The correct way to mix feeding How to feed your baby properly

There are relatively few families that exclusively breastfeed their babies. Many families adopt mixed feeding, which is alternating breast milk and formula. So, mixed feeding also requires a method. Today, let's talk about the correct method of mixed feeding.

Mixed feeding method

1. Supplementary feeding method: breastfeed as many times as usual every day, but after each feeding, supplement with a certain amount of formula milk or milk substitute.

2. The supplementary feeding method is suitable for babies under 6 months old. The characteristic of this method is that the baby sucks breast milk first, so that the mother's breasts are stimulated on time, maintaining the secretion of milk, and allowing the baby to still eat breast milk.

3. Substitute feeding method: feed breast milk once and formula milk or milk substitute once, and feed in rotation, but the total number of times formula milk or milk substitute is fed should not exceed half of the number of breastfeeding per day.

4. The substitute feeding method is suitable for babies after 6 months old. This can gradually reduce breast milk, and gradually use formula milk, milk substitutes, porridge, and soft noodles to replace it, which can cultivate the baby's chewing habits and prepare for weaning in the future.

Mixed feeding precautions

1. Breastfeed on time every day to maintain breast milk secretion. The disadvantage is that due to the small amount of breast milk, the baby takes a long time to feed, is easily tired, may fall asleep before being full, or always cry, so it is not easy to control the amount of milk each time.

2. In addition to regular breastfeeding, each breastfeeding time should not be too long, and then feed formula milk or milk substitute. Pay attention to whether the baby can persist until the next feeding time. Whether the regular feeding is really achieved.

3. If you cannot breastfeed during the day and your breast milk is insufficient, you can breastfeed at a specific time every day, no less than 3 times, so that breast milk can be fully secreted and meet the needs of the baby. You can feed other milk products at the remaining times, so that the amount of milk each time is easier to control.

1. If you use the mixed feeding method, you will notice that after the baby finishes a meal of formula milk, it will take a long time before the next meal. This is because the baby cannot digest milk substitutes as quickly as breast milk, so the time interval will be longer and the baby can resist hunger more easily.

2. After the baby eats some formula milk, the stool will be different from the stool when eating breast milk. It will become harder than when eating only breast milk, and the consistency is similar to peanut butter. Half of the stool is brown and has a stronger smell. However, the frequency of bowel movements will also be less.

3. Some babies may not defecate for several days. This is because the formula milk contains more protein, which slows down the baby's digestion. It should also be noted that once parents find that their baby has symptoms of discomfort such as vomiting after eating formula milk, they should take the baby to see a doctor in time.

4. Babies who are mixed-fed usually defecate once or twice a day. If the frequency of bowel movements increases, there is no bloating or anorexia, and it does not affect growth and development, then 2 to 3 times a day or more is normal. For older babies, such as 2 years old, their bowel movements are already very regular, once to twice a day. If the frequency increases, it may be due to factors such as indigestion.

5. The mother may find that the baby does not defecate for several days. This is because the formula milk contains more protein, which slows down the baby's digestion. If the baby vomits or has blood spots in the stool after adding formula milk, be sure to take him to see a doctor, as this is a manifestation of milk intolerance.

Does mixed feeding require water?

1. For some mixed-breeding babies nowadays, drinking water is essential. If the baby does not have enough water, he will get angry, and his stool will be dry and unformed, which will affect the baby's appetite, leading to malnutrition and slow development. In severe cases, it will even increase the burden on the baby's kidneys. After the baby finishes eating milk powder or complementary food, give the baby some water appropriately, one to replenish the baby's lost water, and the second is to clean the baby's mouth. Then, feed the baby water once or twice between the baby's meals, and you can have small amounts and multiple meals.

2. For the issue of babies drinking water, it is a very serious and important matter. If the baby does not have enough water, it will be easy to get angry, the stool will be dry and unformed, constipation, etc., which will further affect the baby's appetite, affect the baby's healthy growth, and hinder the baby's growth and development. In severe cases, it will cause the baby to be unable to speak, so mothers must pay attention to the issue of babies drinking water and always observe the baby's drinking situation.

3. Generally speaking, there are three reasons why babies need to drink water. The first is that the baby licks his tongue. If the baby keeps licking his tongue, it means that the baby is thirsty and should be given water in time. The second is to always observe the baby's lips. If the lips are dry or cracked, it is time to replenish the baby with water. The third is to observe the baby's urine. If the baby's urine is yellow, it is also a sign of dehydration. However, if any of these three situations occurs, the mother should be more motivated to observe and replenish the baby with corresponding water in time.

4. Every time after the baby drinks milk powder or eats complementary food, remember to feed the baby some water. One is to replenish the water lost by the baby, and the second is to clean the baby's mouth. Why not? Then, feed the baby one or two times of water between the baby's meals, so that small amounts can be eaten frequently. Regarding feeding the baby water, in summer, you can boil some winter melon water, watermelon peel water, honeysuckle water and other heat-clearing and fire-reducing water for the baby to drink, which can replenish the baby's water and cool down the fire. In addition, for babies over one year old, you can feed some honey water, preferably at breakfast, which can help the baby defecate well.