Tandem feeding

Tandem feeding means breastfeeding siblings who aren’t twins. You might feed them together, one after the other, or at different times – whatever works for you.

For many mums, tandem feeding isn’t something they planned. If you’re breastfeeding your baby or child and fall pregnant you may find yourself continuing to feed during the pregnancy. If your child isn’t ready to wean, or if you find there are benefits to continuing, you might still be feeding when your new baby is born. 

It’s natural to wonder if breastfeeding during pregnancy and after birth is okay. For most mums it doesn’t affect their pregnancy nor the birth weight of their new baby.¹ Your body will keep producing milk if you keep feeding your child but you will notice some changes as your pregnancy goes on.

• Your supply will likely drop due to pregnancy hormones. This happens even if your child feeds more often. Some babies and toddlers wean gradually as the pregnancy progresses. If your baby is under 6 months you may need to mixed feed to meet their needs.
• Towards the end of pregnancy, your milk changes to be more like colostrum, ready for your newborn.
• Once your baby is born, breasts can adjust to make enough milk for both. Most toddlers feed far less often than a newborn and get nutrition from other foods, so your baby’s needs can still be met.

If you choose to keep breastfeeding your toddler after your baby arrives, you may discover there are real benefits. Tandem feeding can make life easier and strengthen family bonds during this big transition.

Benefits include:

• Your toddler’s stronger suck can help keep milk moving and ease engorgement while your newborn is still learning to feed.
• Feeding both can help maintain or boost your milk supply in the early weeks.
• It gives your toddler special connection time and helps them adjust to the new baby.
• Sharing breastfeeding can help your toddler feel close to their sibling.
• Many mums say tandem feeding creates a unique bond between their children and with you.

There’s no single “right” way to tandem feed. What works best depends on you, your baby, and your older child. You decide how to make feeds fit your family.

Things to keep in mind:

• You don’t have to feed both children at the same time (though you can if you want to). Many mums feed one after the other or at different times of day.
• It’s normal if your toddler asks to feed more when your milk supply increases a few days after birth. Some mums are happy to feed their toddler more; others set gentle limits. Do what feels right for you.
• Because you’re making milk for two, your newborn might find your let-down reflex a bit fast. Changing the routine can help. You could offer one side to your toddler first to trigger milk flow, then attach your newborn.
• Try different positions for comfort, like sitting up with cushions or lying down. There are many ways to tandem feed. Choose what feels safe and comfortable for everyone.
• Some mums swap breasts between children, while others keep one child on each side. Choose the approach that works for you

Feeding two children can make you feel hungrier. There isn’t much research on the exact food needs of mums who tandem feed, but we know that mums can breastfeed multiple babies and this would be more demanding on their bodies than tandem feeding where the older child consumes less milk than a newborn. Eating well from a wide range of healthy foods can support your energy and nutrient needs.

If your older child has stopped breastfeeding before your new baby was born, they might ask to feed again once they see you breastfeeding. This is common. Some children are curious about the milk, some want to try breastfeeding again, and others may just want to feel close to you.

Some toddlers might not remember how to breastfeed or may find it tricky to latch on again. Some might not like the taste of your milk now. For others, breastfeeding may feel familiar and comforting, and they may happily restart and continue feeding alongside your new baby. Breastfeeding both children can help them feel close to you and to each other and may make the transition to life with a new baby a little smoother. 

© Australian Breastfeeding Association January 2026