What is combo feeding?
Combo feeding means feeding your baby both breast milk and formula. You may also hear people refer to it as mixed feeding, topping up or supplementing feeds.
This can look different for all families. Some may breastfeed with top ups, others may use formula for night time feeds, or breastfeeding at home while formula feeding when baby is in care. There are many models of mixed feeding that work for different people.
Combo feeding doesn’t have to follow a specific schedule, it can be short or long term, structured or flexible. The best routine is the one that keeps mum and baby happy.
Why do people choose to combo feed?
There are many reasons why people may choose to combo feed their bubs. Some common reasons include:
- Not a high enough supply of breast milk
- Helping babies with slower weight gain
- Allowing others to feed the baby
- Increasing flexibility for time away from bub (i.e work, rest, travel).
Will combo feeding affect my milk supply?
It is possible however not guaranteed. Breast milk production works on a supply and demand basis and supply is increased the more frequently you breastfeed or express milk. If breastfeeding time is replaced with formula feeding and you do not express, then supply may decrease. This isn’t a negative though. A lot of women choose to begin combination feeding with the intention of decreasing their supply.
How do I introduce formula if I want to start combo feeding?
There are many ways to introduce formula when deciding to begin mixed feeding. The way that works best for you and your baby may not be the same as the next pair but that’s okay.
If combo feeding with the intention of topping feeds due to supply concerns:
- Breastfeed your baby from both sides before offering formula.
- Follow your babies hunger cues rather than aiming for a set amount of formula per top up.
- If protecting your supply, consider trying to express after topping up.
- Monitor wet nappies, growth and feeding behaviour rather than focusing on how much milk is being consumed.
If combo feeding with the intention of replacing some breastfeeding sessions:
- Introduce the change gradually.
- Be aware that regularly replacing feeds without expressing may very well reduce your supply.
- There is no schedule to follow. Choose which feeds to replace based on your routine and what works best for you.
Tips for introducing formula
- Always follow formula preparation guidelines.
- Use a narrow neck teat to feed your baby. Learn more about choosing the right bottle and teat options for your baby.
- Consult a trusted health practitioner when selecting which formula is right for you and your baby.
- If you’d like to learn more about understanding formula ingredients, read our guide on how to read and understand a formula nutrition information panel (NIP).
- Download LittleOak’s transition guide for step-by-step recommendations for transitioning from breast milk to formula.
Benefits of mixed feeding
- Greater flexibility for parents and caregivers
- Allows caregivers other than mum to feed baby
- Supports return to work and other commitments
- May reduce stress and improve maternal mental health
- Allows babies to continue receiving breast milk
Common concerns
- Loss of milk supply
- Baby's rejecting the bottle
- Baby's rejecting the breast after the bottle
- Finding a formula that’s right for you
