How breastfeeding and breastmilk support your baby at different ages and stages
There’s no single answer for how long to breastfeed. What matters most is what feels right for you and your baby.
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, then continuing alongside solid foods for 2 years or as long as you and your baby want.
Research shows that the longer babies receive breastmilk, the lower their health risks. But even if breastfeeding didn’t go as you’d hoped, every feed has value.
You might breastfeed for a few days, a few months or a few years. Here’s what breastfeeding can offer over time.
Breastfeeding for a few months
In the first days, your baby receives colostrum. This early milk is rich in antibodies and helps protect against infection. It provides your baby’s first ‘immunisation’.
Over the first few months, breastfeeding continues to support your baby’s immune system and helps protect against common infections.
It can also help your body recover from birth and gives you the chance to stop and rest while you feed your baby.
These early weeks are also a time of learning. You and your baby are getting to know each other, and every feed helps build your breastfeeding relationship.
Breastfeeding for 3 or 4 months
Breastfeeding continues to help your baby’s digestive system to mature. It protects your baby from infections such as colds, chest infections and ear infections.
Breastfeeding is linked with a lower risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). Rates of SUDI are highest around this age.
At this age, many babies are more aware of the world around them. Feeds may be quicker, but breastmilk is still meeting all your baby’s nutritional needs. There’s no need to introduce solids before 6 months.
Breastfeeding for 6 months
For the first 6 months, breastmilk all your baby needs.
Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is linked with lower rates of infections in infancy.
Breastfeeding can help prevent pregnancy if your baby is under 6 months, has only breastmilk, breastfeeds frequently including overnight and your periods haven’t returned. Learn more about breastfeeding and contraception.
Breastfeeding for 9 months
As your baby takes more solids, breastmilk continues to be their most reliable and important source of nutrition.
Breastmilk protects your baby’s immune system as they begin to eat foods that may cause allergies.
Breastfeeding can offer comfort and reassurance, especially during times of rapid growth and development.
Breastfeeding for 12 months
By 12 months, many babies are eating a wider range of family foods. Breastfeeding continues to provide important nutrients and immune protection.
Longer breastfeeding is linked with lower risks of some health conditions later in life, including childhood cancers and being overweight.
It offers your baby immune factors which protect them as they start childcare.
Breastfeeding may also save you the cost of a year’s supply of formula.
Reaching 12 months can feel like a big milestone. Well done!
Breastfeeding for 18 months
Breastfeeding continues to contribute to your child’s nutrition and immune protection.
It provides food if your toddler is a fussy eater.
It offers comfort, connection and a reliable way to support your child when they’re upset, tired or unwell.
Breastfeeding into toddlerhood may mean fewer trips to the doctor for your child and less time away from work for you.
Breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond
Breastfeeding into childhood is common in many cultures around the world and is supported by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF.
Breastmilk still provides energy, nutrients and immune support.
It provides a source of comfort for child behaviours such as crying, tantrums and tumbles.
Breastfeeding can continue for as long as it works for you and your child.
What breastfeeding means for you
Breastfeeding also supports your own health. Research shows that the more months you breastfeed (across all your children), the greater the health benefits. For example, longer breastfeeding is linked with lower risks of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Breastfeeding is also good for your wellbeing. The breastfeeding hormones, oxytocin and prolactin, reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and help you feel calmer.
Learn more
Read more about breastfeeding and the evidence behind it:
Every feed counts
You might breastfeed for a few days, a few months or for years. However long it lasts, you’re supporting your baby and your own health – and every feed matters.
© Australian Breastfeeding Association June 2026
