Formula feeding in infants

The World Health Organization and National Health and Medical Research Council recommend exclusive breastfeeding to around 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods until 12 months and beyond.^{1, 2} While breastfeeding initiation rates in Australia are high, the proportion of infants receiving any breast milk declines steadily across the first year of life³.

National data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare indicate that common reasons for earlier introduction of formula or cessation of breastfeeding include perceived insufficient milk supply, breastfeeding pain or attachment difficulties, unsettled infant behaviour, and return to work³. These findings reinforce the need for proactive, early lactation support, consistent clinical messaging, and environments that enable continued breastfeeding.

Health professionals play a central role in protecting and promoting breastfeeding, while respecting informed parental choice and providing practical, evidence-based guidance. Any amount of breast milk confers benefit, and partial breastfeeding remains valuable where exclusive breastfeeding is not achievable¹. When breastfeeding is not possible or is discontinued, infant formula is the only safe and nutritionally appropriate alternative during the first year of life².

Most formulas are cow’s milk–based, including organic and A2 protein options, alongside alternative milk bases such as goat milk, soy, rice and pea. Specialty medical formulas are available for specific clinical indications, including extensively hydrolysed and amino acid formulas. All infant formulas sold in Australia are regulated by Food Standards Australia New Zealand under Standard 2.9.1 of the Food Standards Code, which defines mandatory compositional and safety requirements⁴.

Formulations may include optional ingredients similar to those naturally present in breast milk, including prebiotics (GOS, FOS), probiotics (commonly Bifidobacterium strains), lactoferrin and omega-3 DHA. While innovation continues, all approved infant formulas must meet strict nutritional standards⁴.

Although Australia’s voluntary MAIF Agreement was not renewed in 2025, market principles remain aligned with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes developed by the World Health Organization.^{5, 6} The former Marketing in Australia of Infant Formula (MAIF) Agreement was a voluntary industry code aligned with the WHO International Code, designed to restrict inappropriate promotion of infant formula and protect breastfeeding; although discontinued in 2025, its principles continue to inform responsible professional practice⁶.

1. World Health Organization. Infant and young child feeding. Geneva: WHO; updated 2023. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding
2. National Health and Medical Research Council. Infant Feeding Guidelines. Canberra: NHMRC; 2015. Guidance page updated 2024. Available from: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-advice/public-health/nutrition/infant-feeding-guidelines
3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australia’s mothers and babies: Breastfeeding practices. Canberra: AIHW; 2024. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mothers-babies/breastfeeding-practices
4. Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Standard 2.9.1 Infant Formula Products. Canberra: FSANZ; 2024.
5. Department of Health and Aged Care. Marketing of infant formula in Australia. Canberra: Australian Government; 2025.
6. World Health Organization. World Health Assembly recommits to global nutrition targets and regulation of marketing of breast-milk substitutes. Geneva: WHO; 2025.