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Switching Baby Formula and What to Expect
Read time: 5 minutes
How do I switch baby formulas?
Understand which signs can be a normal part of infancy
Know the signs that may indicate your baby not tolerating their formula
Learn how to switch baby formulas if necessary
We want to do our best when it comes to feeding our little ones, so it can be tough to watch our formula-fed babies having signs such as constipation, spitting up, and gas. You may be wondering, is this the right time to switch baby formula?
It’s true that occasionally babies will need a different formula, but know that there are also many instances where baby’s signs are quite common, and switching is not necessary. In fact, switching formula too frequently can potentially upset your little one’s belly even more!
Read on to learn if switching baby formula is the right choice for your family, or if what your little one is experiencing may be normal.
When to switch baby formulas
It’s always important to consult with your baby’s pediatrician if you are thinking about switching formulas.
If a milk allergy or significant intolerance is suspected, soy formula is often bypassed for a partially hydrolyzed formula. Occasionally a different form of formula may be recommended, such as trying formula concentrate or ready-to-feed, or even a different brand.8
Again, it’s important to speak with the pediatrician before making any decisions.
Here are some signs that your baby may not be tolerating their formula:
Eczema
Typical allergy symptoms such as wheezing, hives, excessive vomiting.
Bloody diarrhea
Severe constipation
Excessive fussiness after eating
Forceful vomiting
Failure to thrive (baby is not gaining weight at the expected rate)6
Most of the time, allergy or intolerance issues are due to the milk proteins present in cow milk-based formulas or soy proteins present in soy-based formulas, although other ingredients could be the culprit. It’s rare for a baby to be lactose intolerant.7
Know what’s normal
While it’s tough to watch our little one experience gas, bloating, and spit up, these are often considered a normal part of a baby’s growth and development.
But remember that you know your baby best! Any time you are concerned, the pediatrician will help you sort through what may be normal for your little one and what may need a deeper examination with the possibility of switching formula.
Spitting up
Of course it’s uncomfortable for us to watch, but spitting up is often quite normal in newborns.
While each baby is different, spitting up is mostly due to an immature digestive system. The sphincter between baby’s stomach and esophagus is still a little weak, and when compounded with how much time baby spends on their back it’s no wonder milk may come back up so easily.1
Constipation
You may be wondering if you should switch formulas due to a constipated baby. Most formula-fed babies pass stools at least once daily; however, some may go one to two days between bowel movements.2
Newborns and young babies have to work very hard to pass stools since their abdominal muscles are still weak, so even if baby is fussing, grunting, straining a bit and turning red while trying to pass stool, it’s normally not an immediate cause for concern.
Read more: How Can I Relieve Constipation for My Baby and Toddler?
Gas
Gas is also often unavoidable and usually happens when baby swallows too much air while crying or drinking from the bottle.3
Gas bubbles can be painful for baby, but as your little one’s digestive track and abdominal muscles get stronger, they’ll be better at handling this sign.
Sometimes encouraging a full baby to finish their bottle can cause baby to be gassy or to spit up quite a bit. To help prevent this, follow baby’s hunger and fullness cues, stopping when your little one indicates they’re done.
Read more: Understanding Your Baby's Hunger and Fullness Cues: Responsive Feeding
How can I help my baby with gas and passing stool?
Gently pulling and pushing baby’s legs in and out, bicycling baby’s legs, and light belly massage can all help get things moving.4
Always speak with baby’s doctor if the constipation isn’t getting better, if stools are bloody, or if you have any other concerns.
Spit up and gassiness continue to be normal even as your baby ages. Once solid foods are introduced, you will see further changes in baby’s bowel habits. Stools may become a bit less frequent, smellier, may change color, and become firmer.5
Read more: How Do I Relieve Gas In My Formula or Bottle-fed Baby?
How do I switch baby formulas?
If baby’s pediatrician recommends switching baby formulas, here are tips on the transition.
When transitioning your baby from one formula to another due to an allergy, intolerance, or medical condition, an immediate switch is usually recommended (as opposed to a slow transition). Confirm the appropriate formula transition timing with your baby’s pediatrician.
In the absence of an allergy, intolerance, or medical condition that would warrant switching formulas immediately, most babies will still switch formulas without issue! Some parents choose to transition between formulas slowly to help baby adjust.
Should you decide on a slower transition, speak with baby’s pediatrician for more guidance.
Bottom Line
In the end, it’s important to recognize what’s normal and what’s a red flag regarding baby’s feeding journey.
Before considering a formula switch, double-check to make sure you are preparing the formula properly and that you are following baby’s hunger and fullness cues.
It’s also important to know that changes won’t happen overnight after switching formula. It could take a week or two for a baby to get used to a new formula and for their signs to go away completely.
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For more on this topic, check out the following articles:
Does your Baby Need a Sensitive Formula?
Formula Feeding On Demand Vs. on a Schedule
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