Breastfeeding your older baby

As your baby gets older, breastfeeding can look a little different. They often feed more quickly and may be more active or easily distracted.

You might notice your baby finishes both breasts in a short time. At other times, they may have longer, more relaxed feeds, especially before going to sleep.

How often should my baby feed?

Young babies feed very frequently – 8 to 14 times or more in 24 hours. As babies grow, they may start to feed less often, taking in more at each feed. However, even older babies will have times when they want to feed more often.

Your baby may want more frequent feeds:

during fussy periods
when they’re unwell or teething
if they have a sore tummy
when they’re tired
after time apart from you
for comfort and reassurance

Breastfeeding is more than just food and drink for your older baby. It also gives them comfort, security and a way to reconnect with you through the day.

Breastfeeding and solids

When babies start solids at around 6 months, breastmilk is still their main source of nutrition and energy. Solids are a chance to explore new tastes and join in family meals, rather than replace breastfeeds.

Offering breastfeeds before solids can help ensure your baby is getting their most important food first. If they fall asleep after breastfeeds, offer solids when they wake up.

If your baby seems less interested in breastfeeding or you’re concerned about your milk supply, you could try reducing the amount of solids for a while.

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Common feeding behaviours

As babies get older, they often become more active and curious during feeds. They can be easily distracted. You may notice your baby:

feeds quickly
comes on and off the breast
looks around or gets distracted
wants to move while feeding

These changes are common as babies grow and develop. You might also notice differences during times like teething or when your baby is unwell.

If your baby is distracted or unsettled, you may need to find a quiet time and place to help them settle and focus on feeding. Giving your baby something to hold or play with, for example a colourful necklace, can help.

Feeding positions for older babies

As your baby becomes stronger and more active, they may try new ways to feed. You might notice they move around, change position or find their own way to stay close while feeding. You might see your baby:

sit or lean on you while feeding
feed briefly, move away, then come back again
shift positions at the breast
twist, wriggle or feed in unusual positions.

With older babies, feeding positions often become more flexible. What matters most is that you and your baby feel comfortable and your baby can attach and feed well.

Some mums find certain times of the day are more challenging to feed their active baby. You could try lying down to feed or feeding more often at quieter times of the day or night.

Does my baby still need night feeds?

Night feeds are still an important part of breastfeeding in the second six months. Many babies don’t sleep through the night at 6 or even 12 months. Waking for feeds is very common.

If your baby still wakes overnight to feed, this is normal. You may find it helps to have your baby sleep close to you. Some families choose to co-sleep to make night feeds easier.