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Baby feeding

Good nutrition is important for babies and children. Correct feeding in the first 3 years of life can even reduce the risk of disease and illnesses.

Feeding your baby might feel overwhelming at first. We have lots of support for you, to make sure you and your baby are able to get the best start.

If you have any worries or concerns about feeding, make sure you speak to your midwife or health visitor. They can help.

Breast & chest feeding

There is a lot of evidence that breastmilk is the best form of nutrition for babies. It can also support your relationship and their brain development. Breast feeding reduces the feeding parent's risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and heart disease. It can also have financial and environmental benefits.

However, breastfeeding isn’t always easy to begin with. Expert support is available to you.

Find out more on the Better Health website

Bottle feeding

If you've decided to bottle feed, you may be wondering what formula to buy, what equipment you'll need and how to get the hang of feeding your baby when everything is brand new.

If you have any worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor.

However, it’s good to know that all infant formulas will meet your baby's nutritional needs, regardless of brand or price. By law, all infant formula sold in the UK must meet the same standards, which means they are all suitable for your baby's growth and development.

Support to feed your baby

Infant feeding cafés -
Help from your Midwife -your midwife will book an appointment with you to talk about your options for baby feeding. They will also offer you infant feeding classes and can give you demonstrations on how to feed safely.
Help from your Health Visitor
The National Breastfeeding Helpline
Start4Life
NCT Breastfeeding line
La Leche League GB
Unicef support for parents