Can You Mix Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding? Here’s What the Science Says

Parents consider many factors when deciding how to feed a new baby. While breastfeeding benefits make it the first choice for many babies, formula feeding provides a convenient, nutritious alternative. For many parents, combination feeding, mixing breast milk and formula, can offer the flexibility and balance that fits their baby's needs and their family's lifestyle. 

Parents might opt for a mixed feeding routine due to personal choice, challenges with nursing, or lifestyle factors. Whatever the reason, it's important to follow scientifically-backed recommendations to make sure that your baby gets the right balance of breast milk and formula for good nutrition, optimal gut health, and proper development. 

Before you make any changes, such as starting mixed feeding with your newborn, talk to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can help you make the transition seamless for you and your baby, ensuring they get the best of both worlds.

What Is Combination Feeding?

Combination feeding means using both breastfeeding and formula feeding to nourish your baby. While breast milk is ideal, formula is safe and healthy for babies. Modern baby formulas now include HMOs and probiotics for added benefitsand more complete nutrition. 

Deciding how much formula to use, how often to nurse or express breast milk, and setting a combination feeding schedule will depend on what works best for your baby and you. 

There are a variety of ways to combine breastfeeding and formula feeding, such as:

• Alternating feeds: Offer all-breast milk or all-formula feeds at different times. For example, breastfeed in the morning/evening and use formula during the day or at night for shared caregiving. 
• Topping up: After a full breast milk feed, offer formula if needed for low supply or weight gain. It's usually best to offer breast milk first, so your baby can get more of breast milk's nutritional benefits first.
• Partial breastfeeding: Combine breast and bottle in the same feed to help your baby adjust to bottle-feeding. Start with breast or bottle, depending on your baby's cues. 

Can You Mix Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding?

Yes, combination feeding is safe when done correctly. Breastfeeding is often recommended as the optimal form of infant nutrition, providing antibodies, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), and nutrients that support healthy growth and development. However, formula feeding can supplement breast milk when additional nourishment is needed or when exclusive breastfeeding isn't feasible.

Combination feeding offers parents more flexibility, allows both parents to participate in feeding the baby, and can help ensure your baby is fed even if you're away or returning to work.

Mixed feeding is safe when it's done appropriately. Always follow the mixing directions on the label to make sure the formula isn't watered down too much. Discard any unused formula left in the bottle and mix a fresh bottle for your baby's next formula feed. 

Parents can get advice from their baby's pediatrician or a lactation specialist on choosing the best formula for combination feeding and picking bottles. 

What Parents Must Consider about Combination Feeding

Combination feeding can be a rewarding option for both parents and babies. Adding bottle feeds allows both caregivers to participate, while partial breastfeeding still provides significant health benefits, including immune support, reduced risk of infections, and support for healthy growth and development.

Approaching mixed feeding thoughtfully ensures it benefits everyone. Some babies may initially struggle with the switch, but most adapt well with consistency and patience. Bonding can continue during bottle feeds by holding your baby close, maintaining eye contact, and using a calm, nurturing tone. This helps replicate the emotional connection of breastfeeding, keeping your little one secure and comforted.

Monitor your baby's digestion and comfort. Signs like excessive gassiness, spitting up, or unusual crying may indicate that a different formula could work better. Consult your pediatrician for guidance on selecting the best formula or adjusting your feeding routine to support gut health, milk supply, and overall nutrition. Thoughtful planning can make combination feeding a smooth, healthy experience for both you and your baby. 

How to Combine Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding Safely

You can transition to mixed feeding by taking it slow and following your baby's cues. 

Gradual Changes

Introducing formula gradually is the key to a smooth transition. You may want to start by replacing one feed per day with formula to see how your baby adjusts to the change in diet. This also lets your body adjust to the lower demand for milk, so you don't risk discomfort or getting engorged. 

Increase the amount of formula over the space of a week or two until you get to the mixed feeding schedule that works for your family. 

Use a Slow-Flow Nipple

When bottle-feeding formula, choose a slow-flow nipple that mimics the natural flow of breastfeeding. This prevents the baby from developing a preference for the bottle, which can be easier to drink from compared to breastfeeding.

Burp the Baby Often Enough

Burp your baby after they drink two or three ounces from a bottle. Burp more often if they seem fussy during a feed. 

Choose the Right Formula

Not all formulas are created equal. If your baby has specific dietary needs, such as a sensitivity to cow's milk proteins or a need for extra digestive support, consult your pediatrician for recommendations. Many formulas now include HMOs and probiotics to mimic some of breast milk's benefits.

Watch for Signs of Discomfort

Some babies may take time to adjust to formula, leading to gassiness, constipation, or other changes in bowel movements. This is normal, but talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns.  

How to Protect Milk Supply While Combination Feeding?

You can add formula to your baby's routine without jeopardizing your milk supply. The key is to plan ahead. Since breastfeeding operates on a supply-and-demand principle, you can avoid a drop in milk production by continuing to nurse or pump during the times you're not supplementing with formula. 

Your body will adjust to the new nursing schedule and produce the right amount of milk. If you notice a dip in supply, you can add extra nursing or pumping sessions to increase milk production. Maintaining consistent feeding or pumping times is key to protecting supply and keeping your baby's nutrition steady. You can also speak with a location specialist for advice on maintaining supply. 

Common Concerns and Questions About Combination Feeding

Feeding decisions can feel overwhelming, but the main goal is simple: provide safe, nourishing food. Both breast milk and formula support your baby's growth and development.

Choosing formula: Choose a baby formula with HMOs. The HMOs in formula versus breast milk offer similar health benefits to your baby.

Bonding during feeds: Use feeding time as an opportunity to bond with your baby by snuggling, skin-to-skin contact, and giving them plenty of attention.

Milk supply and adaptation: If you have concerns about your milk supply or how your baby is adapting to the change in food, talk to your pediatrician or lactation specialist. They can give you personalized advice on how to best mix feeding methods. 

Choose Begin Health Probiotics: Natural Gut Support for Combination-Fed Babies

Beginbaby Pre + Pro with HMOs offers the benefits of HMOs to support gut health and digestion for babies on mixed feeds. The flavorless powder can be added to a formula to boost a formula-fed baby's microbiome. It may help support digestive troubles related to constipation, gas, and fussiness. 

Beginbaby is safe for babies ages 0 through 12 months. Talk to your pediatrician about how Beginbaby Pre + Pro with HMOs can benefit your little one.