If you are able to breastfeed, breastfeeding is best for babies. Breastfeeding has many benefits, such as protecting your baby from infection while their immune system develops. It is important that you eat a healthy, balanced diet in preparation for and during breastfeeding.

Infant formula is designed to replace breast milk when an infant is not breastfed. Combining breast and formula feeding in your baby's first weeks of life may reduce your supply of breast milk and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. The social and financial implications of using infant formula should be considered when choosing a method of feeding.

Always follow the manufacturer's instruction when preparing and using infant formula, including proper sterilisation of bottles and using boiled water, improper use of an infant formula may make your baby ill.

We recommend that you consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare professional for advice about feeding your baby.