Should you mix your combo bottles?

When you're combo feeding with both pumped breastmilk and formula, how you mix those bottles is totally your call!

Some parents are unsure whether they should spread out their breastmilk or use it all at once. Instead of a one-size-fits-all answer, here are a few things to consider:

First up, how can you use your pumped milk most efficiently? If your freezer's getting crowded or do you tend to forget what's stashed in there, using it sooner might save you some mental engery.

Has your baby already given frozen breastmilk or formula a taste test? Some babies may be a bit opinionated about frozen vs fresh milk. A gradual mix (75:25 or 50:50) might be just the recipe for success to convince your babe that mixed bottles are worth accepting.

Does your baby usually polish off their bottles? If you're still guessing how much they need per bottle, maybe hold off on mixing bottles until you've nailed down their appetite. The pitcher method is a convenient option when still finding your baby’s groove.

Most important is safety! When mixing combo bottles they follow formula safety standards (2hrs at room temp and 24hrs in the fridge once mixed). Keep this in mind if you are traveling and don’t have ice packs available or prefer the longer breastmilk storage times (4hrs at room temp and 4 days in the fridge fresh or 24hrs if from the freezer).

Just remember, it's your milk! This is your chance to experiment and find what clicks best for your little one and your family. Enjoy the journey! 🍼