The best baby formulas for mixed feeding

Everyone talks about breast vs bottle – but what if you need (or want) to do both?

If you do, you’re far from the only one. Most babies start off with at least some breastmilk, but only 1 in 4 are still exclusively breastfed at 6 months. Which means that most moms will end up mixed (or combination) feeding to some degree. 

In this blog, we’ll take a look at:

• Common reasons for mixed feeding (especially useful if you feel you might need to do it, but aren’t sure if it’s right…)

• How mixed feeding works nutritionally – and why you don’t need to worry that it’s not ‘good enough’. 

• Benefits and drawbacks to mixed feeding (helpful if you’re trying to choose how to feed).

• Which formulas work best in combination with breastmilk, and why. 

Common reasons for mixed or combination feeding

 

There are lots of reasons why you might need to combi-feed. For some, it’s a necessity to help their babies get the milk they need. For others, it’s a conscious choice that allows some much-needed flexibility. 

Here are just some of the reasons you might want to combine breastfeeding with formula – drawn from our customers’ experiences:

• You’re breastfeeding, and you want to continue, but you’re worried your baby isn’t getting enough milk. This might be due to latch problems, mastitis or low supply. 

• You need to go back to work, but you struggle with pumping. 

• You’re ready to start leaving your baby for days out or nights away, and formula is the simplest way to do that. 

• You want to stop breastfeeding soon, and need to combi-feed for a while to ease into full-time formula. 

Whatever your reasons, you might be wondering whether your baby will get the same level of nutrition with combi-feeding as they would with 100% breastfeeding…

Mixed feeding and baby nutrition

It’s true that breastfeeding is the optimal choice, but that doesn’t mean that your baby’s nutrition will suffer if you combi-feed. 

 

It’s worth remembering that any breastmilk is beneficial, especially in the early weeks and months – you don’t lose those benefits by adding some formula to their diet too. They’ll still get all the antibodies, natural lactose and nutrients breastmilk provides. 

 

But if (for any reason) you can’t breastfeed all the time, formula is the consistent source of nutrition that every baby needs. After all, that’s why it was invented. 

 

And a good formula will include all the same nutrients as breastmilk – including essentials like DHA, prebiotics, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. If your baby can’t get enough of these through breastfeeding, formula can step in to fill the gap. 

 

In short, the most important thing is that your baby gets enough milk and calories each day. 

Are there any drawbacks to mixed feeding?

There can be. Whether any of these affect you will depend on how much formula vs breastmilk you give, and on your baby’s tummy. 

A few possible drawbacks are:

• Reduced milk supply. Since breastmilk production works on supply and demand, introducing formula will almost certainly reduce (but not end) your supply – especially early on. That said, it can often be increased again with support if you want to.

• Too much milk at the wrong time. If you’re at work all day, and you’re used to feeding through the day, you might suffer from leaking and painful engorged breasts. Pumping helps, but isn’t a great solution for everyone. 

• Problems adjusting. Many babies can happily switch between breast and formula easily, but others might be unsettled and uncomfortable. Some babies will also develop a strong preference for either breast or bottle, and it can be hard to persuade them otherwise!
  
  

• Allergies or intolerances. Some babies may react to certain formula ingredients, such as cow’s milk protein or soy.
  
  

But don’t worry, most of these issues are temporary and fixable with a little trial and error. And there are some significant benefits to mixed feeding…

Benefits of mixed feeding

 

Combi-feeding can be the best of both worlds for many families. You might find that it gives you:

• Flexibility. If you’re the only one who can feed your baby, you can’t leave them. Introducing some formula means you’re able to take time to work, catch up with friends or just go out for a while without having to pack a change bag…

• Reduced pressure.  Breastfeeding can feel very ‘all or nothing’, which is often psychologically tough. 

• Confidence they’re getting enough milk. Many moms worry about supply or latch issues. Formula means you can be sure they’re getting the milk they need. 

• An easier shift back to work.  Pumping at work can be tough – formula is a simpler, less stressful choice for many. 

Which is the best formula for mixed feeding?

 

For babies used to breastmilk, it stands to reason that they’ll probably get on best with a formula that is as similar to breastmilk as possible. 

Look for formulas with:

• Lactose as the primary carbohydrate (the same sugar found in breast milk).
  
  

• DHA and ARA, important fatty acids for brain and eye development.
  
  

• Organic or minimally processed ingredients.

 

• No unnecessary additives. Such as corn syrup or excessive starch.
  
  

Why European formulas are ideal for mixed feeding

 

European formulas are designed to be as close to breastmilk as possible. 

How they achieve that varies a little, but thanks to strict EU regulations, they will all:

• Include lactose as their main carbohydrate, just like breastmilk. 

• Be free from corn syrup, which is often used in US formulas to provide extra carbs. 

• Be made without GMOS, as there is a complete ban on these in EU formula. 

• Include DHA – essential for brain and eye health, but not required by the FDA and not always included in US formulas.  

• Be pesticide-free, even if they’re not organic. 

As well as this, many are also:

 

• EU-certified organic – the world’s strictest organic certification.

• Made using milk from pasture-raised animals.

• Free from starch and maltodextrin, which many babies struggle to digest (especially in formulas aimed at newborns).

• Gentler and easier on sensitive tummies than standard US formula.
  
  

Of course, none of this means that you can’t successfully combi-feed with non-EU formula. But you might find that you have an easier time switching between the two if you do choose European.

Which formula is best for my combi-fed baby?

There is no one-size-fits-all formula that’s best for every baby. Depending on your baby’s age and sensitivity, you might find one of these works well:

• For newborns, try a Stage Pre formula. These are an alternative to Stage 1 formulas, designed to be especially gentle and breastmilk-like for the youngest babies or those with sensitive tummies. Check out Stage Pre formulas here.

• For sensitive tummies, try a goat’s milk formula. Goat’s milk is naturally gentle, and has the same protein type as breastmilk, so it often works well for little ones who don’t get on with cow’s milk formulas. Compare goat’s milk formulas here.

• For natural fats, try Kendamil. Kendamil uses creamy, high-fat whole milk from their herds of English Jersey cows. This makes for a naturally filling formula with a fat content that’s similar to breastmilk. Take a look at Kendamil here.

• For quick, easy feeds, try Ready-to-Feed. If you’re not used to making formula, start with pre-mixed ready-to-feed bottles. All you need to do is open and pour! Find out more about Ready-to-Feed here.

Not sure what’s right for you baby, or want more suggestions?

Get 3 personalized recommendations in 2 minutes, with the Formula Finder.