In partnership with Happy Baby. Editor’s Note: All opinions are our own. We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
We like
We don't like
When my daughter turned six months old, we were solidly in a groove. I had exclusively breastfed for the first half of her first year — no small feat — but life, as it does, began to shift. I was working more, preparing to travel out of state for a wedding, and feeling the pressure of maintaining a freezer stash that was quickly shrinking.
That’s when I introduced formula — not as a last resort, but as a strategic tool.
It wasn’t because I wanted to stop breastfeeding. In fact, it was what allowed me to continue. Supplementing with formula gave me the flexibility to keep nursing through her first birthday, even as my pumping output dipped and our routine became more demanding. It was one of the best parenting decisions I made that year — and I made it without guilt.
Formula Isn’t the End of Breastfeeding — It Can Be What Saves It
There’s a lot of black-and-white messaging out there when it comes to feeding: that you’re either all in with breastfeeding or you’re out. That if you introduce a bottle of formula, you’re somehow giving up.
But here’s the truth: introducing formula at 6 months gave me the room to keep breastfeeding longer.
It removed the pressure to produce enough milk during a time when my daughter needed more calories and my body (and life) simply couldn’t keep up. And since our sleep was solid (a big part of my full feedings® approach), I knew she wasn’t waking from hunger — she just needed more during the day than I could sustainably (& sanely) provide.
Feeding Fully — Even When That Means Formula
Around 6 months, babies go through major developmental leaps. They’re growing fast, moving more, and starting solids — but milk (whether breast or formula) is still their primary source of nutrition until 12 months old (and sometimes even beyond).
This is where formula can really shine. It supports:
- Daytime caloric intake that keeps babies full and well-rested
- Developmentally appropriate nutrients, like iron, that become even more important as babies grow
- Breastfeeding longevity by relieving pressure on parents — especially those returning to work, pumping, or juggling travel
A great option to support this stage is Happy Baby Organic Stage 2 — thoughtfully designed to mimic breastmilk while meeting the evolving nutritional needs of babies 6 to 12 months old. It’s a smart, gentle choice for parents looking to continue providing full, satisfying feeds as their baby grows.
You Can Prioritize Both: Your Baby’s Needs and Your Own
The decision to introduce formula wasn’t about giving up control — it was about gaining confidence. I could go to work, travel for three days, and continue breastfeeding when I returned. I didn’t have to sacrifice bonding, my goals, or my peace of mind.
As a sleep and feeding expert, I talk to so many parents who are afraid that one bottle will undo everything they’ve built. I get it. But formula doesn’t break the rhythm — when used intentionally, it helps you keep it.
Redefining What a “Successful” Feeding Journey Looks Like
Feeding your baby well doesn’t mean you have to do it all yourself. It means you make choices that work — for you, for your baby, and for your life. And sometimes that means choosing both: breastfeeding and formula. Solids and full bottles. Flexibility and nourishment.
Six months in, I was proud of the journey we’d had. And even prouder of the path we created moving forward — one that was thoughtful, flexible, and deeply rooted in love.
Why Happy Baby Organic Stage 2 Is a Smart Choice for 6–12 Months:
Happy Baby Organic Stage 2 Formula is designed for babies 6+ months and supports your feeding journey — wherever it takes you.
- Tailored for Growing Babies – Formulated specifically for babies 6–12 months, when caloric and nutrient needs begin to shift alongside the introduction of solids.
- Mimics Breastmilk – Designed to be gentle on tiny tummies and nutritionally similar to breastmilk, making the transition seamless for babies and parents alike.
- Iron-Rich – Contains increased iron to support brain development during this critical growth stage.
- Organic & Non-GMO – Made with USDA Certified Organic ingredients and no genetically modified organisms (GMOs), so you can feel confident in every bottle.
- DHA & ARA Included – These important fatty acids help support brain and eye development, especially as babies become more alert and active.
- No Corn Syrup Solids – Sweetened naturally with lactose (the same carbohydrate found in breastmilk), not corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.
- Thoughtfully Made – Transparent ingredient sourcing, sustainability practices, and a commitment to supporting baby’s first year of life with integrity.
At the end of the day, feeding your baby is about more than ounces and schedules — it’s about connection, intuition, and doing what works for your family. Introducing formula at 6 months wasn’t a sign that I was done — it was the reason I could keep going. It gave me space to breathe, flexibility to adapt, and the confidence to continue breastfeeding without burnout. Whether you’re supplementing, combo feeding, or simply exploring your options, remember this: feeding with love and intention is always enough.
