Combo Feeding Your Baby: What Parents Should Know

Written by Leena Tabaja. Customer Service Coordinator & proud mom of two.

Feeding Your Baby Doesn’t Have to Look One Way

Every baby, parent, and feeding journey is different. Some families breastfeed exclusively, some use infant formula, and many combine the two, a method known as combo feeding. While parents may have an idea of how they hope to feed their baby before they arrive, feeding journeys can evolve in ways they may not have expected. Understanding the different feeding options can help parents make informed choices, feel prepared to adapt when their needs change, and find an approach that feels right for their family. For some, choosing combo feeding may be part of their plan from the beginning; for others, it may become an option as their needs and circumstances change. 

Whether planned from the beginning or introduced along the way, combo feeding can look different for every family and provide flexibility as needs and routines change. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and understanding the different ways to combo feed can help families find what works best for them and their baby.

What Is Combo Feeding?

Also known as combination feeding or mixed feeding, combo feeding means offering your baby both breast milk and infant formula. It can look different from family to family, and there are several ways parents may choose to incorporate both into their baby's routine:

• Breastfeeding with formula top-ups: Baby breastfeeds first, followed by formula when additional feeding is needed or desired.
• Alternating breast milk and formula feeds: Some feeds are breast milk, while others are formula, creating a routine that works around the family's schedule.
• Breast milk at certain times and formula at others: Some families may choose to breastfeed for certain feeds and offer formula for others, for example, breastfeeding during the day and offering formula for a nighttime feed or when another caregiver is able to takes over feeds.
• Expressed breast milk and formula: Parents may pump breast milk and offer it by bottle alongside- even mixed into- formula. This allows baby to receive breast milk without every breast milk feed taking place directly at the breast.
• A flexible combination: Some families may not follow a set schedule at all, adjusting the balance of breast milk and formula based on the baby's needs and what works best that day.

Ultimately, combo feeding can take many forms, and there is no one “right” way to go about it, but the common theme among all these approaches is: flexibility. When you find a method that feels right for your family, combo feeding can give your family the flexibility to adapt feeding to your baby’s needs, your daily routine, and your circumstances. It can also make it easier to share feeding responsibilities, so that feeds don’t always fall on one parent or caregiver, while still allowing families to continue offering breast milk alongside infant formula. Whether that means adjusting the balance between breast milk and formula as your baby grows, having another caregiver take on a feed, or having another feeding option when breastfeeding isn't practical, combo feeding can give families room to find ways to best feed their baby.

Why parents may choose to combo-feed?

Every family has their own reasons for choosing combo feeding. For some, it may be part of their plan from the beginning, while others may discover it along the way. Parents may choose combo feeding when transitioning away from breastfeeding while continuing to offer breast milk, or when they want to introduce formula for added flexibility. It can also be helpful when returning to work or when a family’s usual routine changes, or when a baby needs additional feeding as their appetite and needs grow. For some families, combo feeding also provides an opportunity for a partner or another caregiver to take on some feeds, allowing the primary caregiver to rest and share in the responsibilities of feeding.

Whatever the reason, choosing how to feed your baby is a personal decision, and what works for one family may look completely different for another. At the heart of every feeding journey is the same goal: nourishing and caring for your baby.

Getting Started with Combo Feeding

Once you've decided to incorporate both breast milk and infant formula into your baby's routine, there is no need to create a complicated schedule. Start gradually, introducing formula one feed at a time to give both you and your baby time to adjust. If you want to continue offering breast milk, consider nursing or offering expressed milk before formula to help maintain regular breast milk feeds and support ongoing milk production.

As you find your routine, pay attention to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues rather than feeling tied to a set schedule, and give your baby time to become comfortable with bottles and formula. You can also involve another parent or caregiver in some feeds to share responsibilities and give yourself time to rest. Most importantly, keep your approach flexible and adjust it as your baby’s needs and your family’s routine change.

Real-Life Tips & Hacks for Combo Feeding

A few simple habits can make combo feeding easier, especially when you're balancing feeding with everything else that comes with caring for a baby.

Keep a feeding station ready

Having your feeding supplies organized in one place can save time when you need them. Keep bottles, nipples, formula supplies, and other frequently used items together and easy to reach. Having bottles cleaned and ready to go can also make those middle-of-the-night or busy-day feeds a little easier.

Plan ahead when you're out and about

Your feeding routine may look different when you're away from home, whether out for the day or away on travels. Think about what you'll need before heading out- bottles, expressed breast milk or formula. Ready-to-feed formula can be a convenient option when you’re short on time, space, or the ability to prepare a bottle, making it a handy option, especially when travelling.

Mixed feeds- breastmilk and formula

Some families may choose to offer expressed breast milk and formula together in the same bottle. If you do this, the most important part is to prepare the formula first according to the preparation instructions on the formula packaging, before combining it with breast milk. Never add formula powder directly to breast milk or alter the recommended water-to-powder ratio.

When to Seek Support

You don’t have to navigate combo feeding on your own. If you have questions or concerns about your baby's feeding, speaking with a healthcare professional or qualified feeding specialist can help you feel more confident in your approach. In Canada, lactation consultants can provide personalized support with breastfeeding, milk production, and combo-feeding decisions.

If you're ever feeling unsure about your feeding choices or simply want reassurance that you're on the right track, that's a good reason to ask for support, too.

Trust your Feeding Journey

Every family’s feeding journey is different, and there is no single right way to feed a baby. What matters is finding an approach that works for you, your baby, and your family, and knowing that it can change as your baby grows. You know your baby best, and your feeding decisions are yours to make. Give yourself the flexibility to adjust, trust your instincts, and remember that asking for support along the way is always okay.

    Leena Tabaja 
     Customer Service Coordinator
     & proud mom of two