When baby is ready for other foods

Breast milk is the only food your baby needs for the first six months – but after that it’s time for them to start learning about solids.

Keep breastfeeding while you introduce other foods that complement or add to the nutritients provided by breast milk (or infant formula).

In this section you can find out:

What’s the difference between ‘comping’ and complementary feeding?

‘Comping’ refers to the practice of supplementing breast milk with formula – this is usually unnecessarily.
Complementary feeding is the gradual introduction of solid food and fluids to an infant’s diet, along with the usual breast-milk feed (or infant formula).

Breastfeeding older babies and toddlers
Find out about the benefits of breastfeeding older babies and toddlers, and how often to breastfeed them. Read more
How long to breastfeed
You should continue to breastfeed your baby until at least one year of age or beyond. This page contains advice on why this is important and what to do if you feel you have to stop sooner. Read more
Pressure to give up breastfeeding
It can be difficult to stay committed to breastfeeding when your family thinks you should give up. This page has some suggestions for what you can do if you’re feeling pressured to stop breastfeeding or put baby on the bottle Read more
Stopping breastfeeding
Some babies will wean themselves, but you may wish to stop breastfeeding sooner. Find out how to wean your child in the way that’s best for you and them. Read more

Page last updated: 21 February 2013

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