How I Introduced Bottles to My Newborn (and Why It Worked for Us)

Every mom’s feeding journey looks different, and that’s perfectly okay. When my little one was about a week old, I decided to start introducing bottles — a little earlier than what most people recommend. I had my reasons, and looking back, I’m so glad I did what worked best for us.

Why I Started Bottles Early

In those first few days, I breastfed exclusively around the clock. But once we found our rhythm, I began offering bottles during the day and continued breastfeeding during the night and first thing in the morning.

This balance worked beautifully for us. It not only helped my baby adjust to the difference between day and night — but it also allowed him to get comfortable being fed by other people. That was really important to me because I knew I would eventually return to work, and I wanted feeding time to be something he could share with his dad, aunts, and grandmas. He took to the bottle surprisingly well, and it made those early days feel just a little more manageable because he accepted bottles from his close family.

Finding the Right Bottle (After a Lot of Trial and Error)

I’ll be honest — I had no idea how complicated bottles could be! Between different nipple shapes, flow speeds, and brands, I was completely clueless at first. Some bottles caused gas or made him frustrated, while others just didn’t feel right for him.

After some trial and error, we found our winner: the Lansinoh Feeding Bottles. It mimicked the breast well, prevented nipple confusion, and made the transition between breast and bottle so much easier. Even now that I’m no longer breastfeeding, it’s still his favorite bottle.

When Breastfeeding Was Still the Best Option

Even though he was well adjusted to taking bottles, there were still days when nothing could replace breastfeeding. During growth spurts, cluster feeding phases, or when he wasn’t feeling his best, nursing brought him comfort and helped him settle more easily than a bottle ever could.

I was worried at first that switching back and forth might confuse him or make him refuse bottles afterward, but it never did. Once he was feeling better or the growth spurt passed, he went right back to taking bottles like nothing had changed. It reminded me that babies are adaptable — and that flexibility made our feeding routine so much smoother.

When My Breastfeeding Journey Ended

My breastfeeding journey ended a little sooner than I had hoped — about a week after my baby turned eleven months.

At the time, life was heavy. I was balancing work stress, childcare challenges, a growth spurt, and what felt like a constant rotation of sickness between the baby, my boss, and everyone around me. My body and mind were exhausted, and my milk supply started to drop. It was hard to accept at first, but I reminded myself that life happens. I did my best for as long as I could — and that’s something to be proud of.

Transitioning from Breastmilk to Formula and Milk

Thankfully, my baby transitioned smoothly. We started with a mix of breastmilk, formula, and a little cow’s milk as he neared his first birthday. Over time, he adjusted beautifully and now drinks a combination of formula and cow’s milk.

It was a gradual, gentle process that worked for both of us — and I’m grateful it allowed us to focus on enjoying our time together rather than stressing over ounces and schedules.

What I Learned from Combination Feeding

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s no one right way to feed your baby. What matters most is that they’re fed, growing, and loved.

Introducing bottles early gave me freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind — and it gave my baby the confidence to feed with anyone. Whether you choose to breastfeed, bottle feed, or do both, trust that you’re making the right choice for your family.

Because at the end of the day, fed is best — always.

With Love, Mommy & B🩵