Combination feeding, also referred to as mixed feeding by some, is the practice of breastfeeding and bottle feeding (usually formula) in conjunction with one another. This approach is favoured by many as offering the baby the best of both worlds. If it is something that you are considering adopting for your newborn baby, continue reading for five top tips.
Establish breastfeeding first
The most crucial step in combination feeding may seem counterintuitive. However, establishing a firm breastfeeding routine, to begin with, is essential. Babies can take a little while to learn to latch effectively and efficiently. Many tend to want to suck purely on the nipple rather than latching more widely and this can have an impact on how much milk the baby takes on board as well as the mother’s supply. Over the first few weeks, a baby will cluster feed at times, ensuring that the milk supply is increased. Breastfeeding also provides essential nutrients and antibodies for your baby’s health and development, so this is most important early on in a baby’s life.
Gradually introduce formula
When breastfeeding has been successfully introduced and a routine established, you may feel that this is the perfect time to start formula feeding. However, it may be detrimental to do so immediately. Allow your baby until the age of around six weeks to exclusively breastfeed and then gradually introduce formula. Many women find that expressing a little breastmilk and mixing it with some ready-made formula can help baby to accept different tastes.
Choose the right formula
When introducing formula milk, it is important to choose a formula that suits your baby’s needs. There are different types of formula available, such as cow’s milk-based, soy-based and allergy-focused formulas. The choice you make will depend on your baby’s tolerance to different ingredients and your paediatrician’s or health visitor’s recommendation. If your baby seems to be unsatisfied with either bottle or breast, it may feel like a sensible choice to purchase hungry baby formula. However, this is often not necessary and there are many other reasons why a baby appears fussy, such as colic or simply a growth spurt.
Hygiene
Another important consideration when combination feeding is to ensure that you are maintaining good hygiene practices when preparing and feeding formula milk. Always wash your hands before preparing the formula, and sterilise all equipment, including bottles and teats. Follow the guidelines on the formula packaging for the correct amount of water and formula powder required. Some people choose to use machines to help them get the bottles to the right temperature in a short space of time. However, before investing in such a thing, ensure you speak to your health visitor as there is some controversy surrounding their safety.
Monitor the situation
It may seem a little odd to monitor what is happening with your baby’s feeds, but this information can be incredibly useful if you need to seek medical advice at all. It may be helpful to keep a feeding diary to help you keep track of how much breast milk (which breast and how long the baby is fed for) and formula milk your baby is consuming. This can also help you to identify any changes in feeding patterns or any issues that may arise.
