Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parenting pro, breastfeeding often comes with its fair share of questions. Here are answers to some common inquiries that mothers - new and veteran - may have.

Is it OK to give my baby both breast milk and formula?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusively breastfeeding (that is, giving the baby no other food, drinks, or formula) for the first 6 months.

Unless your child's doctor recommends it, avoid giving your baby formula as well as breast milk (this is called supplementing) at least until your milk supply has had a chance to develop and both you and your baby are used to the concept of breastfeeding. Early supplements can lead to nipple confusion for your baby and a reduction in your milk supply.

Most lactation professionals recommend that parents wait at least a month before offering artificial nipples of any kind (including pacifiers). And many of the health benefits of breastfeeding come from the first 2 months of feeding because of all the protective antibodies contained in breast milk that can help keep babies healthy.

But for women who are having a hard time pumping or need to go back to work, supplementing your breast milk with formula may be the only option if you still want to continue breastfeeding. Of course, the more breast milk you can give your little one, the better.

It's important to remember that your baby's health and happiness is, in large part, determined by what works for you as a family and is not solely based on recommendations. So if you need to supplement or even go to 100% formula, your baby will be fine and healthy, especially if it creates less stress for you.

If I want to begin giving my breastfed baby formula, how should I start?

Depending on how much formula you'd like to give your baby (whether it's one bottle a day, one bottle a week, or several bottles throughout the day), you can begin by eliminating the desired amount of breastfeeding or pumping sessions. Of course, as you eliminate feedings, your milk supply will decrease and your body will begin to adapt to produce enough milk to accommodate your new feeding schedule. To reduce uncomfortable engorgement from skipping regular feedings, you may want to gradually decrease feedings over time.

Starting your breastfed baby on formula can cause some constipation or hardening of the stools (or poop), but continuing to nurse and adding some prune juice to the formula can help keep your baby's stools soft. Mixing some of your pumped breast milk with formula also can help your baby to better digest the formula and get used to the new taste, but this isn't necessary. You can still nurse from the breast and introduce the bottle as you need to. Be sure to talk your child's doctor, though, if your baby is having trouble pooping.

Should I give my baby the bottle at first or should I have someone else do it?

You should have someone else give your little one the bottle at first. Why? Because babies can smell their mothers and they're used to receiving breast milk from mom, not a bottle. So try to have someone else - such as a caregiver or partner - give a breastfed baby the first bottle.

Also consider either being out of the house or out of sight when your baby takes that first bottle, since your little one will wonder why you're not the doing the feeding as usual. Depending on how your baby takes to the bottle, this arrangement may be necessary until he or she gets used to formula feeding. If your little one has a hard time adjusting to this new form of feeding, just be patient and keep trying.

When should I introduce solid foods and juice?

Although many women in the past started giving their babies solids at 4 months, the AAP now recommends waiting until your baby is 6 months old before introducing any solid foods at all. Why? Because feeding solids earlier than this can increase the chances of your baby developing food allergies and also can prematurely reduce the amount of breast milk (the most nourishing "food" you can offer) that your baby consumes.

Water, juice, and other foods are usually unnecessary during a baby's first 6 months. Breast milk usually provides everything babies need nutritionally until they start eating solid foods.

Watch for signs of solid-food readiness, such as your baby's tongue-thrusting reflex subsiding and your baby beginning to reach for other people's food. Always start with baby cereal (rice cereal is usually the best one to introduce first) on a spoon before advancing to fruits and vegetables. But do not add cereal to your baby's bottle unless your child's doctor instructs you to do so. Adding cereal to bottles can make babies overweight and can make it difficult for newborns and young infants to digest their milk.

Also, fruit juices should not be given to babies younger than 6 months. Even when your baby is older, keep fruit juices to a minimum (no more than 8 ounces per day). Too much juice can fill a baby up (leaving little room for more nutritious foods), promote obesity, and can put a baby at an increased risk for cavities when teeth start coming in. When you do give your baby juice, make sure it's pasteurized and try diluting it with water.

And remember to never put your baby to bed with a bottle or capped cup of juice, formula, or breast milk because the sugar in them can cause dental cavities.

Reviewed by: Barbara P. Homeier, MD
Date reviewed: August 2005