How & when to switch baby formulas

Switching baby formulas can be an intimidating task, but it’s not something you should shy away from if you don’t feel like you’ve found the right one yet. Sometimes it can just take a little trial and error to find the formula your baby tolerates best. 

Most parents opt for a more gradual transition when switching formulas but contrary to what you will read on most websites, it isn’t required. In fact, from our own trial and error as parents and from speaking with 100’s of other parents, we are confident telling you most babies that aren’t currently experiencing severe allergic or digestive issues tolerate swapping cold turkey quite well. 

So if you’re ready to pull the trigger and you don’t have a lot of your current formula left to make a more gradual transition, you and baby might have a challenging couple of days, but overall you’ll both likely be fine pretty quickly. 

When you should consider switching baby formulas

There are many reasons why parents might consider switching baby formulas:

• Some babies may develop allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, while others may experience digestive issues such as gas, constipation, or reflux. 
• The nutritional needs of your baby also change as they grow, which can prompt a switch to a formula that better matches their developmental stage. 
• It’s also possible that parents might seek formulas with specific dietary preferences, such as organic or lactose-free options, to align with their family’s health choices or to address specific health concerns.

No matter what the reason is, switching formulas should always be done under the guidance of a pediatrician, as sudden changes can cause further issues.

• When switching baby formulas, it’s recommended to take it slow and introduce the new formula gradually. This allows your baby’s digestive system to adjust and minimizes the risk of any adverse reactions. More on this below. Just remember this is not required. Trust your parenting instincts. 
• What is required though is to carefully read and follow the instructions on the new formula packaging, as different brands may have different preparation methods. 

How do you know if your baby’s formula isn’t a good fit?

This is a tricky question we get asked a lot because formula gets the blame for many digestive issues in babies (particularly gas, straining, and reflux). The truth is though that these issues can be caused by a variety of things, it’s not always the formula. 

So here are some warning signs (that go above and beyond normal things to look out for) that may indicate a formula issue:

👶 Widespread rash: An allergy to milk protein (or soy) may cause widespread eczema or splotchy rash on the face, neck, back, trunk, arms or legs. This is different from baby acne! 

👶 Projectile vomit: This is different from reflux or “happy spitting.” This is when your baby is truly vomiting with some real force behind it. This can be a sign of allergy or caused by narrowing in the intestine causing a blockage. We definitely recommend checking with your doctor for this.

👶 Mucus in the stool: Globs of mucus or excessive mucus can indicate that there’s an allergy or sensitivity. It’s ok to have the occasional stringy mucus, particularly if your baby has recently had a cold, is teething or is having issues latching.

👶 Blood in the stool: Blood can be present due to fissures caused by firmer stool and straining but it can also be due to irritation and inflammation in the gut due to continual exposure to an allergen. When it comes to blood, even tiny dots of blood are worth checking on. 

👶 Hard, pellet-like stools: Most people think about constipation as the frequency of poops (or infrequency) but with babies it’s also about the texture of the stool. If your baby has very firm, pellet-like stools that don’t squish easily, this is an indicator you may need a different formula.

Simple steps to switch baby formula

A gradual transition is not required but is typically recommended. This method involves slowly mixing the new formula with the old, incrementally increasing the ratio over a period of days. This approach minimizes potential adverse reactions, helping your baby’s digestive system adjust smoothly.

Sample outline of gradual switching:

• Day 1-3: Begin the transition by mixing 75% of your baby’s current formula with 25% of the new formula. This ratio helps introduce the new formula gradually, allowing your baby’s digestive system to adapt to the new ingredients without major discomfort.
• Day 4-6: Adjust the mix to a 50/50 ratio. Prepare the formula with half of the current formula and half of the new formula. This step further acclimates your baby to the taste and digestion of the new formula.
• Day 7-9: Shift the mix to 25% of the old formula and 75% of the new formula. This stage lets your baby’s system get more accustomed to the new formula, making it the primary source of nutrition, while still having a familiar element from the old formula.
• Day 10: Completely switch to the new formula. By now, your baby’s digestive system should be better adapted to the new formula, minimizing the risk of digestive issues or rejection.

Factors influencing the decision to switch

Medical recommendations

Healthcare professionals might recommend switching formulas to better address specific health concerns such as reflux, eczema, or the presence of blood in the stool—a sign that the baby may be reacting adversely to their current formula. Listen to what they have to say closely, but also do your own research (like you are now 🙂) and trust your instincts. You know your baby best.

Availability or recalls

The baby formula market can sometimes face unexpected challenges, such as product recalls due to safety concerns or supply issues that affect availability. These situations necessitate a prompt response from parents, who must then find suitable alternatives to ensure their baby’s nutritional needs continue to be met without interruption.

Cost

The price of baby formula varies wildly. If you can no longer afford the formula you’re using now or you want to spend more for a higher quality formula, this is a very valid reason to switch baby formulas. Remember, no matter what formula you choose, your baby will be getting the nutritional balance it needs to thrive because all baby formulas must include a baseline level of nutrients.

Aligning with lifestyle or dietary choices

For some families, the choice of baby formula is a reflection of their dietary or lifestyle preferences. Some parents prioritize organic, non-GMO, or vegan formulas and others prioritize ease of preparation or whether the formula comes in powder, liquid concentrate, or ready-to-feed options.

Peer pressure and brand trust

Lastly, the influence of social circles and marketing cannot be underestimated. Peer pressure is a powerful thing. Don’t be afraid to listen to recommendations from friends, family, or even a compelling brand…  just remember you know your baby best. Trust your instincts and do your research before making the switch based solely on a recommendation or an ad.

Benefits and drawbacks

Switching baby formulas can be a difficult decision for parents. There are benefits and drawbacks to consider when making this decision.

Benefits of switching baby formulas may include:

• Allergy relief: If a baby is allergic to cow’s milk or lactose intolerant, switching to a  hypoallergenic or lactose-reduced formula can provide relief from symptoms.
• Digestive relief: Every formula has its own unique recipe even if the front of the can basically says the same thing. All it takes is a slight change in the recipe sometimes for a baby to start thriving on a different formula. 
• Nutritional needs: As a baby grows, their nutritional needs change. Switching to a different formula can provide the necessary nutrients for their current stage of development.

Drawbacks of switching baby formulas may include:

• Cost: Some types of baby formulas are more expensive than others, which can be a financial burden for some families.
• Taste: Babies can be picky about the taste of their formula. Switching to a different formula may be a challenge if the baby does not like the taste.
• Digestive issues: Switching baby formulas can sometimes cause digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea. It is important to monitor the baby’s reaction to the new formula and consult with a pediatrician if any issues arise.

Things to keep an eye after switching baby formulas

After making the decision to switch your baby’s formula, it’s crucial to closely monitor their response to ensure the transition is as smooth and beneficial as possible. Observing your baby’s health and behavior after the switch can help identify any potential issues early on, allowing for prompt action. Here are key aspects parents should keep an eye on:

Digestive health (or more bluntly… poop)

Observing your baby’s poop is a clear indicator of how well they’re adjusting to the new formula. Changes in the frequency, color, and consistency can provide insights into the digestive process. 

• It’s normal to see variations as your baby’s system adapts to the new ingredients. For instance, some formulas may lead to darker or lighter stools. 
• For extremely loose stools, unusually hard stools or stools with mucus, please consult with your pediatrician immediately.
• Additionally, increased gas or signs of bloating are very common when switching formulas so it’s important to look for excessive fussiness, crying after feedings, or difficulty sleeping.  

These digestive responses are crucial markers of how well the new formula agrees with your baby.

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions are critical to monitor following a formula switch. Always observe your baby for any signs of discomfort or unusual symptoms that emerge after the introduction of a new formula such as:

• Skin reactions, such as rashes or eczema, may indicate an allergy to ingredients in the new formula. 
• Respiratory symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing, require immediate medical attention as they could signify a severe allergic reaction. These reactions can escalate quickly and need prompt action to ensure the safety of your child. 
• Also, watch for gastrointestinal signs like vomiting or excessive spitting up can also be signs of an intolerance or allergy to the new formula. 

Early identification and management of allergic reactions are crucial for the well-being of your baby, ensuring they receive a formula that supports their health without causing adverse effects.

Feeding behavior

The way your baby feeds can tell you a lot about their acceptance of the new formula. Changes in appetite—either a decrease or an increase—can signal that the new formula may not be the right fit for your baby. 

• Watch for small signs, like if they start feeding with less enthusiasm or seem upset and uncomfortable during feedings. 

• If your baby, who normally feeds well, starts to squirm, cry, or act unhappy with the new formula before a feed, it could mean they’re not feeling good with it. These early signs are crucial to notice because they might lead to bigger feeding problems later on.
• It’s also helpful to pay attention to how your baby acts after feeding. Signs of discomfort, such as excessive crying, being gassy, or having trouble sleeping, could also suggest that the new formula isn’t agreeing with them. 

And just to confuse you even more as a new parent, if you notice a sudden increase in hunger and feeding frequency, that might indicate that the new formula doesn’t quite meet their nutritional needs in the same way the previous one did.

General well-being and development

It’s important to observe not just the physical reactions, but also the subtle cues that indicate whether your baby is thriving on the new formula. 

• A noticeable change in energy levels during awake periods might suggest how well the formula is being metabolized and if it meets your baby’s energy needs.
• Significant shifts in sleep patterns, such as trouble falling asleep or more frequent night awakenings, may indicate discomfort from the new formula. This could stem from digestive issues like gas or reflux, or from the formula not fully satisfying hunger, leading to restlessness. 
• Monitoring weight gain is also essential to ensure that the new formula provides adequate nutrition for your baby’s growth. If growth is slow or weight gain is insufficient, it may suggest the formula isn’t meeting nutritional needs, requiring a reassessment or switch.
• Lastly, changes in mood or activity levels can be insightful, revealing how comfortable and well-nourished your baby feels with the new formula. A positive change, such as increased alertness, playfulness, and overall contentment, can indicate that the formula is well-suited to your baby’s dietary needs. But if your baby appears more irritable, lethargic, or less engaged than usual, it might be a sign that the new formula is not providing the necessary nutrients or is causing discomfort.

It is important not to just watch for signs of allergy or tummy trouble, but also for clues that show your baby is doing well overall with the new formula. You should see if your child seems more energetic when they are awake, sleeps well, and is gaining weight as expected. These are good signs that the new formula is working well. 

Final thoughts about switching baby formulas

If you feel like your baby is not tolerating the formula you’re currently using, switching baby formulas can be one of the best decisions you’ll make as a parent. It may take some trial and error which can be tough to watch your baby go through but in the long run, once you find the right formula, it will be worth it. 

If you’re not feeling confident in this decision, take control and educate yourself even more about what baby formula really is with our Formula Fundamentals course. You’ll likely know more than your pediatrician by the end of it.