Buzz
You might want to switch your baby’s formula for reasons like cost or because you hope the new one will be gentler on your baby’s stomach. Before making any changes, always consult your pediatrician. Infant formula is strictly regulated and designed to provide complete nutrition, so switching formulas is usually easy. Simply choose a new formula, introduce it gradually, and monitor your baby to ensure they don't have an adverse reaction to the new formula.
Steps
Choose a New Formula
Consult your pediatrician before switching formulas. It’s essential to talk to your doctor before changing your baby’s formula, whether for nutritional reasons or financial ones. Your pediatrician may recommend the most suitable formula for your baby and guide you through the transition to a new one.
- If your baby develops hives, rashes, redness, or severe vomiting after drinking formula, they may be allergic to the milk or soy protein in the formula.
- Your pediatrician might also suggest a formula change for nutritional reasons or if your baby is not gaining weight as expected. For instance, your baby may need more iron in their diet, in which case an iron-fortified formula might be the best option. Some formulas are specifically recommended for babies suffering from severe acid reflux.
- On the other hand, if there are no health concerns, your doctor may recommend a specific brand or type of formula that could address other symptoms such as fussiness, bloating, or constipation.
Consider choosing a new formula with the same type of protein. It will be easiest on your baby’s digestive system if you select a new formula that contains the same protein as the one your baby is currently using. If you are switching formulas due to cost rather than medical reasons, this is fairly simple. For example, if your baby is currently using a cow's milk-based formula, you should choose a less expensive option with the same type of cow’s milk protein. If the protein in your baby’s current formula is hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed, you should opt for a new formula with similar properties.
Choose a formula with a different protein if your baby has a digestive intolerance. If you are switching formulas because your baby cannot tolerate a specific protein, you need to choose a formula with a different type of protein. Consult your pediatrician to determine which formula will be best for your baby's digestive health.
- Your pediatrician may recommend trying a soy-based formula instead of a cow's milk formula to treat casein intolerance.
Read the formula label. If your baby is drinking a formula with ingredients like iron, DHA, or other additives, consider choosing a different formula that includes the same ingredients. Reading the label will also help you understand the contents of the formula and avoid any ingredients that could trigger an allergy in your baby.
Switch to the New Formula
Switch immediately if the old and new formulas contain the same type of protein. In some cases, your baby may transition to a new formula with ease and no discomfort. Try giving your baby a small amount of the new formula to see how they react. If there are no issues, you can switch to the new formula right away.
- If your baby becomes irritable after trying the new formula, wait a few minutes and try again. Do not offer a different formula or return to the old one.
- Similarly, if your baby is allergic to the old formula, you may need to switch completely to the new formula without transitioning between the two.
Gradually transition to the new formula if you are changing the main protein source. In some cases, your baby may become fussy due to the unfamiliar taste of the new formula. If this happens, a gradual transition will help. This approach allows you to mask the taste of the new formula and make the transition smoother.
- Start the transition by mixing ¾ of the old formula with ¼ of the new formula.
- Let your baby drink the mixture for one day. The next day, mix half of the old formula and half of the new formula and continue for another day.
Sarah Siebold, IBCLC, MA
Consultant on breastfeeding
Consultant on breastfeeding
Did you know? The nutrients in breast milk change over time to meet the needs of your baby. Formula, on the other hand, remains the same, so the amount of formula your baby needs may differ from the amount of breast milk. After about two weeks, breastfed babies typically only need about 90 ml per feeding, even as they grow. However, with formula, you may need to gradually increase the amount to ensure proper weight gain.
Increase the amount of new formula and reduce the amount of old formula. Continue to increase the amount of the new formula each day. For example, on the third day, mix ¼ of the old formula with ¾ of the new formula, and on the fourth day, give your baby 100% of the new formula.
- By now, your baby may have adjusted to the taste of the new formula.
Monitor your baby’s reaction to the new formula
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- Ví dụ, tình trạng tiêu chảy cấp và đầy hơi thường xảy ra ở trẻ nhũ nhi, nhưng tiêu chảy hoặc táo bón mãn tính thường là dấu hiệu của hiện tượng không dung nạp.
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Lưu ý tình trạng nổi mề đay hoặc phát ban. Tình trạng dị ứng có thể biểu hiện trên da dưới dạng mề đay hoặc phát ban. Nếu con bạn bắt đầu bị phát ban, bạn nên đưa bé đến bác sĩ ngay lập tức. Đây có thể là dấu hiệu cho thấy trẻ dị ứng với sữa công thức mới.
Lời khuyên
- Tìm phiếu thưởng trên các trang web của nhà sản xuất, trên báo hoặc các tạp chí nuôi dạy con để được mua giảm giá sữa cho bé. Như vậy, bạn sẽ không phải đổi sữa khác chỉ vì giá cả. Một số công ty thậm chí còn gửi mẫu sữa miễn phí mà bạn vẫn thường mua để giữ chân khách hàng. Bạn hãy tận dụng khi có cơ hội!
Warning
- Avoid changing formulas frequently unless advised by your doctor. Frequent formula changes can disrupt your baby’s digestive system.
- If your baby has been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder, milk protein allergy, or developmental issues, always consult your pediatrician before switching formulas for your infant.
