Content Map Terms

Feeding Your Baby

Last updated: December 3, 2024

Overview

Breastfeeding or chestfeeding is recommended for infants and toddlers up to age 2 and beyond. For the first six months of their lives, babies get all the nutrition they need through breastfeeding and a vitamin D supplement. 

Once a baby is around 6 months old, they are ready to have solid food. Your baby will begin to show interest in solid foods and your family’s eating behaviour.

Chestfeeding is a term that is becoming more commonly used when discussing infant feeding. It’s often used by trans-masculine or non-binary parents to describe how they feed their baby from their bodies. Both chestfeeding and breastfeeding are used below to ensure that all parents feel represented and included. Learn more about breastfeeding or chestfeeding.

Formula feeding

Some babies are unwilling or unable to breastfeed. Speak with your healthcare provider before you try adding formula to your baby’s diet.

If you have concerns about your baby not wanting to stop feeding, or physical issues like cleft-palate that interfere with feeding, talk to your healthcare provider. Learn more:

Weaning

Weaning is the process of transitioning your baby from breastfeeding or chestfeeding, or from bottle-feeding to solid foods.