Babies are recommended to be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months of life, meaning they receive only breast milk without any other foods or liquids. After 6 months, appropriate complementary foods should be gradually introduced while continuing breastfeeding. The World Health Organization, American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC, and NHS all recommend continuing breastfeeding alongside solid foods for up to 2 years or beyond, depending on what works for the mother and baby
. Regarding the frequency and duration of breastfeeding sessions:
- Newborns typically breastfeed 8–12 times per day, often every 1.5 to 3 hours, with each feeding lasting up to 20 minutes or longer initially. This frequent feeding helps establish milk supply and meets the baby's nutritional needs
- As babies grow older (1–3 months), they usually feed 7–9 times a day, with sessions becoming shorter (about 5–10 minutes) and more efficient
- Between 4–6 months, babies may become more easily distracted during feeds and might require more frequent but shorter feedings
- From 6 months onward, breastfeeding frequency generally decreases as solid foods are introduced, but breast milk remains an important source of nutrition
- Toddlers (12–24 months) vary widely in breastfeeding frequency, some nursing only at specific times like before bed, others more often depending on their needs
In summary, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for about 6 months, with continued breastfeeding alongside solids for 2 years or longer if desired. Feeding frequency and duration change as the baby grows, starting with very frequent, longer feeds and gradually becoming less frequent and shorter
