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Child and Family Health Service
Acknowledgement
The Child and Family Health Service acknowledges Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of Country throughout South Australia. We acknowledge and respect their ongoing and deep spiritual connection and relationship to land, air, sea, waters, community and country. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

Feeding

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Information on breastfeeding, bottle feeding and nutrition for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

On this page:

Breastfeeding Breastfeeding resources in other languages Bottle Feeding Introducing Solids Toddlers and Nutrition

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 2 years and beyond.

Breastfeeding Resources

Women and Children's Health Network

Australian Breastfeeding Association

Raising Children Network

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Breastfeeding – Support services

Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS)

We understand the importance of breastfeeding and the unique challenges it can bring. That's why we are here to support you every step of the way on your breastfeeding journey.

Through our clinics and virtual services, our compassionate child and family health nurses provide expert guidance and support. Whether you prefer in-person consultations or the convenience of virtual care from the comfort of your home, our dedicated team is ready to assist you.

Through knowledge and understanding, we aim to empower you to have a successful and fulfilling breastfeeding experience.

Call 1300 733 606 to make an appointment with a CaFHS nurse.

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.

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.

Download a SA Breastfeeding Support Services brochure

Find a Lactation Consultant

Breastfeeding resources in other languages

Arabic
Chinese
Dari
Punjabi
Vietnamese

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.

Bottle Feeding Resources

Women's and Children's Health Network

Raising Children Network

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Bottle Feeding Resources

Women's and Children's Health Network

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.

Introducing Solids – Resources

Parenting SA

Tasmanian Government Department of Health

  • Start Them Right – A parent's guide to eating for under 5s – from the Tasmanian Government Department of Health
    Start Them Right is a guide to healthy eating for children under 5. This book has tips on breast and formula feeding, starting solids, family eating, a guide of what foods and how much to offer as well as well as meal and snack ideas for toddlers and young children.

Raising Children Network

SA Health

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy

Baby eating

Toddlers and Nutrition

Toddlers and Nutrition – Resources

Raising Children Network

Parenting SA

Women's and Children's Hospital