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Baby feeding

1-minute read

Having a new baby can be a time of great anxiety, as well as pleasure. How to feed the baby? How often do babies feed? Is breastfeeding best? When do things change? When should you introduce solids? What to do if the baby is not feeding properly?

Parents need to work out answers to these questions that fit with experts’ recommendations, and also that fit with their lives. It is important to discuss these questions with your midwives, nurses and doctor if you believe there are problems and your baby is not feeding as you expect. It’s also important to understand how the routine of feeding changes from newborns to older infants.

Follow the links below to find trusted information about baby feeding, or learn more about feeding your baby on Pregnancy, Birth and Baby:

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Last reviewed: August 2020

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Baby Advice & Parenting Tips | Tresillian

Check out Tresillian's top tips and advice on the best way to approach issues such as settling baby, breastfeeding, baby’s feed, play and sleep routine and more.

Read more on Tresillian website

Introducing solids to complement breastfeeding and weaning

Breastfeeding, starting solids and weaning should occur at particular stages of a baby’s development. Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months and introducing solids gradually thereafter is recommended for most babies, but there are exceptions to these baby feeding rules.

Read more on Parenthub website

Babies and solids- introducing solids before 6 months old?

When to start solids can be a difficult decision for new parents. As a general rule follow the Australian baby feeding guidelines and breastfeed exclusively for six months. However, be aware there are exceptions to the guidelines.

Read more on Parenthub website

Do I need to wake my baby for feeds? | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Newborns have tiny tummies and so need to feed frequently. For example, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine supplementation protocol (2017) reports that the average intakes of colostrum per feed by healthy, term breastfed is 2-10 mL on day 1, 5-15 mL on day 2, 15-30 mL on day 3 and 30-60 mL on day 4. Feeding frequently in the early days and weeks helps make sure you have a good milk supply.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Cup feeding | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Cup Feeding – Dr Jack NewmanCup Feeding - Global Health Media6 month old baby cup feeding

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Baby formula & bottle-feeding for babies | Raising Children Network

Baby formula is the only safe alternative to breastmilk for the first 12 months. All Australian cow’s milk-based formulas meet strict standards. Read more.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Knowing your baby is well - podcast

Listen to Dianne Zalitis, midwife and Clinical Lead at Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, talk to Feed Play Love with Shevonne Hunt about signs your baby is well.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Understanding your choices in childbirth - podcast

Listen to Dianne Zalitis, midwife and Clinical Lead at Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, talk to Feed Play Love with Shevonne Hunt about your choices for having a baby.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Newborn baby routines: in pictures | Raising Children Network

Newborn baby routines are all about responding to your baby’s needs for feeds and sleep. It’s good to make time for gentle play too. Get tips in pictures.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

What to expect when you bring your baby home - podcast

Listen to Dianne Zalitis, midwife and Clinical Lead at Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, talk to Feed Play Love with Shevonne Hunt about what to expect when you bring your baby home.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

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