What is mixed feeding? Mixed feeding refers to the infant feeding period, in the case of identified breast milk deficiency, supplemented by other milk or milk substitute supplements feeding, such as milk, milk powder, infant rice flour, etc., to maintain the normal growth and development of infants, to promote the infant’s nutritional health feeding. For mixed feeding age stage to see, baby mixed feeding can be divided into newborn mixed feeding and infant mixed feeding, the age is within 28 days and 1 year old, respectively. Mixed feeding should be noted 1, give full play to the role of breast milk. It is best to feed breast milk first each time, after sucking empty milk in the breast and then fed with milk substitute food. Breastfeeding should be no less than 3 times a day, otherwise the breast will not be stimulated by the baby’s sucking, and the amount of milk production will soon decrease. 2, milk substitute food can not add too much sugar, otherwise the baby will feel the breast milk light and tasteless, reluctant to suck breast milk. You can add rice soup to milk, goat’s milk or other milk substitute foods to stimulate the sense of taste with the aroma of rice soup instead of sweetness. This method can make the infant gradually get used to the aroma of grains and can ensure the body’s need for caloric energy. How to choose mixed feeding? Mixed feeding still has some limitations compared to breastfeeding, but mixed feeding also has many benefits. If a mother really does not have enough milk to provide adequate nutrition to her baby, she can only solve the problem by mixed feeding. Sometimes a mother has to be away from her baby for a while because of work or other reasons, and she cannot breastfeed at that time, so she needs to choose mixed feeding to feed her baby. This is because mixed feeding is something that can be done in addition to the mother, which makes it easier to feed the baby. Of course, if the mother has enough milk and has the conditions to breastfeed, it is advisable to breastfeed the baby, so that the growth and development of the baby is also a lot of promotion. The first question is whether to eat breast milk or formula first? When mixed feeding, breastfeeding should be done on time every day, that is, breast milk first, then other milk products, so as to maintain breast milk secretion. In addition to regular breastfeeding, each breastfeeding should not be longer than 10 minutes to avoid baby’s fatigue due to the long time, and then feed other milk products. Question 2: How many times a day should I breastfeed and how many times should I formula feed? If the mother cannot breastfeed during the day due to work, and the milk secretion is also insufficient, she can breastfeed at a specific time of the day, usually not less than 3 times, so as to ensure the full secretion of breast milk and to meet the baby’s needs each time. The rest of the times can be given to other milk products, so that the amount of milk fed each time is easier to grasp. Question 3: How can I prevent nipple misalignment? Many parents of newborns worry that their babies will be hungry and give them formula in a bottle, which can cause nipple illusion. If a newborn needs mixed feeding, care should be taken not to use rubber nipples or bottles to feed the baby, but to use a small spoon, cup or dropper to avoid nipple illusion. Question 4: Should I take formula or breast milk at night? Mothers are more tired at night, especially in the latter half of the night, it is troublesome to get up and give formula to the baby, so it is better to breastfeed. When the mother rests at night, the amount of milk secretion is relatively increased and the baby’s need is relatively reduced, breast milk may meet the baby’s need. However, if the amount of breast milk is too little, the baby will not get enough, it will shorten the interval between feedings and affect the rest of the mother and child, and then it will be milk-based. Question 5: Should I feed water to my mixed-feeding baby? Breast milk contains sufficient water, and the water in the formula according to the instructions can also meet the baby’s needs, so in general, mixed-feeding babies do not need to be rehydrated. If in the hot season, the ambient temperature is high, the baby shows signs of thirst, the body temperature is elevated or the skin is blistered, you can feed some water between feedings, 2 to 3 times a day. If the baby refuses, do not force him to drink. Children who are not formula-fed should be given water between feedings because even after dilution, animal milk still contains more protein and minerals than breast milk, and proper hydration can help the kidneys excrete body waste and maintain water balance. Question 6: How to maintain breast milk secretion during mixed feeding? First of all, it is recommended to try to use the “complementary feeding method”, feeding breast milk first and then supplementing other milk products, especially at night; make sure that the baby sucks the breast more than 8 times a day and try to suck the breast empty each time. In addition, the mother should spend as much time as possible with her baby, often hugging her baby. When the mother’s milk secretion increases, she should promptly reduce the amount and frequency of formula feedings. Mothers who work can use the “substitute method”, but it is best to insist on regular breast pumping during work.