Is mix feeding good for babies

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Mixed Feeding: The Pros And Cons Of Mixed Feeding

Have you heard about mixed feeding and wondering what it is?

Are you breastfeeding and thinking mixed feeding might help your baby feel full?

When babies are fed a combination of breastmilk and formula, this is known as mixed feeding.

Mixed feeding: The pros and cons of mixed feeding

There are various reasons why babies are mixed fed.

For example, a baby might not be getting enough milk from his mother alone.

Or a mother could be returning to work and unable to express breastmilk in the workplace.

This article focuses on combining breastmilk and formula. But it’s important to know formula isn’t the only option available.

If a baby isn’t getting enough milk from his mother, donor milk is another option that parents might consider.

We know how important breastfeeding is for the health of mothers and babies.

You can read more in Benefits Of Breastfeeding – What Are They Exactly?.

Leading health organisations from around the world recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months.

Then parents can introduce solid foods while breastfeeding continues for at least one year.

Exclusive breastfeeding means the baby has only breastmilk. No other liquids or solids are given, not even water.

There are certain situations, however, where you might have to weigh up the risks against the benefits of mixed feeding.

If you’re in a situation where mixed feeding might be necessary, consider these 4 pros and 4 cons:

4 Pros

#1: Mixed feeding helps babies to be fed enough

It’s important a baby is drinking enough milk to thrive. If a baby isn’t getting enough from his mother alone, supplementing can help.

If you’re concerned your baby isn’t getting enough milk, speak to your baby’s health care professionals about your baby’s needs.

It is important to use reliable signs (as opposed to unreliable signs) to tell whether or not your baby is getting enough with breastmilk alone.

Find out more about reliable signs and unreliable signs.

Also, if your milk supply is low, there are ways that can help to increase it.

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is best placed to be able to help you with this.

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#2: Mixed feeding lets your partner share the feeding

Some couples view feeding as something a partner can share. It might help partners to bond with their babies and also help to share the load between the parents.

Of course, there are many ways for a partner to take care of a baby that doesn’t involve feeding.

Find out more in 8 Ways New Dads Can Bond Without A Bottle.

#3: Mixed feeding gives breastfeeding mothers a break

When a baby is mixed fed, the breastfeeding mother doesn’t need to be involved.

This can mean, as a breastfeeding mother, you can be doing something else, such as sleeping or doing some exercise.

Bear in mind, this is also possible even if you prefer not to give formula; you might be able to access donor milk for your baby.

#4: Mixed feeding might mean breastfeeding continues longer

Feeding a baby doesn’t have to be only formula or only breastmilk.

It is beneficial for a baby to be fed even a small amount of breastmilk.

Instead of fully formula fed, babies who have mixed feeds will continue to breastfeed for longer.

4 Cons

#1: Mixed feeding is more work

Mixed feeding might seem to make the feeding journey easier.

But in reality, mixed feeding can create more work for parents.

When a baby is exclusively breastfed, there’s no need to buy formula, make it up, or sterilise bottles.

These tasks can be very time consuming, especially when you’re already juggling so much else.

#2: Mixed feeding might lower supply

Breastmilk supply works on a ‘supply equals demand’ basis.

Babies who are fed formula might have less demand for breastmilk.

Less demand will mean your breasts make less milk. Over time this can affect your milk supply.

Obviously, giving formula less often reduces the impact on breastmilk supply and vice versa.

Expressing breastmilk when your baby has formula can help to reduce the impact on your supply. The milk you express can be saved to give to your baby later in place of formula.

#3: Mixed feeding can increase the risk of inflammatory breast conditions

Breastfeeding regularly, as your baby demands it, reduces the chances you’ll end up with sore or infected breasts.

Inflammatory breast conditions such as engorgement, blocked ducts or mastitis can be very painful and might interfere with successful breastfeeding.

Skipping breastfeeds and giving formula instead means the milk (which is usually removed) stays in your breasts.

This increases the risk of inflammatory breast conditions.

#4: Mixed feeding can increase risk of breast refusal

Feeding a baby by combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding increases the risk of a baby developing a preference for the bottle.

Mixed fed babies can become fussier with breastfeeds, or even refuse to breastfeed.

Reduce this risk by using a paced bottle feeding method.

Alternatively, you can try a different way to feed your baby formula, such as using a cup or breastfeeding supplementer, depending on your preference and circumstances.

Recommended Reading:

• Mixing Breastmilk And Formula – Is It OK?
• 9 Things To Know Before You Give Up Breastfeeding

pluses and minuses, basic rules for the introduction of supplementary feeding with a mixture of

Elizaveta Shatunova

By Daily Baby

#mixed feeding #mixes

Even manufacturers of infant formulas do not doubt the benefits of breast milk. It contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the formation of a strong immune system of the child. But sometimes breastfeeding alone is not enough. Consider the basic rules for introducing supplementary feeding in the form of a mixture into the child's diet. How to organize mixed feeding?

Mixed feeding: what it is

Mixed feeding is the organization of a newborn's diet, which combines breast and artificial feeding. The mother is breastfeeding and formula feeding the baby. With the correct introduction of supplementary feeding, the baby gains weight well, receives all the necessary minerals and vitamins for normal development.

The reasons for the introduction of mixed feeding may be different. But basically, this is a lack of mother's milk. How to understand that the child is malnourished? On the Internet, you can find a lot of recommendations about this - for example, to evaluate the color of the baby's urine. But in this matter it is better to trust the pediatrician! Only a doctor, taking into account the weight gain of the child and his behavior, will be able to draw the right conclusions. And if necessary, he will recommend to the mother the introduction of supplementary feeding in the diet of the newborn. The fact is that the reasons for poor weight gain in babies are different, it is not only a lack of breast milk.

Among the other most common reasons for the introduction of mixed feeding - periodic absenteeism of the mother. If a woman is unable to breastfeed, this feeding is replaced by formula.

Sometimes frequent spitting up, constipation and colic in him become a sufficient reason for introducing artificial formula into the diet of a newborn. But in most cases, all this is “treated” with probiotics for the child and a diet for the mother. In this case, breastfeeding is still quite possible to compete.

There is an opinion that the introduction of supplementary feeding has a negative effect on the formation of the child's immunity and the functioning of his digestive system. Actually this is a myth. Yes, there is nothing more useful than breast milk for a newborn. But even from a good, properly selected mixture, he definitely will not be worse.

On the contrary, mixed feeding allows the mother to maintain lactation at the proper level and does not give cause for concern that the baby does not receive vital nutrients.

How to organize mixed feeding

There are several ways to supplement the baby with formula:

• mother gives the baby a little mixture after applying to the breast;
• Mom completely replaces one or more breastfeeds with formula.

Doctors recommend exactly the option of mixed feeding, when the mixture is only an addition to mother's milk, and not a complete replacement for the baby of one of the feedings. But the decision, of course, will depend on how well the newborn is gaining weight. It is possible that he does not need the mixture at all, and the mother should try to put the baby to the breast more often to stimulate lactation.

What are the rules to follow when introducing formula supplementation into the diet of an infant?

An informed decision on the introduction of formula into baby food

Many mothers introduce artificial formula into their baby's diet even in the maternity hospital. This is sometimes recommended by doctors, since women have “unstable” lactation in the first days and even weeks after the birth of a child. There is a risk that the baby will lose weight. And mom in a panic stocks up boxes of mixtures. Take your time.

In fact, a slight loss in weight in an infant immediately after his birth is a normal situation. Next week, he will definitely make up for the “deficit” of grams. In the first days after childbirth, it is important to apply the baby to the breast more often in order to establish lactation. You may not need a mixture at all.

And it is possible to draw some conclusions about the lack of mother's milk only a few weeks after the birth of a child. But by this time, children are usually already actively gaining weight - of course, in the absence of digestive problems, such as lactase deficiency. That is why a pediatrician's consultation is needed - diseases whose symptoms are "lack" in weight should be excluded.

Slow introduction of formula

If the doctor recommends that the infant be mixed fed, the formula should be introduced slowly. Not immediately a full bottle, but a very small amount. It is important to make sure that the child “accepts” a new product well for himself - without colic in the stomach and allergies.

In general, this is a standard rule for mothers, which in the future should also be used when introducing complementary foods in the form of cereals and vegetables. First, small portions of the new product, and then their gradual increase.

Formula only after breast milk

If mixing is not the goal of a complete transition to formula, it is essential to try to maintain lactation. To do this, doctors recommend first applying the newborn to both breasts, and only then give him a mixture.

Supplementation in the case of infants is administered through a bottle with a nipple. Conveniently, if the mixture is about 40-50% of the daily diet. Older children (3-4 months) can be given supplementary food from a spoon - but it will work only if the proportion of the mixture in the baby's diet is small.

The correct supplementation regimen

There is no clear regimen for the introduction of supplementary feeding - everyone is individual. The amount of the diluted mixture will depend on many nuances - the weight of the child and his appetite, the presence / absence of diseases of the digestive system, the nutritional value of mother's milk.

In general, when it comes to mixed feeding, the universal rule works - breastfeeding is on demand, and formula is given according to a well-established schedule (but no more than 5 times a day and only during the day). However, even here there may be “deviations” - it all depends on what type of mixed feeding the mother has chosen. How does she supplement her baby - does she replace a full meal with formula or does she feed only after breastfeeding? Talk to your pediatrician about the timing of supplementary feeding.

The amount of supplementary food given will depend on the infant's daily food requirement. First, we calculate exactly how much milk your baby needs per day - it depends on his weight and age. And then we divide this number by the number of feedings per day.

This way we get the approximate amount of milk that a child needs "in one go" to be full. We act as follows - how much the baby does not have enough mother's milk, so much mixture and offer him after applying to the breast. Or dilute the mixture for full feeding.

There are quite a few formulas for calculating the total nutritional needs of an infant. We offer one of the variations:

• Age 1-10 days. If the child weighs less than 3.2 kg, multiply the age in days by 70. If the baby weighs more than 3.2 kg, multiply the age by 80.
• Age from 10 days to 2 months. The need for food is 20% of the baby's weight.
• Age 2-4 months. The need for food is 1/6 of the baby's weight.
• Age 4-6 months. The need for food is 1/7 of the baby's weight.
• Age 6-12 months The need for food is 1/8-1/9 of the baby's weight.

To correctly organize mixed feeding, you will have to periodically weigh the baby. And also to know how much breast milk he consumes at a time - pumping will help with this.

Which formula to choose for the introduction of supplementary feeding with mixed feeding

The choice of infant formula is huge. On a dairy and dairy-free basis, with additionally introduced useful components and without, medicinal and conventional. The specific choice of mixture depends on the age of the baby and the characteristics of his health. Check with your pediatrician.

When choosing a mixture, first of all, we determine its basis. It can be cow's or goat's milk. Both types of product are allowed for supplementary feeding of the smallest. The difference in the content of nutrients and "proximity" to the composition of breast milk. It is believed that it is mixtures based on goat's milk that are ideal for babies - they "repeate" the composition of the mother's as much as possible. Found the perfect fit? Then we look at the packaging - there is a marking that tells what age the product is designed for. This is important - mixtures vary in composition. A product for a six-month-old baby is definitely not suitable for a newborn.

Keep in mind that even the best quality formula may not be suitable for your baby. Most often, the selection of a particular brand is by trial and error. If a baby takes a particular product without any negative reactions from the body, then you should not change its brand in the future, even “as an experiment” or because “a friend advised”.

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Read more

• Feeding on demand or by the hour? What to do if the baby is bottle-fed
• How to establish artificial feeding? Pediatric advice
• Scientists are actively working on the creation of artificial breast milk. And it's not about infant formula

How to feed your baby? About mixed and artificial feeding

This article is designed to help mothers understand the intricacies of artificial feeding.

Mixed feeding

For various reasons (diseases of the mother and child, hypolactia, early work, etc.), some mothers use mixed feeding.

When breastfeeding in combination with formula, it is important to keep feeding on demand, and weight gain must be constantly monitored. It is important that supplementary feeding is introduced only after breastfeeding. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the following recommendations of specialists: the breast must be offered to the child at every feeding, because. alternating breastfeeding and formula feeding will lead to the extinction of lactation. With a small amount of milk, the child is applied to both breasts during feeding, and if there is little supplementary feeding, it is offered from a spoon, and not from a bottle. Bottles should be chosen with a dense elastic nipple and a small hole.

In cases where there are problems with the composition of breast milk, special breast milk fortifiers can be used under medical supervision.

Artificial feeding

Tatyana N., mother of two:

– From the first days we bought expensive mixtures with probiotics for our son, and changed them according to age. After a year, up to 20 months, fermented milk mixtures were given at night.

It is necessary to observe the mode and quantity of the mixture, because many children are prone to constipation, and mixtures contribute to this. It is also important to choose the right nipple in the bottle: beveled or round, the hole in the nipple also matters. If the mixture is thick, with probiotics, a size 2 or 3 hole will do. If normal, then the second size will do. But you can’t pick it up by eye the first time, you have to buy different mixtures and try.

When formula feeding, it is recommended to feed at intervals of three or three and a half hours, ideally with a six hour break at night. After the introduction of complementary foods, the child can be transferred to five meals a day. There are two ways to calculate the volume of food. In the first option, to calculate the amount of food in the first week of life, you can multiply the day of the child's life by 70 or 80 ml - depending on weight: for children with a birth weight of up to 3200 kg or more, respectively (for example, on the fifth day of life, a baby , who was born with a weight of 3100 grams, should eat 5 * 70 ml = 350 ml of food). In the second option, up to two months, a child should eat per day a volume of food that is equal to a fifth of body weight, from two to four months - a sixth, up to six months - a seventh, and up to a year - up to an eighth of body weight, excluding water, juice, etc. (i.e. a three-month-old baby weighing about five kilograms should eat about 800-1000 ml of food). Of course, these are only indicative figures, everything is individual.

In the nutrition of children, it is mandatory to use adapted infant formulas (infant formula). They are close to women's milk in all components - protein, fat, carbohydrate, amino acid, vitamin and mineral.

Types of milk formulas:

• formulas based on cow and goat milk,
• “initial” or “starter” formulas, “follow-up” formulas, formulas for children from 0 to 12 months (indicated by numbers),
• dry and liquid (liquid, such as PreNAN, used for medicinal purposes - author's note) infant formula,
• fresh and sour milk,
• with and without additional ingredients.

When bottle-feeding, the mother needs to provide the baby with tactile contact, so it is better to feed, holding him in her arms “skin to skin”.

It is believed that goat milk mixtures cannot cause allergies, but unfortunately this is a myth. But they are easily absorbed and digested, have a pleasant taste and are rich in nutrients. Therefore, in case of intolerance to individual components of cow's milk or an allergy to it, goat's milk mixtures are used.

1. "Initial" or "starter" formulas ("1") are intended for children in the first 6 months of life. The composition is as close as possible to women's milk.
2. "Following" mixtures ("2") - for feeding children in the second half of life. Contain a higher amount of protein, less like breast milk.
3. "Follow-up" formulas ("3") - for feeding young children.
4. "0 to 12 months" formulas can be used throughout the first year of a child's life.

The composition of the mixtures

The mixtures are close in composition to human milk due to: normal development of the retina and brain, absorption of fats. It is indispensable for children in the first few months of life, because. not formed in the body;

reducing the content of mineral salts and introducing iodine, selenium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, the content of which in cow's milk is lower than in women's milk.

Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that have a positive effect on health by affecting bacteria in the human intestine. Prebiotics include some carbohydrates.

Nucleotides, pro- and prebiotics are often added to adapted milk formulas. Nucleotides influence the formation of children's immunity. The introduction of pre- and probiotics ensures the normal intestinal microflora.

Adapted fermented milk products are also used in infant nutrition. They are prepared using special colonies of bacteria. Such mixtures contain protective substances, lactic acid, lower lactose levels, and milk protein is partially split, which somewhat reduces allergenicity. They improve the composition of the intestinal microflora, strengthen local immunity, and are able to regulate intestinal motility in case of constipation and diarrhea.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that have a positive effect on human health.

Adapted fermented milk mixtures can be used from the first weeks of life as a supplement to the main fresh mixtures. They are recommended at the risk of nutrition-related diseases, with reduced appetite, dysbacteriosis, frequent respiratory infections and during an epidemic of colds. Powdered fermented milk mixtures with low acidity are sometimes used even as a staple food.

Elena F., young mother:

– She was in the hospital for eight days because of breast problems, plus she waited a couple of days after antibiotics. It was then difficult for my daughter to take the breast, so at first she expressed milk into a bottle, but she also gave the breast. As a result, it turned out to establish breastfeeding, I almost do not feed anymore. When I was only on the mixture (ate "Bellakt Optimum"), the chair was tight. When they switched to milk, and the mixture as a supplement, everything returned to normal.

At high risk of developing atopic dermatitis - if both parents and siblings suffer from allergic diseases - mixtures based on partially hydrolyzed cow's or goat's milk protein are preferred.

How to choose the right mixture?

Infants who require formula and formula feeding should receive only adapted milk formulas for proper development. When choosing a milk formula, it is necessary to take into account the age of the child, the work of the gastrointestinal tract, the risk of allergies, diseases, the nature and possible side effects of taking medications, the financial level of the family, the individual tolerance of this particular mixture and the tastes of the child.

From the first weeks of a child's life, preference should be given to fresh formulas, then, if necessary, to combine fresh and fermented milk formulas.

Important: an excess of fermented milk mixtures in the diet of a child of the first year of life can cause persistent regurgitation and metabolic disorders. From the age of six months, “follow-up” mixtures are recommended. In the first and second half of life, mixtures "from 0 to 12 months" can also be used. For children aged approximately 10 months to 3 years, formulas with the number "3" are recommended.

If the child's body tolerates the mixture well, there is no regurgitation, vomiting, loose or poorly digested stools, constipation, skin and other manifestations of food allergies, anemia, the child eats with pleasure, then the mixture is chosen correctly.

Examples of choosing a formula for children of the first year of life : (o overview of a typical assortment of Bobruisk convenience stores )

• Adapted milk formulas for healthy children from birth: Nutrilon 1 and 2, Bellakt Optimum 1+ and 2+, Bellakt Immunis 1+ and 2+, Frisolac, Frisomel, NAN, Nestogen, Nutrilak, Semper Baby 1 and 2, Winnie, Hipp, Humana.
• Formulas for children with low lactase activity, with breast milk oligosaccharides: Nutrilon-low lactose, Similac.
• Mixtures for children with regurgitation and vomiting, constipation, colic: Nutrilon antireflux, Bellakt KM2, Bellakt AR, Frisovoy.
• Formulas for children with diarrhea and severe intolerance to cow's milk, hydrolysates: Nutri-Soy, Pepti-Junior, Frisosoy, Frisopep, Alfare Amino.
• Immunity strengthening and intestinal microflora improving mixtures: NAN with bifidobacteria, Semper Bifidus.
• Premature and low birth weight formulas: Nenatal, Bellakt PRE, Frisopre.
• Fermented milk mixtures: NAN fermented milk, Nestogen fermented milk, Bellakt KM.
• Goat milk mixtures: Nanny 1.2, Kabrita 1.2, MD mil SP Goat, Mamako Premium.

Important : if you use mixtures with bifidobacteria, strictly control the temperature - it should not exceed 45 degrees. An opened pack of any mixture should be stored in accordance with the requirements indicated on the box. Any mixture is prepared for one feeding and is not stored.

Tips from moms on bottle and nipple selection:

• Most people prefer branded plastic bottles (cheap and randomly bought can contain harmful contaminants!),
• size should be age-appropriate: 150 ml to start, and after a year 300 ml is also possible,
• the neck is preferably wide, so it is more convenient to pour the mixture,
• the shape of the bottle should not be complicated - in this case, even with a brush it is difficult to wash it well,
• for babies who hold the bottle themselves, it is good to take a narrowed in the middle or with removable handles and with an anti-slip coating,
• it is advisable to check (read reviews) if the bottle does not leak when you turn it over,
• most mothers advise taking "anti-colic » bottles,
• the nipple, most likely, will have to be selected individually, but it is recommended to take an anatomical convex one, the grip of which is as close as possible to the shape of the female nipple. The majority of respondents are in favor of silicone orthodontic nipples, but some, on the contrary, prefer softer round latex ones;
• the hole in the nipple for water should be “one”, and for the mixture “two” or “three”;
• any nipples are used for no more than two or three months, latex ones last less. It is necessary to strictly observe the service life of the bottle itself;
• Please read the care instructions carefully before using the bottle for the first time. Ideally, after each use, the bottle is sterilized, and before preparing the mixture, it is washed with boiled water;
• all mothers are advised to keep two or three bottles in stock.

The material used data from teaching aids "Feeding healthy children in the first year of life" ( Zhernosek V.F., Dyubkova T.P. ).

Afterword from the leading column

Dear women of Bobruisk, feed your babies with love and tenderness, and nature will do the rest.

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