Important note

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life as the best option for babies. At Nutrino, we believe that breastfeeding is the best gift you can give to your baby. Breast milk not only provides all the nutrients that the baby needs during the first 6 months, but also protects from infections, allergies and strengthens its immunity. Additionally, breastfeeding creates a special, unbreakable bond between mother and child that lasts a lifetime.

As your baby grows, the WHO recommends introducing safe and nutritionally appropriate complementary foods starting at six months, while continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond. If you are using milk formulas, it is important to consult your pediatrician to make the best decision for your baby. The introduction of solid foods should be gradual, tailored to your child’s needs, and always under the guidance of a pediatrician.

When is it necessary to introduce solid foods for babies?

Supplementing your baby’s diet with formula or complementary foods alongside breastfeeding is known as supplementation.

Many families choose this combined feeding method, either out of necessity (e.g., insufficient breast milk), for convenience, or simply as a personal preference.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend breastfeeding along with formula feeding for medical reasons.

When do doctors recommend supplementing for babies?

If possible, most doctors, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first four to six months, followed by continued breastfeeding for up to a year or longer, along with the introduction of solid foods.

However, your doctor may suggest giving your baby formula in addition to breastfeeding in certain situations:

  • Fewer than six wet diapers in a 24-hour period
  • Restlessness and signs of hunger soon after feeding
  • Slow weight gain after the first few days
  • Loss of more than 10% of body weight in the first few days of life

When should formula be introduced?

If your baby was born prematurely or has certain health conditions, they may need more than just breast milk. Supplementation is often done to help the baby gain weight.

If you have little or no milk due to previous breast surgery or a specific health condition, both situations can interfere with milk production, although every woman may experience a smaller amount.

You will add formula if you or your doctor believe that the baby is not getting enough milk from breastfeeding alone.

If you are returning to work only three months after childbirth and have enough milk, you will need to pump.

Introducing formula to babies – tips

If you do not have stored breast milk in the freezer, you may need to supplement your baby’s diet with formula.

WARNING

Although it is okay to put breast milk in the same bottle where formula is already prepared, mixing them can waste breast milk if the baby does not finish the bottle.

If possible, first give the baby breast milk, as much as you have, and then finish the feeding with formula.

For safety reasons, you should never combine breast milk with unprepared powdered or concentrated formula.

Always prepare formula according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using clean water.

How to choose the best infant formula?

Before choosing infant formula for your baby, consult with your pediatrician.

Most recommend iron-fortified infant formula during the first year of life.

If your baby develops a rash, diarrhea, vomits, cries excessively, is irritable, or has gas after taking formula, it may be an allergy.

In that case, immediately stop giving the originally chosen formula.

Moms often try several types of formula before finding the right one for their baby. Discuss other formula options with your baby’s doctor.