Breast milk provides all the nutrients your baby needs for healthy development in the first months of life. It also gives your baby long-term health advantages. Even breastfeeding for a few weeks makes a difference.

Infant formula is the only alternative to breast milk. Cow's milk is not suitable as a main drink in the first year. Infant formula at reduced prices is available for babies under one year old in families on a low income.

Between four and six months, your baby starts to need more than just milk. This is the time to begin gradually introducing non-milk foods, a process called ‘weaning’. Your health visitor can advise you on this. By the time your baby is one year old, they will be able to enjoy most of the same foods as the rest of the family.

See also:
Infant Feeding