Bottle Feeding advice
If your baby isn’t being breastfed or receiving breastmilk, first infant formula is the only food your baby will need for the first 6 months. After that, you can introduce them to solid food alongside first milk. Follow on milk and comfort or hungry baby milks are not recommended. You can start giving your baby ordinary full-fat cow’s milk instead of first milk when they turn one. For independent, reliable information about formula milk please look at First Steps Nutrition.
It is very important that infant formula is made up correctly. You can find advice on this through the link above and on this online leaflet
Responsive feeding is recommended for all babies, whether they are breast are bottle fed. This means:
- feeding your baby when he or she shows feeding cues;
- holding your baby close and responding to them while feeding;
- feeding your baby slowly, allowing them to control the pace of the feed and finish when they have had enough;
- parents giving all feeds if possible, especially in the early days.
If you have any concerns about your baby’s feeding, please contact your midwife, health visitor or GP.
For information in languages other than English, click here.
