Breastmilk and Formula Feeding Schedule: A Guide for Parents

By Jessica D'Argenio Waller, MS, CNS, LDN

In the first six months of life, your baby should be receiving all their nutrition from breastmilk and/or an iron-fortified infant formula. But what's less commonly discussed is how to incorporate both—and how to figure out a breastmilk and formula feeding schedule that makes sense for your family. On the outside, it can seem complicated, but combination feeding (the term for supplementing breastmilk with formula), can bring more flexibility—even from the early months. When it comes to getting started, what's most important is watching for and responding to your baby's hunger cues—taking their lead can help you set an initial feeding schedule for both breastmilk and formula that makes good sense, and one that you can adjust as needed.

Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about supplementing with infant formula, how much breastmilk and formula to feed your baby, plus a sample feeding chart to adapt to your own needs.

Table of contents

Understanding Breastmilk and Formula Feeding Schedules

Sample Breastmilk and Formula Feeding Schedule Chart

How to Alternate Breastmilk and Formula Feedings

How Much Breastmilk and Formula to Feed Your Baby

Common Questions About Breastmilk and Formula Feeding

Creating a Feeding Plan That Works for Your Family

Understanding breastmilk and formula feeding schedules

If you're wondering "Is it OK to formula feed and breastfeed at the same time?" The answer is yes. While breastmilk is the first-line choice for feeding a baby, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infant formula is considered a suitable alternative to breastmilk in a baby's first year of life if breastfeeding is not an option—or when supplementation is needed.

Supplementing breastmilk with formula for babies comes with several benefits, including:

• Allowing the non-breastfeeding partner to participate in feeds and bond with the baby through feeding

• Giving the breastfeeding partner the flexibility to rest, work or handle other responsibilities without worrying about milk supply

• Offering the breastfeeding infant a good source of iron, which can be low in breastmilk, especially after 6 months of age

• Providing peace of mind when milk supply fluctuates or during growth spurts when baby may need more volume

• Helping support breastfeeding in the long term by reducing the pressure on the breastfeeding parent to be the sole food source

• Ensuring baby gets adequate nutrition when medical conditions or medications affect milk supply

• Offering a backup feeding method during illness, stress, or other situations that might temporarily affect milk production

Supplementing with Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula

Goat milk-based infant formula is fortified with iron and closer to breastmilk1 in composition than cow milk-based infant formula is, which means that some babies will tolerate a goat milk-based infant formula better than a cow milk-based infant formula. If you're looking for a gentle infant formula to start supplementing with, goat milk-based infant formula is easy to digest for tiny tummies, thanks to its smaller, softer curds that form in the stomach1, leading to softer stools, similar to breastmilk.

Sample breastmilk and formula feeding schedule chart

In the first days and weeks, your newborn baby will communicate when they're hungry by using certain cues and signs, such as:

• Rapid eye movements under closed eyelids and fluttering eyelids when waking

• Soft cooing or sighing sounds, progressing to soft "neh" sounds. (Know that crying can be a late sign of hunger)

• Bringing hands toward face

• Sucking on hands, fingers, or fists

• Opening and closing mouth

• Turning head from side to side (rooting reflex)

• Squirming and increased physical movement

AAP recommends following your baby's cues to feed on demand (also known as responsive feeding) for the newborn stage (the first three months) rather than sticking to a strict feeding schedule. Eventually, as your baby grows and their tummies can hold more milk, you'll be able to space out the feeds and a more consistent routine will settle in.

Then, you can expect to feed your baby every 2 to 4 hours with breastmilk or formula. Remember that you may still need to wake your baby to feed overnight to be sure they get enough calories and nutrition to support their rapid growth during this stage.

A sample 24-hour breastmilk and formula feeding schedule for a 2- to 4-month-old baby might look like this:

Age	Number of feedings/bottles per 24 hours	Volume per feed/bottle (fl oz)	Approx. Feeding Frequency
0-2 weeks	8-12	2-3 fl oz	Every 2-3 hours
2 weeks - 2 months	7-12	2-4 fl oz	Every 2-3 hours
2-4 months	6-8	4-8 fl oz	Every 3-4 hours
4-6 months	5-6	5-8 fl oz	Every 4-5 hours
6-9 months*	4-5	5-8 fl oz	Every 4-6 hours
9-12 months	4-5	4-8 fl oz	Every 4-6 hours

Again, this is just an example: Be sure to check with your child's pediatrician about the right amount of formula to offer in each bottle and the ideal frequency. But also pay attention to your baby's needs. They'll let you know if they're still hungry—and they'll stop feeding when they're full!

If you're intending to maintain your breastmilk supply while supplementing your newborn with infant formula, you may want to use a breastpump during or right after formula feeds. Once your baby is a little older (closer to 9 months), you may not need to pump as frequently and still be able to maintain your established milk supply.

*DISCLAIMER: This chart is based on information from the 10th edition of the Baby 411 book writien by Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields, and American Academy of Pediatric references. Content was reviewed by the Kabrita Medical Advisory Board. This information is intended for general guidance only to help families estimate how much milk an infant may need throughout the day and assist parents in deciding which Kabrita subscription may be right for them. Always consult with your baby's medical team to ensure that their unique nutritional needs are met.

How to alternate breastmilk and formula feedings

When it comes to alternating breastmilk and formula feedings, there are a couple factors to keep in mind to help your baby easily switch between breast and bottle.

Establishing a balanced feeding schedule

Every baby is different, but getting set with a consistent feeding schedule can help both of you have more peace of mind. Here are a few helpful tips to get started with finding a feeding routine—and figuring out how to alternate breastmilk and formula.

• Start by tracking your baby's natural feeding patterns for a few days to identify their typical hungry times

• Keep the most convenient breastfeeding times consistent (like early morning and bedtime feeds)

• Plan formula feeds for times when you need the most flexibility

• For newborn supplementing with infant formula, gradually introduce formula feeds one at a time, both to help your baby adjust and to reduce the risk of painful clogged ducts or engorgement in your breasts (if this occurs, reach out to a lactation consultant right away)

• Keep a log of daily feeds to ensure baby is getting enough total nutrition, and review the logs with your pediatrician

• Watch for signs that your breastmilk and formula feeding schedule is working: such as baby is steadily gaining weight, having 6 to 8 wet diapers daily, and seems content

• Consider pumping breastmilk during the times when your baby is having a formula bottle (enlist a caregiver to help feed baby) if you're planning to continue breastfeeding

Supplementing breastmilk with formula for newborns

Curious about when to supplement with formula for newborns? The timing will depend on your and your baby's needs, but most experts recommend that if you're opting to combine both breastmilk and formula, it's helpful to ensure that breastfeeding is well established before introducing a bottle. The sweet spot is between 2 to 6 weeks. Babies’ sucking reflexes generally start to fade at around 6 to 8 weeks, so it's smart to introduce a bottle before this window closes—that way the reflexive desire to suck on the bottle nipple will still be present, and they're less likely to refuse the bottle.

Here are a few more tips for your newborn supplementing with formula:

• Aim to wait until your infant has a good latch and breastfeeds well before offering a bottle, usually between 2 to 6 weeks, unless doctor-recommended

• Start with one formula feed per day, typically during a time when your milk supply is naturally lower (usually in the late afternoon or early evening, when prolactin dips2)

• Choose a feeding time when your baby is calm, alert, and not overly hungry

• Begin with small amounts of formula (1 to 2 oz) and gradually increase based on your baby's needs

Bottle refusal can happen—but try to stay patient. You may opt to try a distraction method, or dab a bit of formula or milk on baby's lips to see if you can stimulate them to suck. Your pediatrician may have more tips to share.

Try the 'top-up' method

Is it OK to formula feed and breastfeed at the same time? Yes: Consider the "top-up" method, which can be particularly effective for introducing formula to breastfed newborns:

Begin the feeding session with breastfeeding to ensure baby gets the benefits of breastmilk, then follow up with a small amount of formula in a bottle (like an ounce or two) if your baby shows signs of still being hungry. This way, you also can maintain milk supply while ensuring baby gets more calories, if needed. Your pediatrician may recommend this method if you need to boost your little one's growth. This is also an easy way to start to transition to combination feeding.

Supplementing with formula at night for newborns

You might be wondering: Can I give my baby formula at night and breastfeed during the day? Yes. Many parents opt to supplement with formula at night. You may also want to enlist the non-breastfeeding parent to take over nighttime formula feeds. One important factor to consider is if you'll need to pump during the night (maybe right before you go to bed) to help maintain your milk supply. Remember to keep night feeds calm, quiet and with minimal stimulation so that your tiny bub can (hopefully!) go right back to bed.

Important considerations for night formula feeds

• Maintain safe bottle-feeding practices, even when you're tired

• Prepare a bottle of formula in advance to minimize late-night preparation (being sure to store it in the fridge and use within 24 hours, following CDC safe formula storage guidelines)

• Don't pressure baby to finish the bottle—follow their cues

• Continue to respond to your baby's genuine hunger cues even if trying to establish longer sleep periods—this helps promote a strong attachment

How much breastmilk and formula to feed your baby

If you're mulling over "how much breastmilk and formula should I feed my baby?" The answer depends on a number of factors, including your baby's age, weight and health needs.

Determining the right amounts

A general rule of thumb is that during months 1 to 6, babies typically consume between 24 to 64 ounces of breastmilk, formula or a combination per day. After the 6 month mark, your baby may be ready to start incorporating solid foods in addition to breastmilk or formula, possibly taking in around 20-40 ounces per day.

Here's a general feeding guide by age:

• 0-2 months: 2-4 ounces per feeding, 7-12 times per day

• 2-4 months: 2-4 ounces per feeding, 6-8 times per day

• 4-6 months: 5-8 ounces per feeding, 5-6 times per day

• 6+ months: 5-8 ounces per feeding, 4-5 times per day, with introduction of solid foods

When combining feeding methods, divide the total daily recommended intake between breastmilk and formula sessions. For instance, if your baby needs 24 ounces per day and you plan to replace two breastfeeding sessions with formula, each formula feeding should provide 3-4 ounces, while continuing to breastfeed for the remaining sessions.

Signs your baby is getting enough

Regular well-checks with your child's pediatrician are the best way to monitor your little one's growth and ensure they're getting enough nutrition. Keeping track of your baby's feedings and diaper output can be helpful, especially when the days all start to blur together and you're running on less sleep than you're used to. Consider using a baby tracking app on your phone, or even just a paper and notebook log that you can then bring to well visits.

Here's what your pediatrician will be looking for when assessing good growth in baby's first year:

• Healthy weight gain and growth patterns

• Consistent diaper output

• Contented and satisfied after feedings

• Healthy skin, bright eyes and baby's fontanel (soft spot) should feel flat and firm, not sunken

Common questions about breastmilk and formula feeding

Combining breastmilk and formula feeding or supplementing with formula for a newborn may bring up several questions, but rest assured that plenty of families opt to combine breastmilk and formula, thanks to the increased flexibility it offers.

Is it OK to switch back and forth between formula and breastmilk?

Yes, absolutely. Some families choose to offer formula during the day (such as if the breastfeeding parent is working) and formula at night and in the early morning, or vice versa. The key is to find the routine that works for you, but switching back and forth between formula and breastmilk usually isn't a problem, as your baby's digestive system can handle both forms of nutrition. However, some infants may need time to adjust to the introduction of formula.

If you notice any digestive sensitivity in your baby, consider using a gentle infant formula or sensitive infant formula and lengthen the transition period. Goat milk-based infant formula is generally well-tolerated by babies with sensitive tummies, thanks to the gentler curds that form in the stomach when digested.1

What are the benefits of supplementing with formula for newborns?

Supplementing with formula can provide the following benefits:

• Gives breastfeeding parent needed breaks while maintaining nursing relationship

• Allows partner participation in feedings, promoting family bonding

• May help ease the transition back to work

• Offers backup feeding method during illness or low supply periods

• Prevents nursing burnout by creating sustainable feeding routine

• Provides reliable iron source, especially important after 4-6 months

Can I give my baby formula at night and breastfeed during the day?

Yes, using formula for night feeds while breastfeeding during the day can be a solid strategy for many families. To make it work, aim to pump once during the night initially to maintain milk supply, especially if you plan to breastfeed during the day long-term. And then be sure to keep track of your baby's total daily intake to ensure they receive adequate nutrition across all feeds.

Creating a feeding plan that works for your family

The best part of supplementing with formula is that it allows you to find a feeding plan that works well for your family. The key? Building in flexibility when and where you need it most. Remember that your pediatrician and/or lactation consultant can be excellent resources when it comes to questions about your baby's unique nutrition needs—reach out for advice around creating a breastmilk and formula feeding schedule and any queries about feeding frequency and amounts, all with the goal of ensuring your baby's optimal growth and development.

References

1. Maathuis A, et al. Protein digestion and quality of goat and cow milk infant formula and human milk under simulated infant conditions. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2017;65(6):661-666.

2. Stern JM, Reichlin S. Prolactin circadian rhythm persists throughout lactation in women. Neuroendocrinology. 1990;51(1):31-37. doi:10.1159/000125312