Breastfeeding your older baby

For many mums, passing the 6-month mark means that most breastfeeding challenges have been overcome. You may find that your baby now feeds easily and more quickly.

You no longer feel like you are ‘feeding all day’ and your baby gets themselves on and off the breast like an expert. Breastfeeding in the second six months can be rewarding.

Do older babies still have frequent feeds?

Even though older babies may feed quickly, they may still have times where they want to feed more frequently. These situations may include:

going through a fussy period
when feeling unwell or teething
with a sore tummy
if they are tired
if you have been away from them for a time
for emotional security.

This is normal and you are meeting their physical and emotional needs by responding to them.

Breastfeeding and solids

Breastmilk continues to be the main source of nutrients and energy for your baby until 12 months of age. Family foods are less important during this time. It’s all about gradually introducing your baby to the foods that your family is eating and the social time at meals.

Many mums worry about whether they should feed solids before or after a breastfeed. It doesn’t really matter as long as your baby is getting enough breastfeeds and solids aren’t replacing feeds. Too many solids during the second 6 months can impact on a mum’s milk supply. Continue to breastfeed your baby as often as they want. If you feel that your baby isn’t as interested, you could ease back on the solids.

A ‘meal’ for a baby doesn’t have to include both solids and a breastfeed. You can offer them at different times.

Does my baby still need night feeds?

You’ve probably been doing night feeds for many months so you might be wondering if your baby still needs these. Breastfeeding is still important into the second 6 months, and night feeds are part of this.

Many people think that babies will be sleeping through by 6 months. However, research shows that only half of 6-month-olds are sleeping for 8 hours without waking. By the end of 12 months, only a third are sleeping through. So if your baby is still waking for one or more feeds overnight, this is quite normal.

You may find that it helps to have your baby sleep close to you. Many parents co-sleep to make night feeds easier.