Whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, or some combination of any or all of these methods, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nourishing your baby.
If you find yourself needing to supplement, wanting to share the late-night feeds, or simply looking for a way to get a bit more rest, you are in the right place. Read on to learn more about what combo feeding is, reasons parents choose this path, and some practical tips to help make combo feeding work for your family.
What is Combo Feeding?
Combo feeding means using both breast milk and formula to nourish your baby. This can include direct nursing, expressed breastmilk, donor milk, or formula. It’s a flexible approach that adapts to your family’s unique needs.
If you are a combo feeding family, you are definitely not alone. In fact, surveys indicate that most families are combo feeding or using formula in some capacity by the time their baby is 6 months old.
Why Do Parents Combo Feed?
Every family’s feeding journey is unique, and so are the reasons for choosing how to feed your little one. There are many paths to a happy, healthy baby, and every family finds the one that works for them. Parents often arrive at combo feeding for a mix of reasons, both by necessity and by choice.
Sometimes, combo feeding becomes a necessary part of the plan. This can happen for reasons such as low milk supply, a premature baby who needs extra calories to thrive, or an infant who isn’t gaining enough weight on breast milk alone. In these moments, adding formula can provide peace of mind and the nutritional support your baby needs.
For other families, combo feeding is a conscious choice that brings more flexibility to their lives. You might be navigating some breastfeeding challenges, wanting to share the nighttime feeding duties with a partner, or simply seeking a little more freedom and less pressure.
“Many parents worry about how to feed their baby, but at the end of the day, it's about finding what works best for you and your family. Remember, fed is best! If exclusive breastfeeding doesn't work for you, then combo feeding is a great option.”
-Molly Petersen, CLC, Director of Healthcare Accounts and Customer Care at Lansinoh
How to Make Combo Feeding Work for You
There is no right or wrong way to combo feed. The best combo feeding schedule is the one that feels good for you, your baby, and your family. It’s all about finding a rhythm that fits your life. Here are a few ways many parents make it work:
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Alternating feeds: You might offer a bottle of expressed breast milk or a nursing session, followed by a bottle of prepared formula at the next feeding.
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Day and night routines: Some moms find it helpful to use formula for daycare feedings and breastfeed when they’re back at home with their baby. Others offer breast milk during the day and use formula at night to trade off feedings with a partner.
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A daily bottle: Introducing one bottle of formula each day can help your baby stay familiar with both the bottle and the taste.
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Comfort and nutrition: You might choose to nurse primarily for comfort and connection while relying on formula to meet your baby’s main nutritional needs.
What About "Topping Up"?
Some parents choose to “top up” with a small amount of formula right after a breastfeeding session. This can help ensure your baby gets a full feeding and all the calories they need to feel satisfied. If this is a path you’re considering, it’s often helpful to breastfeed on both sides first. This helps stimulate your breasts to continue producing milk.
How to Combo Feed Breastmilk and Formula
Your baby can safely drink prepared formula and expressed breast milk in the same bottle. You can create whatever ratio works for you. Just remember to keep these important guidelines in mind:
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Always prepare the powdered formula with water according to the package instructions in a separate container before adding your breast milk.
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Once combined, follow the storage rules for formula. The combination bottle is good for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator and must be used within one hour from the start of a feeding.
A Note on Milk Supply
Your body’s milk production works on a simple supply-and-demand model. When you substitute a nursing or pumping session with a formula bottle, your body gets the signal to produce less milk, which may cause your supply to decrease over time.
If your goal is to continue providing breast milk long-term, working with a lactation counselor can be incredibly helpful. They can help you create a breastfeeding and pumping schedule that supports your personal supply goals.
Your Combo Feeding Toolkit
Gathering a few key items can help prepare you for a smoother combo feeding journey:
Bottles
A good bottle can make all the difference. Lansinoh’s NaturalWave® Bottles are designed to mimic the natural feel and flow of breastfeeding, which helps make the transition between breast and bottle feel seamless for your baby.
Pro tip: Always start with the slowest flow nipple when introducing a bottle to your baby.
Milk Storage Bags
For the times when you’ll be pumping, you’ll want a reliable way to store your liquid gold. Lansinoh’s Breastmilk Storage Bags are durable, leakproof, and lay flat for easy freezing and thawing.
Formula
Choosing a formula can feel like a big decision. If your baby was born prematurely or has a known allergy, your pediatrician can guide you to a specialized formula. For most babies, you can look for one that is modeled after breast milk, like Bobbie’s Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula, which contains ingredients like lactose (the main carbohydrate in breast milk), added whey for easy digestion, and DHA for brain and eye development.
“Not all carbohydrates are created equal. Some are absorbed more quickly (like corn syrup), while others — like lactose — require digestion by lactase before absorption. Because lactose is the primary carbohydrate in breast milk, it’s often the first carbohydrate source I suggest parents consider when choosing a standard infant formula.”
-Caroline Toon, RDN, LD
A Breast Pump
A quality breast pump can be a game-changer. Lansinoh’s breast pumps are designed with moms in mind, helping you express milk efficiently and comfortably, whether you’re at home or on the go.
A Mixing Pitcher
To save a little time, a formula-mixing or breast milk-batching pitcher can be a lifesaver. You can prepare a day’s worth of formula at once or combine all the milk you’ve pumped throughout the day into one container. Remember, if combining breastmilk and formula, you should always mix formula with water according to the instructions before adding the breastmilk.
Your Combo Feeding Questions, Answered
Here are some of the most common questions we hear from moms about combo feeding.
Can you breastfeed and formula feed at the same time?
Yes! This is exactly what combo feeding is all about. Combining breastfeeding and formula feeding is a practical choice for many families. It allows you to give your baby the benefits of breast milk while also gaining the flexibility and support that formula can offer. There’s no single right way to do it, so you can find a rhythm that works for you and your little one.
What are the best ways to combo feed a baby?
Knowing how to combo feed a baby is all about finding what fits your lifestyle. Some moms choose to alternate between breast and formula feeds. Others might breastfeed during the day and use formula for nighttime feedings to get a bit more rest. You could also offer breast milk exclusively at home and use formula for daycare. It’s all about creating a flexible plan that meets your needs.
How do you combo feed a newborn?
When learning how to combo feed a newborn, it can be helpful to start slowly. Many lactation experts suggest waiting until breastfeeding is well-established, usually around three to four weeks, before introducing a bottle. This gives you and your baby time to get into a good nursing rhythm. When you’re ready, you can start by replacing one feeding a day with a bottle of formula or expressed milk and see how your baby responds.
Is it okay to mix breast milk with formula?
We get asked a lot, "Can I mix breast milk and formula?" The answer is yes, you can. Combining them in the same bottle is perfectly safe. Just be sure to prepare the powdered formula with water according to the package directions first, before adding your expressed breast milk.
What are the rules for mixing breast and formula?
When it comes to mixing breast and formula, the most important rule is to follow the formula's food safety guidelines: mix the formula with water in a separate container before combining it with breastmilk.
Once you combine them, the entire bottle should be treated as formula. This means it’s good for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator and must be used within one hour from when your baby starts drinking from it. Any leftovers should be discarded.
What's the best way to handle changing from breast to bottle feeding?
The process of switching from breast to bottle feeding, whether partially or fully, can be a transition for both of you. Using a bottle designed to mimic breastfeeding, such as Lansinoh’s bottles with NaturalWave® nipples, can make the experience much smoother. The nipple is soft and flexible, allowing your baby to use the same sucking motions they learned at the breast. This can make switching back and forth much easier and more natural for them.
Trust Your Feeding Journey
Combo feeding is a flexible and practical choice that works for many families. It allows you to give your baby the benefits of breast milk while also embracing the convenience and support that formula can offer.
Remember, there’s no single “right” way to feed your baby, only the way that is right for you. If you ever need support or guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our certified lactation counselors on our Customer Care Team or your child’s pediatrician.
You've got this, mama!
