Bottle Feeding Tips When Also Breastfeeding
How to Make It Work Without Ruining Your Nursing Relationship.
Whether you’re heading back to work, planning a date night, or simply looking to share feeding duties with a partner, combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding (also known as combo feeding) can be a game-changer. But it doesn’t come without its challenges. Many parents worry about nipple confusion, milk supply, or that their baby will reject the breast once having some sips from the bottle.
The good news? You can successfully combine bottle and breast with the right approach and a little strategy.
Here are five parent-tested tips to support your combo feeding journey.
Some babies combo feed better than others
Remember that it’s a different sucking action from breast to bottle, this process can take time.
1. Timing Is Everything: Wait Until Breastfeeding Is Established
Best practice: Experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest waiting 3–4 weeks before introducing a bottle, to allow your milk supply and baby’s latch to settle in.
Introducing bottles too early can lead to latch issues, but waiting too long may cause breast refusal. Every baby is different, so watch for feeding cues, weight gain, and latch consistency.
Pro tip: Once breastfeeding is going well, introduce a bottle before a baby turns 8 weeks old to increase the chances of acceptance. once you have done that, do one small bottle feeding everyday to keep your baby practising both.
2. Use Paced Bottle Feeding to Mimic the Breast
Paced feeding is a method that slows down the flow from the bottle to replicate breastfeeding. Research shows this helps reduce overfeeding and prevents babies from developing a preference for the fast bottle flow.
Hold the baby upright
Use a slow-flow nipple ( one flow down than suggested by the bottle brand)
Offer breaks every few sucks
Switch sides mid-feed to mimic nursing
This keeps the experience similar to breastfeeding, both in pace and positioning. the reduced nipple flow can result in lengthier feeds so also be patient. This is not good advice for a baby that is mainly bottle feed however, this advice is true only for parents who are mainly and wish to continue breastfeeding.
3. Choose the Right Bottle and Nipple Shape
Contrary to marketing, there’s no such thing as a "nipple confusion-proof" bottle. But some bottles are better suited for breastfed babies or to the baby themselves. More recently I have been seeing a few issues popping up with AVENT nipples.
Look for:
A wide, gradual slope nipple
Slow-flow option ( most bottle brands have different flows, only go down by 1 )
Soft, silicone material
Anti-colic venting systems
Don't be afraid to try a few styles. Some babies are picky! If you are going to keep trying new nipples, you must give it some time first before swapping. Breastfeeding is a different sucking action to bottle feeding, so the baby also has to have the opportunity to get used to the nipple, trading too often will only make it harder.
4. Keep the Breast a Regular Option
One of the biggest concerns parents face is breast refusal after introducing bottles. To avoid this:
Prioritize skin-to-skin regularly
Nurse when baby is relaxed, and not too hungry
Avoid only bottle-feeding during fussy times
Consistent breastfeeding helps maintain your milk supply and your baby’s preference for both feeding styles.
5. Create a Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding Routine
Having a loose routine (especially once your baby is 6+ weeks) helps you and your baby adjust to combo feeding.
For example:
Decide which of the feeds are better for breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Have another parent or family member be around to offer the bottle
Dont try to offer the bottle when a baby is too hungry if they are not used to it, this will only make them more upset and then you woudl have to offer the breast; which will reinforce don’t take the bottle
🤱 Combo Feeding Doesn’t Have to Be All or Nothing
Whether you’re combo feeding for convenience, returning to work, or needing flexibility, you’re not “doing it wrong.” You’re doing what works for your family. And with a little strategy, you can nourish your baby and maintain your breastfeeding relationship.
Need help figuring out the best feeding routine for you and your baby? Contact me today !
