Continuing: 8 weeks to 6 months, then 6 months and longer This is when a mother is likely to have established breastfeeding, she and her baby may have established a pattern for the day and night, and her baby is thriving. A baby should only have breastmilk, although this will not be the case for all babies. A baby will not be ready for or need other food until around six months of age. When a baby is ready, introduce them to appropriate complementary foods (solids) and continue to breastfeed until they are at least one year of age, or beyond. Increase the texture, variety, flavour and amount of food offered so that the baby receives a complementary intake of nutrients, especially iron and vitamin C, and is eating more family foods by about one year of age. Challenges to maintaining breastfeeding can include: a need to return to paid work perceived or actual lack of milk, and/or baby’s perceived or actual hunger pressure or perception of need to stop breastfeeding baby, and introduce other foods pressure or perception of need to introduce other foods before baby is ready or needs them. See also: waking in the night and sleeping through the night Why breastfeed 'til baby is 6 months old? Baby needs only breastmilk and no other fluid or food until around six months of age - see also When can I give my baby solids? in the Introducing solids question and answer index topic page. Baby’s organs are still immature, but getting ready for other foods. Baby’s systems are still getting the right balance of nutrients to develop properly so baby is less likely to get things like obesity and diabetes later on - see also Benefits of breastfeeding – For baby. Mothers probably into the swing of it (over the hard bit) so she can really enjoy it. Breastfeeding helps bond with baby. If a mother has gone back to work, breastfeeding can be a special way to reconnect with her baby when she comes home. Breastmilk continues to protect baby from infections. It’s cheaper. A mother may see she is losing some of the body fat gained when she was pregnant. Remember any breastfeeding is good for a baby, so mothers who have made it this far are doing well. Why breastfeed baby for at least 1 year? The evidence for the importance of breastfeeding for the first year of life is strong - see also Benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding helps bond with baby. If a mother has gone back to work, breastfeeding can be a special way to reconnect with her baby when she comes home Remember any breastfeeding is good for a baby, so mothers who have made it this far are doing well. Why breastfeed baby longer than 1 year? Breastfeeding beyond the first year of life continues to make a nutritional and health contribution along with complementary food - see also Are there any benefits of feeding older babies and toddlers? on the Breastfeeding older babies and toddlers question and answer topic page. If a mother has gone back to work, breastfeeding can be a special way to reconnect with her baby when she comes home. Remember any breastfeeding is good for a baby, so mothers who have made it this far are doing well. Back to top Back to Stages of breastfeeding Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page.

Where to get help Midwives Healthline - 0800 611 116 Well Child La Leche League More information on these and other breastfeeding help providers...

Page last updated: 31 July 2008