Experienced Moms Share Their Best Tips for Combo Feeding

Forget the breast versus bottle showdown. Most parents are taking the “both/and” approach to feeding their little ones. The 2024 State of Feeding report shows 65 percent of parents use a combination of breast milk and infant formula to nourish their babies, yet getting clear guidance can feel like searching for a pacifier at 3 a.m. That’s why we asked parents who’ve mastered the mix to share their real-world wisdom. Here’s your judgment-free guide to making combination feeding work, from moms who’ve been there.

Choose the right formula.

It’s true that every infant formula sold in the US must meet stringent health and safety standards, but that doesn’t mean they’re all created equal—or that they’re the right fit for your infant. When new mom and combo-feeder Caitlin B.* from Stamford, CT, started her formula search, it all came down to finding one that was as close to her milk as possible. “I wanted my baby to get all the nutrients and fat that I was giving him in my breast milk,” she explains. That meant taking a closer look at different formulas’ protein ratio and lactose content, which led her to Bobbie and its 60:40 whey-to-casein protein ratio that closely mimics breast milk. Also, unlike the 59 percent of baby formulas that use corn syrup or sugar, Bobbie formulas are made with 100 percent lactose (the main carbohydrate found in breast milk).

While Caitlin found the right pick early on, it took new mom Annie L. of Austin a couple of tries. “My baby wasn’t pooping and was throwing up on our original formula,” she recalls. Her advice? Be patient and flexible. After a bit of trial and error, Annie found that Bobbie’s ingredient profile, with grass-fed milk and zero palm oil, was the right match for her baby’s sensitive tummy.

While research shows formula switching is safe and usually well-tolerated, always talk to your child’s doctor beforehand. No matter where you are in your formula journey, the most essential thing is selecting a formula that fits baby’s needs, and gives you peace of mind.

Find the right breast milk and formula balance.

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for combo feeding—it’s about finding your own unique rhythm. Some families choose formula for middle-of-the-night feeds, while others reserve it just for that all-important before-bed bottle, and still some parents aim for a 50/50 balance between the two.

For combo feeder and mom-of-two Joanna D. in Austin, a flexible feed-by-feed tactic made all the difference. “When I could see my baby was getting frustrated and still hungry after nursing, I’d simply top her off with formula,” she explains. This approach gave her the freedom to adapt to her baby’s needs without stress. Similarly, Hannah B., from Austin, also found freedom in flexibility. “For us, there was no ideal balance. Some days were formula heavy, some days were all breast milk, and that’s okay. Just knowing our baby was happy with both was all that mattered.”

Don’t stress about the “right” schedule.

While feeding patterns vary, most newborns eat every two to three hours, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). But ounce by ounce, it gets more complicated. Breastfed babies typically take in about 4.5 ounces each feed by the time they turn one, while formula-fed 6-month-olds often drink 6 to 8 ounces—leaving many combo-feeding parents wondering where their baby should land.

Instead of getting caught up in strict schedules and ounce counts, Lindsey L., a combo feeder from Pleasant Hill, CA, is all about letting baby take the lead. “If my daughter seemed hungry before the two-hour mark, I’d offer her another ounce of formula,” she says. “If she didn’t want to finish, I didn’t push it.” Figuring out what best matches your family’s needs takes time and experimentation. “Combo feeding is like an experiment at first,” agrees Caitlin. “I started writing down what worked and what didn’t until we found our rhythm.”

Take turns.

While breastfeeding can create precious bonding moments, the long days and nights of “eat, sleep, repeat” can also feel isolating. Hannah felt this firsthand. “Combo feeding made me feel less alone—knowing that someone else could easily step in when needed was extremely comforting,” she says. Madeline D. of Beverly Hills, CA, also found success in sharing the load with her partner. “With my husband’s help, feeding is a lot less stressful than doing it myself,” she shares. (Incidentally, this type of teamwork can actually make a huge difference in your nursing success, according to the AAP.)

Keep up your supply (if that’s your goal).

For parents looking to maintain their milk supply while combo feeding, finding the right timing and routine is often the key to success. Generally, it’s best to wait to introduce formula until nursing is well-established. But not all combo-feeding families get to make that decision. Annie urges parents not to be discouraged if they have to introduce formula earlier. “My baby was in the NICU and had to take a bottle when she was born,” she says. “But I pumped a lot and gave her all the breast milk I could—about 50 percent of her feeds, and we supplemented with formula. It worked for me.”

Whether parents start combo feeding by choice or necessity, many discover it can actually prolong their breastfeeding journey. In fact, research shows combo feeding and breastfeeding success often go hand in hand: 61 percent of moms who met their nursing goals used both breast milk and formula. Victoria B., a Houston mom of three, experienced this firsthand. She initially thought she’d switch to 100 percent formula once her maternity leave ended, but she continued nursing for five more months. “I really adore breastfeeding, and I found that combo feeding with Bobbie actually helped me do it longer—and more happily,” she says.

When it comes to maintaining supply, moms recommend finding a nursing and/or pumping schedule that fits into your life. Madeline shares her scheduling tip: “My baby had formula in the morning and at bedtime,” she explains. “I also tried to pump when he was with a caregiver. I pumped a lot!” Caitlin took a similar approach, but also knew her limits. “My best advice is to set boundaries. I wasn’t willing to pump overnight. If my baby was sleeping, so was I!” she says.

Release the guilt.

Research shows that 70 percent of combo-feeding moms feel judged for their feeding decisions. Sela S. from New York City recommends prioritizing your mental health. “Focus on what matters most: Your baby, who just wants to eat.”

Another way to embrace your feeding decision? Find your village. “I definitely relied heavily on other moms and my mom text groups,” says Joanna. “Knowing so many other parents who supplement with formula gives me peace of mind.” Not sure where to start? The Journeys by Bobbie program connects subscribers with feeding experts and fellow parents in virtual support sessions, offering valuable guidance for every feeding journey.

Final thoughts: Do what works for you.

“I used to think I had two choices: breastfeeding or formula—one or the other,” says Lindsey. “I didn’t realize combo feeding was an option, and I definitely didn’t realize how much peace of mind it would bring.” With the help of her family and care team, Lindsey learned that supplementing with formula wasn’t a failure or a compromise, “it was simply a way to ensure my baby got the nutrition she needed.”

Like Lindsey, many parents discover that how you choose to feed your little one—by breast, bottle or both—is a deeply personal journey. Remember that trusting your instincts, with the right support, allows you to create the feeding experience that works best for your family—and that’s what matters most.

Our pick: Bobbie organic original infant formula, $25 per can; HiBobbie.com.

When choosing a formula for combo feeding, ingredient quality and nutritional standards matter. Bobbie organic infant formula is modeled after breast milk, with the same 60:40 ratio of whey to casein proteins. It’s also free of fillers and additives like corn syrup, palm oil, artificial flavors and colors and GMOs. Plus, each batch undergoes 2,000 quality checks, ensuring you’re getting only the best. And to make newborn life a little easier, Bobbie offers a monthly subscription service with automatic deliveries and a 10 percent discount, so you’ll always have a supply on hand.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.