula
- All other fluids and baby fruit juices
- Adding cereal or other food to milk in a bottle
- Honey, sugar, or other sweetener added to milk or on a dummy
- Any other vitamins apart from Healthy Start vitamins for your baby, unless recommended by a health professional
Page last updated: 18 July 2023
