Good nutrition in the early years helps children grow, learn, and stay healthy. From birth, feeding your baby is an important way to support both their body and brain development, while also building a strong connection between you and your child. As your baby grows into a toddler and young child, healthy eating habits continue to play a key role in their well-being. This page offers simple, trusted information to support you with infant feeding and childhood nutrition, so you can feel confident making the best choices for your family.
A public health nurse or registered dietitian can provide support to help you make and informed decision on how best to feed your child.
Formula feeding
Infant feeding looks different for every family, and formula feeding is a safe and healthy option for babies. Some parents choose to use formula from the start, while others may use it along with breastfeeding. What matters most is that your baby is fed, loved, and growing well.
This page provides simple, reliable information to help you feel confident with formula feeding, including how to prepare, store, and feed your baby safely. Support is available, and our team is here to help you make informed choices that work best for you and your family.
Combining breastfeeding and formula feeding (sometimes called mixed feeding) can be a flexible option that supports both your baby’s needs and your family’s routine. Every family’s approach will look different, and there is no “right” way to do it.
It is important to note that if your breastfed baby needs more milk, offer expressed breastmilk. The more milk you remove from your breasts, the more your body will produce.
If you are combining feeds, it can help to offer the breast first and then use formula if needed. This supports your milk supply, which is based on how often milk is removed from the breast. If weaning from breastfeeding, gradually introducing formula and reducing breastfeeds slowly can also help your body adjust and lower the risk of discomfort.
Using paced bottle feeding and a slow-flow nipple can help your baby move more easily between breast and bottle by slowing the flow and allowing them to feed at their own pace. Watching your baby’s hunger and fullness cues is important to make sure they are getting enough and feeding comfortably.
If you have questions or concerns about combining breastfeeding and formula, a public health nurse can help you create a plan that works best for you and your baby.
If you are combining breastmilk and formula, give your baby a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU each day.
- Ready-to-feed or liquid concentrate formula is sterile and has less risk for bacteria growth compared to powdered formula, but cost more.
- Sterile formula is safest for premature, low birth weight infants under two months of age and immunocompromised infants.
- Any basic formula, from birth to 12 months, is acceptable.
- Organic, follow-up, second stage or formulas with special ingredients are not needed.
- Specialty formulas (soy, lactose-free, hypoallergenic or thickened) are rarely needed.
- Homemade formula is unsafe and does not meet your baby’s nutritional needs.
- Talk to your baby’s health care provider if you choose a low iron or specialty formula.
- Cow or goat milk, vegetarian beverages (soy, rice or almond), evaporated milk or toddler supplements are not substitutes for formula.
Storing formula containers
- Use before the “best before” date.
- Store unopened containers in a cool dry place and avoid direct sunlight or freezing.
- Refrigerate opened liquid containers for up to 48 hours. See package instructions on how to store opened containers of powdered formula.
Getting started
- Wash your hands and clean surfaces before handling equipment or preparing formula.
- Use glass or BPA-free plastic bottles and nipples that have no cracks, stains or loose pieces.
- Wash and rinse all equipment (bottles, nipples, spoon and tongs) after each use. To sanitize, fully cover equipment in a full pot of water at a rolling boil for two minutes. Drain and air-dry in the pot or on a clean cloth. Cover for later use.
- If you use a commercial sanitizer, follow the company’s instructions.
Preparing formula
- Follow the instructions carefully. Mixing formula incorrectly can make your baby sick.
- Ready-to-feed formula: Pour the desired amount of formula into the bottle. Do not add water to the formula.
Liquid concentrate formula:
- Pour and measure the water in the bottle.
- Add an equal amount of formula.
Powdered formula:
- Pour and measure the water in the bottle.
- Add the correct number of leveled scoops of powder. Use the scoop provided.
- Mix well. Shake or stir until there are no lumps.
You can store prepared formula in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Childhood nutrition
Visit our nutrition page to learn more about the different stages of nutrition, from birth to school aged children.