If you re combining breastfeeding with formula feeds both you and your baby can carry on enjoying the benefits of breastfeeding.
Best formula to give a breastfed baby.
But breastfeeding doesn t work for every family and you may need or choose to use formula full time or give it in addition to breast milk.
For some babies that s a major understatement.
Introduce the formula slowly.
This formula contains no artificial flavoring or harmful chemicals.
It s best to do it gradually to give your body time to reduce the amount of milk it makes this helps lower your chance of getting uncomfortable swollen breasts or mastitis.
Every time you don t feed baby from the breast your milk ducts get the signal that there s less demand and produce less milk.
To avoid a dip in your supply pump when you can to make up for the missed breastfeeding session.
Is it okay to supplement my breastfed baby s diet with formula.
Similac is a great brand and a very reliable one in terms of baby formula.
With so many different types it can be difficult to know where to begin.
It all depends on your individual baby.
Giving your baby formula in addition to breastfeeding is called supplementing it s completely ok and perfectly safe to do and many families choose this type of combination feeding method whether out of necessity e g low breast milk supply convenience or simply a personal choice.
There are many benefits to breastfeeding and it s recommended by the american academy of pediatrics aap as the optimal source of nutrition through your baby s first year of life.
You can give it to your baby as often as they are hungry without having any concerns.
If you choose to introduce infant formula.
Choosing the right formula can be overwhelming.
The kind of formula you choose does matter.
How to choose a formula.
Its additional iron content is not only beneficial to the baby but also to the mother.
Some are even designed specifically for supplementing because they contain lutein an essential nutrient found in breast milk as well as prebiotics designed to keep baby s stool soft similar to that of exclusively breastfed.
Most important though the best baby formula for breastfed babies is less about the product and more about the protocol.
This one is a good option if you are looking to supplement your baby s breastfeeding with formula.
Any amount of breast milk is beneficial and it s okay to supplement with formula if that s what works for your family.
Here are the best methods for introducing formula to breastfed babies.
While health experts recommend feeding babies breast milk exclusively until solids are introduced usually around 4 to 6 months depending on your baby s readiness parents may choose to supplement with.
