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Infant Feeding

We are in the process of reviewing and updating our written materials to be inclusive of all families. On this page, the terms breast milk/breastfed/breastfeeding are used, but human milk/chestfed/chestfeeding can be used interchangeably. Please note that external resources/links in the information below may have gendered language.

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding, infant formula, and introduction to solid foods

Public Health Sudbury & Districts believes in empowering all families in making informed choices when it comes to infant feeding. One of the most important decisions you need to make as a new parent, is how you will feed your baby. This decision can impact the health of both parent and baby. With all big decisions we make during our lives, it’s important to consider the benefits, disadvantages, and impacts of each of your options by making sure you know all the facts.

Feeding your baby

Babies need milk that contains certain qualities to grow and thrive. They cannot digest any other form of nutrition until they are around 6 months old. It is recommended by Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, and the World Health Organization that you feed your baby only breast milk—called exclusive breastfeeding—for the first 6 months. After that, you can introduce solids while you continue breastfeeding.

If you don’t plan to feed your baby directly at breast, you can give your baby:

We recognize that offering breast milk may not be a choice or even an option for all families. Explore the resources below to answer questions you and your family may have about infant feeding.

Infant feeding resources

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This item was last modified on September 5, 2024