Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for a baby, with many benefits for both mother and baby.

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Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI).

Red Nose recommends that babies are breastfed due to the evidence that supports its benefits to babies.

However, Red Nose understands this is not always possible.

Red Nose supports parents who bottle feed their babies and recommends that they follow the other five evidence-based Safe Sleep Recommendations to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy.

Things to know

  • Breastfeeding is the optimal form of nutrition for babies.
  • Breastfeeding has multiple benefits for both babies and mothers.
  • Breastfeeding has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy.
  • Breastfeeding a baby more than halves the odds of a baby dying suddenly and unexpectedly.
  • The benefits of breastfeeding increase over a longer period of time.
  • Babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life.
  • Breastfeeding or feeding with expressed breast milk should continue beyond the first six months and ideally to at least 2 years of age with appropriate intake of solid food.
  • Parents should be informed of the benefits of breastfeeding and of the risks of not breastfeeding when a change from breastfeeding is being considered.
  • Parents who feed their baby infant formula or supplementary feeds can reduce the risk of SUDI using the other five evidence based safe sleeping strategies.

For more detailed information on this topic, see our Red Nose Information Statement Breastfeeding and the Risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy.


Last modified: 6/2/24