It’s exciting to know you can nourish your baby, no matter what feeding choice works best for your family. You can’t know exactly what your infant feeding experience will be like or what resources you will need until you’re immersed in the experience (e.g., after your baby has arrived). However, you can become aware of the options ahead of time so that you know where to find resources when you need them. Here is an overview of the choices you can make for feeding your baby. Learning about your options before your baby comes will help you ensure that you have the support and resources you need to continue to make choices that are best for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a wonderful choice for many families, if possible. You will need to educate yourself on the benefits of breastfeeding, how to get started breastfeeding, and how to handle any special circumstances you might encounter. There are a wealth of resources that can help you make the best decision for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding Basics An Overview of Breastfeeding An Overview of Exclusive Breastfeeding Formula Feeding vs. Breastfeeding Breastfeeding Questions and Answers Where to Get Breastfeeding Help for Nursing Mothers What Are the Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding?
Formula Feeding
Choosing to formula feed also requires time, resources, and support. Here are some resources to help you get started:
Bottle Feeding Your Infant Formula What Is Cow Milk Formula? Choosing a Baby Formula: Similac, Enfamil & More Baby Bottle Feeding Problems
Mixed Feeding
Some people may not be aware that mixed feeding (for example, a combination of breastfeeding/pumped milk/donor milk and formula) is another option. Mixed feeding is a choice that works for many families, and works differently for every family (which is why it can be a convenient option). Breastfeeding is very adaptable and your body will adjust to the schedule that you choose. You could breastfeed your baby in the morning, but use formula later in the day—mixed feedings means mixing feeding types in a way that works best for you and your baby. For example, you might breastfeed your baby and supplement with formula, use a mixture of donor breast milk and formula, or use pumped milk and formula.
Can You Breastfeed and Give Your Baby Formula? How to Combine Breast and Formula Feeding Can You Mix Breast Milk and Infant Formula?
Special Circumstances
There are many different special circumstances that you might encounter when feeding your baby, from allergies to health needs your little one might have.
Formula Options for Little Ones With Allergies Breastfeeding and Special Needs for Baby and Mom Donor Breast Milk for Preemies Breastfeeding an Adopted Baby
Solids
Once your baby is ready to incorporate solids and other liquids into his or her diet, infant feeding becomes a whole other world. But it’s an exciting one! You can explore all the ways to introduce new foods and drinks into your baby’s diet, such as:
Is Cereal a Good First Solid Food? When Is It OK for Your Baby to Drink Juice? Best First Foods for Babies When Can Your Baby Drink Water? Feeding Your Baby Solids Too Soon? 7 Tips for Starting Your Baby on Solids
Making the Best Decision for You and Baby
Feeding your baby might be stressful at times as you navigate finding the tools and resources that are right for you and your family. Having a support system set up ahead of time can really help. It also might mean learning to field questions or judgments from others outside of your family situation who may have opinions on what you should do. Feeding choices often include factoring in family support, family budget, childcare options, and schedule. For example, if you choose to breastfeed and need to go back to work right away, will you be able to pump? Will formula feeding work into your family budget and childcare situation? Do you have the support necessary to make the feeding choice you think is best? Don’t be afraid to look at the big picture when making your ultimate decision and to remember that a stressed out parent isn’t going to be able to provide the best care or enjoy the experience as much.
A Word From Verywell
Your feeding journey with your baby is an exciting time. Who doesn’t love food, right? Look at this as an opportunity to figure out a feeding solution that works best for you, your baby, and your family. As hard as it is to turn down the volume on some of the pressure you may be feeling to feed a certain way from others/social media/etc. Ultimately, the decision has to be one that feels right for you. When you do make a decision, it’s nice to remember that nothing is ever set in stone. You can always change your mind or revisit the situation if something changes.
