Exclusive breastfeeding until around six months of age is recommended for all children – with or without diabetes.
Breast milk or infant formula provide all of the nutrients your baby needs until around six months. Breastfeeding offers many benefits including increased immunity and bonding between mother and baby.
Introducing solid foods too early is not recommended because:
- Babies don’t have good tongue control to deal with solids
- Their digestive system is still maturing and may not be ready to cope with solids.
- Babies are unable to sit up or hold their head upright for feeding, increasing their risk of choking.
- Feeding solids means less breast milk or infant formula may be taken by the baby. This can upset the fine balance of nutrients needed during this rapid stage of growth and development.
