Baby formula milk

Mixed feeding: giving your baby breast milk and formula milk

There may be times when you need to give your baby infant formula in addition to breastmilk. This is usually only short term for many breastfeeding mums.

Talk to youryour local maternal, child and family health nurse, lactation consultant or family doctor if you are thinking about mixed feeding. They can help with:

• deciding if you need to do mixed feeding
• keeping up your breast milk supply
• how to prepare infant formula
• how much and how long to give your baby infant formula. 

If breast milk is not available for your baby, baby formula is the only other safe option for your baby.

Infant formula milk

Infant formula can give your baby the nutrients they need for the first 6 months. At around 6 months, you can start giving your baby solid foods, as well as formula. This is also a good time to try giving drinks from a cup instead of a bottle.

How much infant formula does my baby need?

Every baby needs different amounts of formula at different times.

As babies grow, they start drinking more milk in the bottle during each feed. This means they might want fewer bottles over the day.

At 2 months: most babies will have about 6 bottles a day.

By 4 months: some babies might only want 4 to 5 bottles a day.

The formula tin has instructions for how much formula to give your baby each day. This is just a guide, and each baby is different. Look for signs from your baby to tell whether they are hungry or full. Check if they have wet nappies and see if they are growing well. Your baby will drink as much as they need, so they may not always finish the bottle. Just like us, sometimes their appetite will be different every day.

It is important to follow the formula tin instructions to see how many scoops of formula are needed for the amount of water in each bottle. This is to make sure your baby is getting enough nutrients and water. It also prevents poor growth and constipation.

If you feel your baby regularly needs a top up of milk after their initial feed, you are recommended to discuss the feeding, weight gain and settling behaviours with your maternal, child and family health nurse or family doctor.

Choosing the right infant formula

• In Australia, all baby formulas must meet the national standards. No brand is better than another. Pick one that you can afford.
• For babies under 12 months use infant cow’s milk formula that is labelled "suitable from birth" or "stage 1", unless your family doctor or maternal, child and family health nurse tell you otherwise.
• Try to pick a formula with low protein. Look for less than 1.3 grams of protein per 100mL.
• After your baby has reached 12 months, use regular full-fat cow's milk in a cup instead of formula. When feeding respond to your baby's cues of “I’m hungry” and “I need a rest” and “I’m full”.

Bonding during bottle feeds

When you feed your baby, two special things are happening:

Bonding time: this is when you and your baby get closer. They learn your voice, your touch, and your love.

Food time: your baby gets the important nutrients they need to grow and be healthy.

It can be helpful to find a quiet place to feed your baby. Holding them close during this time makes them feel safe and loved.

Sometimes, your baby might stop, look at you, or even try to talk to you by making little sounds. This is how they learn and develop new skills. They may try to hold their bottle. You can hold the bottle together. Always have an adult feed your baby to keep them safe.

Baby cues that say ‘I'm hungry’

Video by Raising Children Network