When to start mixed feeding your baby
Mixed feeding refers to a combination of breastfeeding and formula feeding. When babies start mixed feeding is different for every family. Often, this depends on the mother\’s personal situation and her baby\’s needs.
Generally speaking, after a baby is born, their body is still adjusting, and the mother\’s milk also needs time to settle and flow out naturally. During this period, if the breast milk is not enough or cannot be discharged in time, it is recommended to feed the baby some formula milk powder to supplement energy and nutrition. Under normal circumstances, only a small amount of formula milk powder needs to be fed at this time.
When the baby is a few weeks old, the breast milk supply is basically sufficient, and mixed feeding can be started at this time. For example, if a mother needs to go out or work and cannot breastfeed in time, she can use a bottle to feed formula milk. Therefore, a balance needs to be found between the baby\’s needs and the mother\’s situation.
How to properly mix feed your baby
Mixed feeding requires correct methods and techniques to ensure that the baby receives adequate nutrition and parent-child interaction. Here\’s how to properly mix feed your baby:
Strictly control the amount of formula milk powder
Generally speaking, mixed feeding needs to control the amount of formula milk powder and use it as little as possible while ensuring that the baby can fully absorb it. This will help the baby eat more breast milk and ensure sufficient milk production.
Feed breast milk first and then formula milk
In mixed feeding, it is recommended to feed breast milk first and then formula. Breast milk is the best food, rich in antibodies and nutrients. After feeding breast milk, feeding formula milk powder can ensure that the baby\’s nutrition will not be affected.
Use the appropriate bottle or nipple
During formula feeding, using a suitable bottle or nipple can allow your baby to suck better and prevent swallowing air, which can cause gas and diarrhea. Generally speaking, the size and shape of the pacifier should match the shape of your baby\’s mouth.
What should you pay attention to when mixing feeding?
Things that require special attention when mixing feeding are as follows:
Avoid nipple confusion
Frequent switching between breastfeeding and bottle feeding may cause nipple confusion. Babies who can\’t tell the difference between artificial nipples and real nipples can have difficulty sucking and swallowing, eventually leading to breast inflammation and other problems.
Regularly check bottles and formula
In mixed feeding, the status of bottles and formula should be checked regularly and replaced immediately if any abnormalities are found. Especially in summer, you must pay attention to the storage temperature of formula milk powder after opening.
Observe the baby\’s feeding posture
Posture is an important factor in sucking from the breast, and attention should be paid to the baby\’s feeding posture during mixed feeding. When your baby is feeding, his head should be aligned with his body to make swallowing easier.
Advantages and disadvantages of mixed feeding
Mixed feeding brings many benefits to families, but it also has some disadvantages. The following are introduced respectively:
Advantages
1. Mother’s physical condition will become healthier
2.Baby gets richer nutrition
3. Avoid the inconvenience of breastfeeding
Disadvantages
1. Baby may get nipple confusion
2. May cause burden on breast glands
3. Impact on breast milk supply and breast milk nutrition
In summary, mixed feeding is a good option in certain situations. During the feeding process, we should pay attention to the baby\’s needs and the mother\’s physical condition, follow correct feeding methods and techniques, and create a healthier and happier growth environment for the baby.
