In this article, you will find advice about breast milk substitutes. How to mix it, and how you can potentially combine it with breastfeeding.

All families have different arrangements when it comes to their little baby and food. Some breastfeed, some use formula and some use both. Exactly how you do it is up to you and the needs of your family. If you choose to give your baby formula for the first few months, here is some advice to keep in mind.

Baby formula provides your baby with the energy and nutrition they need, and the formula you can buy is made to resemble breast milk’s nutrient content as much as possible.

There are different types of formula to choose from. At a children’s health centre, you can get advice on which option is most suitable for your child. On the other hand, you should never mix your own baby formula from regular milk or similar, because it is not possible to get the right proportion of nutrients yourself. Furthermore, do not mix in oil or other ingredients in the formula you buy. Incorrect proportions can damage your child’s kidneys or prevent your baby from growing properly.

Combining breastfeeding and formula
Sometimes you may want to combine breastfeeding with formula. For many this is perfectly fine, but for some it leads to breastfeeding ending earlier than planned. This may be because breast milk production is not stimulated enough or because the baby prefers the bottle as the food comes out faster from it.

You can feed your baby formula in a cup instead of a bottle if you start early. If possible, it is also good to wait until milk production has started properly and has become stable before you start giving them formula. On the other hand, there are mothers who may need to use formula at the beginning, but then switch to just breastfeeding.

At a children’s health centre, you can get practical advice on what to do if you combine breastfeeding and formula based on your specific situation.

Mixing baby formula
Since children are susceptible to infections, it is important to pay attention to hygiene when preparing formula. Always wash your hands before starting. It is also important to use clean bottles and teats and to wash them thoroughly, but they do not need to be sterilised.

When mixing formula, you should use cold water that you then heat up, as the hot water from the tap may contain copper from the pipes. Mix the formula according to the instructions on the package.
It will also state how long the ready-mixed formula lasts. You can throw away leftover formula after your child has eaten.