See also formula feeding , appropriate diet for age , iron in diet , and lactose intolerance . Choosing how and what to feed your baby is a personal decision that deserves careful and thorough consideration of the facts, your opinions, and options. Feeding your baby breast-milk or bottled formula are both healthy and responsible decisions, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for the first six months of life.
It contains appropriate amounts of carbohydrate , protein , and fat , and provides digestive enzymes, minerals, vitamins , and hormones that infants require. Breast milk also contains antibodies from the mother that can help the baby resist infections. Experts agree that breastfeeding your baby for any length of time, regardless of how short, is of benefit to you and your baby. You can provide your baby with breast milk by either breastfeeding or by feeding your baby breast milk from a bottle. This recommendation is based on the possibility of nipple confusion which can cause sucking and feeding problems for infants who are switched between breastfeeding and bottle feeding .