Q&A How do I combine breastfeeding and formula feeding?

There are several ways to supplement breastfeeding with formula feeding. Find suitable ways for you.

1 Breastfeeding first, then formula

Feed breast milk first and give formula if not enough. At first, we recommend you feed as much formula as your baby wants after breastfeeding.

2 Alternating breastfeeding and formula feeding

For example, if you feed every three hours, breastfeed at 6 a.m. and noon, and formula feed at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
We recommend you decide whether or not to use formula depending on the swelling of your breasts at each feeding time.

3 Adding formula in the afternoon or evening

Some mothers lactate less in the evening. So, you could breastfeed in the morning and add formula in the afternoon.

4 Breastfeeding in the morning and evening, formula during the day

You can breastfeed in the morning and evening through night and feed formula during the day.
This pattern may be suitable for mothers who work during the day.

5 Amount of feeding by age in months

Adjust the amount and frequency of feeding to suit your baby’s appetite and daily routines. The table below shows the recommended amounts of feeding. Use it as a reference.

Recommended amounts to prepare

Age in months Weight Recommended amount per feeding Recommended frequency per day
Breast/formula feeding Weaning food
〜1/2(months) 3.0(kg) 80ml 7 -
1/2〜1 3.8 80ml〜120ml 7 -
1〜2 4.8 120ml〜160ml 6 -
2〜3 5.8 120ml〜160ml 6 -
3〜5 6.8 200ml 5 -
5〜7 7.7 200ml 5 1
7〜9 8.3 200ml 5 2
9〜12 8.8 200ml 5 3

*Adjust the amount of milk after weaning according to your baby’ progress in weaning.

6 Feeding your baby

Meiji Hohoemi Club provides tips and answers to questions concerning feeding (e.g., “Am I feeding enough?”).

Click here for the details

7 About milk

Meiji Hohoemi Club also answers various questions, such as how much infant formula to give and how often.

Click here for the details

8 About breast milk

Meiji Hohoemi Club also answers various questions, such as how much infant formula to give and how often.

Click here for the details
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