Feeding · 6 min read · Updated 28 September 2026
Key points
- Breast milk alone is all a baby needs for the first 6 months.
- Newborns usually feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
- Start soft home foods at around 6 months, while breastfeeding continues.
- Pain while breastfeeding is common but treatable — ask for help early.
See a doctor now if you notice
- Fewer than six wet nappies a day after day 5
- Baby is very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds
- Not back to birth weight by about 2 weeks
- Painful, red, hot area in the breast with fever
Is my baby getting enough milk?
Good signs that feeding is going well:
- Six or more wet nappies a day after the first five days
- Regular yellow stools in the early weeks
- Steady weight gain at check-ups
- Baby seems content after most feeds
Common breastfeeding problems
Sore or cracked nipples usually mean the baby is not latched deeply enough. A small change in position often fixes it. Engorgement, blocked ducts and worries about supply are all common — feeding counselling can help.
Starting solid foods
At around 6 months, start soft, mashed home foods — dal, rice, vegetables, fruits — once or twice a day and build up slowly. Keep breastfeeding. Avoid added salt, sugar and honey in the first year.
Questions parents ask
Does my baby need water in the first six months?
No. Breast milk provides all the water a baby needs, even in hot weather.
Can I breastfeed if I am taking medicine?
Most medicines are safe while breastfeeding. Always tell your doctor that you are breastfeeding before starting any medicine.
This guide is general health information for parents. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a visit to your child's doctor. If you are worried, call us — we are open 24 hours for emergencies.
How we can help
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