Introducing Formula to 8 Mo. Old Baby Boy

Updated on March 12, 2008
J.C. asks from Dayton, OH
4 answers

Hello, my baby boy has had breast milk exclusively until we introduced solids at 4 mos. I work full-time and pumped to supplement and store the breast milk, trying to make it to 12 mos. We're starting to run out of the supply and have decided to integrate formula to supplement some of the breast milk, hopefully so he'll have at least some breast milk until 12 mos. I thought about adding just a bit of formula to his breast milk bottles and intoducing it that way- does anyone have success stories or any advice on how to do this? I really have no experience with formula and want to make this as easy on baby baby's belly as possible! We've decided to use Enfamil w/ DHA formula. Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thanks so much for all of the advice! We've started adding just a little formula to his breat milk bottles and so far, so good! We haven't had any issues with the formula yet, but if we do, we have plenty of options to try! Thanks so much for everyone's advice!

More Answers

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Y.M.

answers from Cleveland on

I would not mix formula and breastmilk, I would offer the formula and see what happens. I think there will be more issues with the delivery system then with the formula...LOL.
I had both of my little ones on Soy Formulas, because their dad is lactose intolerant and the had spit up and gas problems with regular formula. You might also aspediatrician if your baby can switch to Milk, they usually start at 12 months on whole milk. Or PediaSure is a total hit with added vitamins and nutrients and it is flavored.
Hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.R.

answers from Dayton on

absolutely try mixing. My son and I had a similar problem. We started supplementing w formula, but had to start slow. Like 1oz form to 5oz milk. every few days we added a little more formula. once you get to half &half to 3/4 you should be good w formula only bottles. By the way parent's choice has a great organic formula at wal-mart. my son's poo was green (like day glow.. no kidding) on enfamil. when we switched to the parent's choice organic, it became a nice normal brown.

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U.G.

answers from Cleveland on

Hey J.,
My boy is 10 months old. I breast feed him exclusively and will continue till a little after 13 months. He has been going to day care since he was 9 weeks old.I can understand in the beginning breast milk supply is good but later it diminishes.I started supplementing formula (Enfamil lipil with DHA) when he was 8 months old. The lady at the day care mixes 2 oz formula and 2 oz milk.She started with 1 oz formula and 3 oz breast milk. So I suggest you do the same,start with an oz of formula and remaining your milk in what ever quantity he takes.Then increase gradually.I will soon have to switch to formula exclusively since I am running out of my supply!! But yes its a good thing to continue feeding him untill 12 months at-least!
Since you say you have no experience with formula,then in the beginning your baby may be gasy when you mix milk and formula. Also his poop may be little harder.So don't worry about that!!

All the best! and try integrating it works!!

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M.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

When we started to run out of our supply of breastmilk, we started by giving our baby a bottle of formula as his last feeding of the day before putting him to bed. He was already sleeping great through the night and we noticed no difference.

If you're hesitant, you can always try mixing formula and breastmilk.

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