Supplementing with Formula at Night - A Step-By-Step Guide

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When it comes to feeding your baby, you always want what’s best for them - whether that be choosing to breastfeed, formula feed, or employing a combination of both.

Even though breast milk provides all of the essential nutrients and antibodies your little one needs, there may come a time where you may want or need to start supplementing with formula at night.

This decision may come with many questions. For instance, how do you first start introducing formula to your breastfed baby at night? What is the best formula at night for your breastfed baby? Is it okay to supplement your breastfed baby’s diet with formula in the first place?

When answering these questions and more, it’s helpful to first provide some peace of mind regarding the topic of formula feeding.

Is it okay to supplement my breastfed baby’s diet with formula?

Many moms start out with the intention of breastfeeding exclusively, but for whatever reason, it may not always go as well as planned. At the same time, other moms may know from the get-go that they want to supplement with formula at night.

There is no right or wrong, and it is absolutely okay to supplement your breastfed baby’s diet with formula!

There are several reasons why you may be thinking about introducing formula to your breastfed baby at night, and why it can be beneficial:

It is medically needed - Your baby’s diet may need to be supplemented with formula If your baby isn’t gaining the appropriate amount of weight, is dehydrated, or is not latching on the breast properly. Your baby’s pediatrician will monitor their growth regularly on a growth chart and will point out any concerns they may have with their growth and development. 

This can happen at any time during the baby’s first year, but more often occurs during the first 2 months.

In all of these cases, it can be difficult for a baby to get enough calories and nutrients from breast milk alone. At this point, supplementing with formula may be necessary.

You have a low milk supply - Due to various reasons, some women may not be able to produce or pump enough breast milk. If your pediatrician determines you have a low supply, starting formula at night for your breastfed baby can supplement the necessary nutrients your little one needs.

You are going back to work - It’s common for milk supply to dip a bit when you return to work. This is often due to having less frequent feeding sessions and being away from the baby longer. 

Introducing formula at night can help get your baby used to taking the formula and drinking from a bottle so that there is an easier transition if this happens.

You’re physically or mentally drained - Breastfeeding can be wonderful, but it can also be exhausting for many women. Supplementing with formula at night can take the pressure off of you and give you much-needed rest. 

Enlist your partner to take charge of this feeding too if possible. This is not something to feel guilty about!

What are some signs that my baby needs a supplemental formula for growth?

If you’re wondering when is the right time to start supplementing with formula at night, there are a few key signs that your baby may need it now. 

They’re not growing appropriately according to the growth chart - If your baby’s weight is lower than it should be from exclusively breastfeeding no matter what you do, ask your pediatrician about formula supplementation. 

In this case, adding formula at night for your breastfed baby can be that added boost your little one needs to bump his numbers higher up on the charts.

They seem very fussy and uncomfortable most of the time - If they often appear fussy or unsatisfied after breastfeeding, it’s possible they may not be taking in enough. This could also indicate something else, such as reflux or food intolerance, and so it’s best to consult with your doctor first.

They are lethargic - If they lack energy and are constantly falling asleep, that could be a sign they are not getting enough nutrition from your breast milk.

If your little one is displaying any of these symptoms, consult with your pediatrician to see what’s best for them.

When can I start supplementing with formula?

There is no hard and fast rule as to when you should start supplementing your breastfed baby with formula at night. You can start at any time that feels right for you! 

However, if your goal is to primarily breastfeed, experts recommend waiting (if possible) at least 3 weeks until supplementing with formula. This is to allow enough time for your milk supply to fully come in and to establish a regular breastfeeding routine first.

After this 3 week period, it’s a matter of determining what’s best for your little one and your family’s needs. Initially introducing formula to your breastfed baby at night is an easy way to transition them into a new routine without having to change your feeding schedule during the day.

Then over time, you may choose to use more formula during the day, depending on what works best for your family. 

How will supplementing with formula affect my baby?

Supplementing with formula can help provide the necessary nutrients your baby needs for growth that they may not be able to get otherwise. It is a wonderful option for many families.

Here are a few changes that may occur in your baby once you start supplementing their diet with the formula:

Your baby may temporarily become less interested in breastfeeding - If it’s your first time introducing a bottle to your baby, you may find that your baby prefers the bottle. This may be especially the case when they’re very hungry because a bottle is able to deliver the milk much more quickly to the baby than at the breast.

But, this absolutely doesn’t mean your baby will stop breastfeeding! You just have to remind them that your breastmilk is still their primary source of nutrition by continuing to offer your breast frequently throughout the day.

Paced bottle feeding can also help with this, which is a bottle-feeding method that closely mimics a breastfeeding experience.

Your baby’s stool may be different - As you introduce formula, you may notice your baby’s stools change. The stool will likely be more firm, have a stronger odor, and your baby will have less frequent bowel movements. This is all normal and to be expected, and nothing of concern.

Your baby may go longer between feedings - The type of protein in the formula is typically slower-digesting than that of breast milk, so you may find that your little one can last longer between feedings. This doesn’t happen with every baby, but when it does it is surely a welcome benefit!

Even though it may seem like a lot of changes occur with introducing formulas, there’s no need to worry. Your little one (and you!) will adjust to the change in feeding routine in no time.

Best Formula for Supplementing

When it’s time to start supplementing with formula at night, you may be wondering what is the best formula to use. 

Luckily, there are many baby formulas that offer everything your little one needs. Always speak to your child’s pediatrician to determine the best formula for your baby.

When choosing the best baby formula, look for one that meets these criteria:

Nutritionally balanced - The baby formula you choose should meet 100% of the FDA’s nutrient requirements for babies for calories, vitamins, and minerals. It should also be fortified with iron, as this is a critical nutrient for a baby’s development.

Made of sustainable, clean ingredients - Many baby formulas contain a laundry list of ingredients that most people can’t even pronounce. Choose a formula that identifies as made of simple, clean ingredients that you can recognize, so you know you’re getting the purest, most natural ingredients for your little one.

Easy to digest - Many baby formulas, especially cow’s milk formulas, can be tough for a baby’s digestive system. Seek a formula that is promoted specifically as being gentle on babies’ tummies.

Free of major food allergens (cow’s milk and soy are the 2 most common ones) - Food allergies are more common than we think, and so choosing a formula free of these 2 major allergens provides added peace of mind.

Low in added sugars - According to the latest USDA Dietary Guidelines, added sugar intake in infants should be kept to a minimum. Choosing a formula low in added sugars will help keep your baby’s intake as low as possible.

Certified organic and free of harmful ingredients - A good baby formula should be organic, free of genetically modified ingredients (GMO’s), antibiotics, and potentially toxic heavy metals.

Following these guidelines will help assure you choose the best formula for your baby’s health.

How to Start Supplementing with Formula

When you start supplementing with formula, the first step is introducing your baby to a bottle. If he’s used to breastfeeding, it may take a few tries for him to get the knack of what to do with a bottle. Don’t worry, it will get easier in time.

Here are a few tips on how to start the process of supplementing with the formula:

The first time you offer a bottle, offer it after their regular feeding at night to get him used to the nipple. Offering the bottle after feeding is ideal because your baby is likely calmer. 

If you first offer it before feeding him when he’s really hungry, he may get frustrated and not want to take it. 

Just add a small amount of formula to the bottle, around 1 ounce, to top off his feeding to start with until he gets used to drinking from it. Do this for a few days.

Consider having someone else feed him the first few times - If you’re the one trying to give your baby their first bottle, it will likely confuse him. He is used to feeding on your breast, and he’ll wonder why you’re not offering it. 

This is another reason why it’s helpful to initially offer the bottle when he’s not starving, so it doesn’t lead to frustration.

Enlist your partner, a grandparent, or friend to help and stay in another room. Your baby can smell you from a mile away, so this will help not to confuse him.

Use a slow-flow bottle nipple - There are different types of bottle nipples on the market, but a slow-flow one is best to start with. This is because a slow-flow nipple will mimic the flow of breast milk, and will be more similar to what your baby is used to.

If the flow is too fast, your baby may get used to that (since they are not the most patient of creatures!) and then not want to go back on the breast.

Employ the paced-bottle feeding method - This is a method of bottle feeding that also closely resembles breastfeeding. With this method, you are holding the bottle horizontally and taking frequent pauses to allow time for the baby to burp and digest. It also helps to switch sides halfway through the feeding to mimic a breastfeeding session.

Be patient with the process, as it may feel challenging at first depending on how long you’ve been exclusively breastfeeding. Speak to your child’s pediatrician if you have questions, get support from your partner, family, and friends, and remember that it will get easier!

Regardless of when you decide to start supplementing with formula, just remember that you’re doing an amazing job. Nourishing your little one is one of the most amazing experiences to have, as you are giving them the gift of optimal health and nurturing a bond like no other.

If your little one is over a year old and you’re looking for a nourishing, allergen-free toddler formula, look no further than Else. This complete plant-based nutrition formula for toddlers will make the transition to formula seamless, with a taste your toddler will love.

By choosing Else, you will have added peace of mind as you begin to supplement with formula, knowing you're giving your toddler the very best.

Additionally, Else’s infant formula is coming soon. This clean label, allergen-friendly infant formula will be 100% plant-based and contain all necessary nutrients for a baby as set forth by FDA regulations. 

Regardless of the reason you have chosen to begin supplementing with formula at night, know that it is completely safe and healthy to do so. A well-fed baby is a happy and healthy one. Only you know as the mama what is best for you and your family, so don’t let anyone try to sway your decision or make you feel guilty for any choice you make.

Listen to your mama instincts, they will tell you what to do!

Sources

WHO Growth Standards 

Choosing an Infant Formula 

Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee