When it comes to nourishing your baby, fed is best- both breastmilk and formula can ensure both you and your child are healthy and happy. A fully fed baby, whether they are fed with breastmilk, formula, or a combination of both, will have better health outcomes and brain development. As a parent or caregiver, you get to decide the best way to feed your baby. 

Benefits of Breastmilk and Formula

• Both formula and breastmilk provide the nutrition your baby needs to develop and grow. Whether you decide to exclusively breastfeed, supplement with formula, or exclusively formula-feed your baby, your child’s pediatrician can advise you on how much to feed, how often, and which formula to use.

• Both breastfeeding and formula feeding can increase the bond between you and your baby. You can breast or bottle feed skin to skin, while cuddling and maintaining eye contact with your baby.

• Infants with access to adequate breastmilk and/or formula are better able to thrive and avoid complications such as impaired immune function, stunted growth, and poor cognitive development. 

Breastfeeding Support

• Breastfeeding helplines are available for mothers who are experiencing challenges, such as latching or soreness. Most breastfeeding problems are common and treatable, and a professional can help caregivers determine the best course of action. Visit here for more information: Breastfeeding Support — Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc. (hmhbpbc.org).

• Postpartum mental health challenges can affect breastfeeding. If any mothers have concerns, they should be discussed promptly with a medical professional.

• Having a healthy breastfeeding routine can be accomplished with a good support system. The more partners and family members are willing to learn and encourage mothers, the better the breastfeeding outcome will be. Lactation professionals in your area will be able to educate the whole family on how to best support the breastfeeding journey. 

General Tips for Feeding Your Baby 

• Eating and drinking helps your baby develop the muscles to chew, swallow, and digest their food. Babies begin their life by solely consuming breastmilk or formula, but typically graduate to purees around six months, and solids shortly after. 

• It is best to try and maintain a regular feeding schedule for your child. When babies are very young, they will feed more often in smaller quantities. Newborns will typically feed every 1-3 hours, consuming 2-3 ounces of breastmilk or formula per feeding. As your baby grows, they will typically be able to go longer between feedings.



• Keep in mind that formula and/or breastmilk will be a key part of a child’s nutrition. Babies should not drink cow’s milk until they are one year old.

Parenting comes with plenty of new experiences, especially in the first few months. With helpful resources, plenty of patience, and a good support system, you’ll be able to make sure your baby is fed and thriving. Members of our Early Head Start (EHS) team are always available to help connect you with resources to support breastfeeding, access to formula, and other methods to support your baby’s growth. Visit us online at https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/EHS.