How to feed your family healthily
Your baby
Breastfeeding
There are many health benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby. If you are finding this difficult or are unsure if it is right for you, you can get support and information.
Bottle feeding
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You can express breast milk into a container that you have washed in hot, soapy water. If you are storing breast milk in the fridge or freezer, you should use a sterile container.
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Whether you are feeding your baby formula milk or expressed breast milk, you need to wash in hot soapy water, rinse and sterilise all the equipment you use for bottle feeding your baby. You should sterilise the equipment for at least six months.
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Formula-fed babies can develop infections (like gastroenteritis) if feeds are not made up safely. Feeds should be made up one at a time when your baby needs feeding.
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If you are using formula, feed your baby whenever they are hungry and let them stop when they want to, even if the bottle is not empty.
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Do not add sugar or baby cereals to the feed in the bottle.
Solid food
You can start introducing solid food to your baby at around six months. You should introduce solid foods and continue to give your baby breast milk or infant formula.
It is good to introduce lots of different foods to your baby from six months to move them towards a healthy and varied diet by around 12 months old. Find out about which foods to give and what to do when starting solid foods.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplements are recommended for children under five and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your family
Choosing a healthy diet for you and your family can be tricky. Packed lunches, family suppers or eating alone can mean lots of planning. Find out how you can make your budget go further.
Eating healthily
Eating healthily brings lots of benefits for you and your family. It helps everyone to:
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keep a healthy weight
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protect heart health
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boost their ability to fight colds and flu.
Find out more about a healthy diet.