A new world
Your baby is discovering their world and you're introducing solids. New joys and challenges await. We're here for you with evidence-based info and 24/7 support to help you reach your breastfeeding goals.
Commonly asked questions
It’s common and normal for babies to continue waking at night after six months. Research shows that at 6 months, only about half of babies are sleeping through for an 8-hour stretch and even then, only on some nights. When babies do wake, very few of them can self-settle – needing help to feel calm again. This may mean being breastfed back to sleep, this is normal, and okay.
This is only a problem if it’s a problem for you so try not to listen to those around you who say your baby isn’t doing what they ‘should’ do.
Babies have iron and zinc stores which last until around 6 months of age, sometimes longer. It is recommended to start introducing iron-rich foods at around 6 months. These can be as simple as a piece of juicy meat to suck on or some mashed legumes.
All babies are different and they will all become interested in solids at different times. The six to twelve-month period is a great opportunity for your baby to explore food tastes and textures without any pressure as breastmilk continues to be their primary source of nutrition.
Keep offering small amounts and your baby will eventually be eating happily.
Breastmilk is designed to be the primary source of nutrition for your baby in their first twelve months. The amount your baby is eating can affect their appetite for breastfeeding. To prevent a decrease in breastfeeding, try to offer breastmilk before solid foods. If you are still concerned, you may need to reduce the quantity of food offered at meal times . Remember as babies get older, they become more efficient at breastfeeding so may not need to feed for as long to get the same amount.
Breast refusal can be stressful for mums. Fortunately, if teething is the cause this will be temporary. Your baby may prefer shorter more frequent feeds or feeding at night when they are sleepy. You can also give baby something hard and cold to chew on, rub baby’s gums with an ice cube before feeds or if you have frozen expressed milk offer it in a mesh feeder.
