Infant feeding typically involves three main methods: breastfeeding, formula feeding, and mixed feeding. Many new parents initially prefer to breastfeed their child, but sometimes resort to formula feeding due to insufficient breast milk. From the perspective of promoting the healthy development of infants, breastfeeding is considered the most scientific and healthiest choice. However, choosing other feeding methods based on actual circumstances is also feasible.
Breast milk is seen as the most perfect food for newborns, with no side effects, and it is recommended to initiate breastfeeding soon after giving birth to stimulate milk production. In the early stages, infants need to be fed small amounts multiple times. As they grow, around 4 months of age, complementary foods can be introduced while maintaining breastfeeding, gradually guiding the infant to learn to chew and preparing for weaning.
When breastfeeding is not feasible, animal milk or formula milk powder serves as an alternative for formula feeding. This requires careful monitoring of the infant’s feeding amount, adjusting it timely based on their growth and development status to ensure they receive neither insufficient nor excessive nutrition.
Mixed feeding combines breastfeeding with formula feeding, often used when infants are a bit older, gradually introducing complementary foods while following the principles of starting with small amounts, thin to thick, soft to solid, and single to diverse types, patiently helping the infant adapt to a variety of foods to promote their healthy development.
Looking at these different modes of infant feeding emphasizes the best practices parents should consider when choosing a feeding method. Breastfeeding is the preferred choice, and if not possible, formula feeding or mixed feeding can be considered as alternative options.
