Choosing whether to breastfeed/chestfeed or formula feed your baby is one of many big decisions new and expectant parents will make. This information can help you make an informed decision on how you want to feed your baby. 

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding gives your baby the best possible start and is good for you as well. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding is recommended as the only type of food for your baby for the first six months of life. You can continue to breastfeed/chestfeed your baby for two years or longer. 

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding is more than just feeding your baby. It provides closeness and warmth which helps to create a special bond between you and your baby. This nurturing helps your baby grow and develop. 

Breastmilk/Chestmilk – Nature’s Superfood

Breastmilk/chestmilk provides almost everything your baby needs to grow healthy and strong.  

Breastmilk/Chestmilk:  

• is easiest for your baby to digest 
• it is always available and ready to go – no preparation is required 
• has all the nutrients, calories and fluids your baby needs to grow and develop 
• changes over time to meet the needs of your growing baby 
• helps protect your baby from lung, ear and stomach infections 
• helps prevent allergies, diabetes, eczema, some cancers and obesity 
• can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• the only extra thing you need to give baby in the first six months is vitamin D daily. 

Here is more information on breastfeeding/chestfeeding. 

Infant formula 

• Commercially prepared infant formulas are an alternative to breastmilk/chestmilk  
• Stays the same therefore cannot adapt to your baby’s growing needs 
• Antibodies are not a component of formula therefore it cannot protect your baby from infections and diarrhea 
• Powdered formula is not a sterile product 

Some additional steps and considerations for providing infant formula include: 

• Extra time to sterilize equipment 
• Extra equipment is required 
• Formula can be quite costly  

If you have made an informed decision to give your baby infant formula, see our page about infant formula.