Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding and Combination Feeding: What Australian and New Zealand Parents Should Know

Feeding a baby is rarely as simple as choosing between breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Many families use a combination of both. Some exclusively breastfeed. Others express breastmilk into bottles. Some use infant formula. Many move between different approaches as their baby's needs, routines and family circumstances change.

Whatever feeding journey a family follows, Australian and New Zealand health guidance shares the same goal: supporting safe feeding, healthy growth and responsive care during infancy.

At Revivco, we stock the HEORSHE Ultra Wide Neck Baby Bottle because it was designed to support families during this stage. This article explores what current evidence says about infant feeding, when bottles may be introduced, and what parents should consider when choosing one.

What do Australian and New Zealand guidelines recommend?

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Infant Feeding Guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding until around six months of age where possible, with continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods beyond six months.

New Zealand's Ministry of Health provides similar guidance, recommending exclusive breastfeeding for around the first six months before introducing complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding.

These recommendations are also consistent with guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, health authorities also recognise that every family's circumstances are different. Some babies receive expressed breastmilk via a bottle, some receive formula, and many families use a combination of feeding methods.

The most important outcome is that babies are fed safely, are growing appropriately, and feeding remains responsive to their needs.

Why do some families introduce a bottle?

There are many reasons parents choose to introduce a bottle.

• Expressed breastmilk feeding
• Combination feeding
• Returning to work
• Shared feeding responsibilities
• Formula feeding
• Medical or breastfeeding challenges
• Childcare preparation

Raising Children Network notes that many families use bottles to feed expressed breastmilk while continuing their breastfeeding journey.

For many parents, introducing a bottle is not about replacing breastfeeding. It is about creating flexibility while continuing to support their baby's nutritional needs.

What causes bottle refusal?

Many parents discover that introducing a bottle is not always straightforward.

Babies become familiar with the feel, texture and flow of breastfeeding. A bottle that feels significantly different can sometimes result in resistance or refusal.

Australian breastfeeding support services frequently recommend patience, consistency and responsive feeding practices when introducing bottles.

While no bottle can guarantee acceptance, designs that attempt to mimic the natural feeding experience may help some babies adapt more comfortably.

What should parents look for in a baby bottle?

1. A soft and flexible teat

Breastfeeding requires babies to latch, compress and coordinate sucking in a specific way. Many parents therefore look for bottle teats that feel softer and more flexible.

The HEORSHE Ultra Wide Neck Baby Bottle uses a 100% silicone teat designed to be soft and flexible during feeding.

2. A shape that supports natural feeding

Many modern baby bottles use wider teat shapes designed to encourage a more natural latch.

The HEORSHE bottle uses an ultra-wide neck design and feeding teat intended to mimic natural feeding patterns.

While every baby is different, wider teat designs are often preferred by parents looking to combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

3. Air venting systems

Air intake during feeding can contribute to discomfort in some babies.

For this reason, many feeding specialists recommend bottles with venting systems designed to minimise swallowed air.

The HEORSHE Ultra Wide Neck Baby Bottle incorporates a dual air valve system intended to reduce excessive air intake during feeding.

It is important to note that no bottle can completely eliminate wind, gas or feeding discomfort, but anti-colic vent systems have become a common feature parents look for when selecting a feeding bottle.

4. Easy cleaning

Good hygiene is a critical part of infant feeding.

Australian and New Zealand health authorities recommend careful cleaning and sterilisation of feeding equipment, particularly during early infancy.

The HEORSHE bottle features a 65mm ultra-wide neck opening, allowing parents easier access during cleaning compared with narrower-neck bottle designs.

Combination feeding and responsive feeding

Whether babies are breastfed, bottle-fed or combination-fed, responsive feeding remains important.

Responsive feeding means recognising and responding to a baby's hunger and fullness cues rather than encouraging them to finish a bottle regardless of appetite.

Australian health guidance emphasises that feeding is not only about nutrition. Feeding interactions also support bonding, comfort and emotional development.

This is one reason many parents seek feeding products that feel comfortable and familiar for their baby.

Why Revivco chose the HEORSHE Ultra Wide Neck Baby Bottle

We stock the HEORSHE Ultra Wide Neck Baby Bottle because it aligns with the practical needs many new parents face during infancy.

Its soft silicone teat, ultra-wide neck design, dual air valve system and flexible silicone body are all features intended to support feeding comfort and ease of use.

The bottle is suitable from 3 months+ and is available with flow options designed for different stages of development.

Importantly, we do not view it as a replacement for breastfeeding or a solution to every feeding challenge.

Instead, we see it as a thoughtfully designed option for families who choose to use bottles as part of their feeding journey.

A practical note for parents

Feeding decisions can feel overwhelming, particularly when every baby responds differently.

The reality is that there is no single "perfect" feeding method that works for every family.

Australian and New Zealand health guidance consistently focuses on safe feeding, healthy growth, responsive care and supporting parents to make informed choices that work for their circumstances.

If bottle feeding forms part of your journey, choosing a bottle that prioritises comfort, feeding function and ease of cleaning can help make daily feeding routines a little easier.

Sources

• Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) – Infant Feeding Guidelines
• Australian Department of Health – Infant Feeding Advice
• Raising Children Network – Bottle Feeding and Expressed Breastmilk Resources
• Australian Breastfeeding Association – Expressing and Bottle Feeding Information
• New Zealand Ministry of Health – Healthy Eating Guidelines for Babies and Toddlers (0–2 Years)
• Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – Infant Feeding Guidance
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Infant and Young Child Feeding Recommendations
• HEORSHE Ultra Wide Neck Baby Bottle Product Information