Combination Feeding: Breastmilk and Baby Formula

Key Insights

Combination feeding is a model of feeding your baby a combination of breast milk and infant formula. There are many reasons why parents may choose to combo feed, whether it’s to:

• Share feeding responsibilities
• Address breastmilk supply challenges
• Provide flexibility around work and daily routine
• Any combination of reasons!

3 Benefits of Combination Feeding

1. Flexibility: Combo feeding can help families accommodate busy schedules, returning to work, not to mention enjoying more rest during nighttime feedings. It’s also worth mentioning flexibility isn’t always a luxury–some parents face challenges with breastfeeding and it can help to have a physical break from time-to-time.
2. Balanced Nutrition: Infant formula is designed to provide essential nutrients, even if breast milk supply is low or unavailable at times. We’re proud to offer Optimum, our closest formula to breastmilk and only leading brand that has lactoferrin added as an ingredient to support your baby’s developing immune system. Also found in colostrum and breastmilk ithas immune-supporting nutrients.
3. Bonding with Family Members: Feeding your baby is a special bonding experience regardless of the method, but combination feeding can create time for parents who can’t produce breast milk and other family members to enjoy that special bonding experience.

Maintaining Breast Milk Supply While Combo Feeding

In the early weeks, breastfeeding or pumping 8-12 times per day helps establish a strong supply. However, as your milk production stabilizes, you may be able to adjust the frequency based on your baby’s needs and how much formula they are receiving.

• Prioritize Breastfeeding or Pumping Sessions: If possible, try to breastfeed first before offering formula to encourage milk production. If you’re relying more on formula, aim to pump at regular intervals to keep up your supply.
• Pump When Skipping a Nursing Session: If your baby is getting an infant formula bottle instead of breastfeeding, pumping can help signal your body to keep producing milk.
• Try Power Pumping: Mimicking cluster feeding by pumping in short bursts over an hour can help stimulate more milk production.
• Feed or Pump at Night: Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, is highest at night, so keeping at least one night feed or pumping session can be beneficial.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet: Drinking plenty of water and consuming nutrient-rich foods can support lactation.
• Consider Lactation Support: If you're struggling with supply, a lactation consultant can provide guidance tailored to your feeding routine.

Learn more about common breastfeeding challenges and how to overcome them.

Combination Feeding Schedule

Creating a combination feeding schedule can help keep things organized and ensure your baby gets the right amount of nourishment. Remember that babies are unique, and their feeding patterns can change over time. Be flexible and adapt to your baby's needs. It's all about finding a feeding routine that suits both of you.

Can Combination Feeding Cause

Colic or Tummy Troubles?

No, combination feeding itself doesn’t directly cause colic or tummy troubles, but changes in a baby’s feeding routine—such as introducing a new formula—may come with an adjustment period. Some babies may need time to adjust to a new feeding method, especially if their digestive system is sensitive, in which case you might consider looking into gentle formulas, such as Enfamil Optimum Gentlease that are made with easy-to-digest proteins and inspired by breastmilk; designed to help fussiness, gas, and crying in 24 hours. You can get the trusted nutrition of Enfamil Optimum in a formula designed for babies with sensitive tummies!

Nipple Confusion?

Nipple confusion happens when a baby has difficulty switching between breastfeeding and bottle feeding due to differences in how milk flows and how they latch. Bottles typically have a faster, more consistent flow than the breast, which can lead some babies to prefer the bottle and become frustrated with breastfeeding. Others may need some time to adjust between the different sucking techniques and flows for each.

To help avoid nipple confusion, you can try:

• Using a slow-flow nipple to mimic the natural pace of breastfeeding.
• Paced bottle feeding by holding the bottle more horizontally, which allows your baby to suck actively, rather than letting milk flow too fast.
• Offering the breast when your baby is calm instead of when they are very hungry, which can make them more patient with nursing.

Judgement from Friends and Family?

It’s not uncommon for any parenting decision to be questioned by others, and sometimes other people don’t share their opinions or feedback in the most helpful of ways. This can create unnecessary pressure and guilt for you and many other parents. If you experience judgment:

• Remember that your feeding choice is personal and based on what’s best for you and your baby.
• Share the benefits if you feel comfortable—you can share how combo feeding allows flexibility, supports bonding, and for your baby to get essential nourishment and nutrients.
• Your baby’s wellbeing is most important! At the end of the day, what matters most is that your baby is fed, happy, and thriving—no one else’s opinion should take away from that

How to Choose the Best Formula for Combination Feeding

1. Talk to Your Pediatrician: Always consult your baby’s doctor to determine the best formula based on dietary needs, sensitivities, or any medical concerns.
2. Look for Key Nutrients: choose a formula with ingredients such as lactoferrin, an immune-supporting ingredient found in colostrum and breastmilk, and DHA, which supports brain growth. These ingredients are not found in all infant formulas, and are part of what makes Optimum our closest to breastmilk in terms of the nutrition it provides.
3. Consider Your Baby’s Tummy: If your baby shows signs of fussiness or gas, a gentle or partially hydrolyzed formula like Enfamil Gentlease^® or Optimum Gentlease may help.

When it comes to baby formula, there are various options available, and our family of formulas guide can help you explore all your options with Enfamil. We’re proud to be the #1 trusted brand by pediatricians and parents, feeding millions of babies every day.

Optimum RTU for Combo Feeding On the Go!

Our ready-to-use formula is a quick, convenient option that parents LOVE especially for nighttime feeding, travel, and managing busy schedules. Optimum RTU offers balanced nutrition without the hassle of mixing. It’s crafted to be our closest to breastmilk, and has key ingredients for immune support, brain development, and growth.

Welcome to the Combination Feeding Community

Whether you choose to breastfeed, formula feed, or a combination of both, what matters most is nourishing your baby with love—and understanding all your options along the way. That’s where Enfamil Family Beginnings^® comes in.

As a member, you’ll get personalized support for your feeding journey, including:

1. A Feeding Tracker and Pumping Tracker in our mobile app
2. Direct access to registered nurses for questions between pediatrician visits
3. Exclusive discounts and rewards on formula purchases
4. Tips and resources to help you feel more confident with combo feeding

Join Enfamil Family Beginnings^® today—it’s free, and designed to support you every step of the way.