Child and Family Health Service • Feeding

The websites and resources below are trusted sources of information and will assist in answering your queries on feeding your baby and toddler.

If you are ever concerned about your baby’s feeding, please speak with your CaFHS nurse who can provide you with support and advice.

Breastfeeding

Breastmilk helps to give your baby the best possible start, as it contains all the nutrients that they need for their first six months of life. Breastmilk promotes optimal growth and development and protects your baby against infections and diseases.

As soon as your baby is born, your baby will show you cues that they need to feed, for example; searching for the breast, mouthing and sucking their hands, or becoming restless. Crying is the last cue that your baby will display if they need to be fed, not the first.

It is recommended that you aim to breastfeed exclusively until your baby starts solid foods at around six months, and keep breastfeeding until at least 12 months.

Australian Breastfeeding Association

Raising Children Network

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Women & Children's Health Network

Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA)

Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) website
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800 Mum to Mum 1800 686 268
seven days a week - ABA breastfeeding counsellors are all volunteers and answering calls in their own homes
The ABA breastfeeding counsellors have expertise in breastfeeding management
Counsellors are not medically trained and cannot give medical advice.

Parent Helpline

1300 364 100 (local call cost within South Australia), provided by the Child and Family Health Service

Available seven days a week to parents of children from birth to 5 years who live anywhere in South Australia.

Download a SA Breastfeeding Support Services brochure

Find a Lactation Consultant

Breastfeeding resources in other languages

Bottle Feeding

While CaFHS recognises breastfeeding as the biological normal way to feed your baby, we also know that for many reasons breastfeeding doesn't always work out. If you are unable to breastfeed or have made an informed decision not to, we respect your wishes and will provide you with individual support around feeding your baby safely with a breastmilk substitute.

Women's and Children's Health Network

Infant Formula

Raising Children Network

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Introducing Solids

Moving on to solid foods is a big moment in your baby’s development. With so much advice and ways to get started, it can be tricky to know how to go about it.

At around 6 months of age, your baby will be ready to try solid foods. Up until this time, breastmilk or infant formula is usually all your baby needs. From six months, solid foods are needed to provide your baby with extra energy and nutrients to grow healthy and strong.

Below are a list of informative and useful websites and resources, that illustrate how to introduce solids and may help you to feel confident about feeding your baby.

If you would like more support and guidance about starting solids with your baby, please speak with your CaFHS nurse.