Breastfeeding exclusively or giving your baby breastmilk only is recommended  for the first 6 months of a baby's life.  This means that no other food or liquid is given to the baby except for undiluted drops or syrups like vitamins, mineral supplements or medicines. (BCC, January 2006)

This breastfeeding guideline is supported and recommended by

• Health Canada
• the Canadian Paediatric Society
• the College of Family Physicians
• the World Health Organization
• UNICEF
• La Leche League
• Breastfeeding Committee for Canada

When your baby is about 6 months old he can be introduced to solid foods,  and breastfeeding is recommended to continue in addition to solid foods for up to 2 years or longer.  There are many benefits to "extended nursing" or nursing beyond the first year of life. The benefits of breastmilk and the breastfeeding relationship do not stop at 6 months.

To learn more about the benefits of nursing beyond 6 months visit the International Breastfeeding Centre.

To view and download our Breastfeeding Your Toddler pamphlet click here.