How to Switch Baby’s Formula
Apr 23, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
When switching infant formula, there are two methods for transitioning to the new milk:
1. Gradual substitution: Replace 1 scoop of the old formula with 1 scoop of the new formula per feeding. Allow the baby to adapt for 2–3 days. If no significant symptoms occur, increase the substitution by another scoop and observe for another 2–3 days, continuing this process until the transition to the new formula is complete.
2. Meal-by-meal replacement: Replace one feeding per day with the new formula. The first substituted feeding should not be the morning’s first feeding or the last feeding before bedtime.
In today’s society, many women opt to feed their babies with infant formula to maintain their own slim figures. However, it is not uncommon for mothers to switch formulas during this period. So, how should one transition a baby to a new formula?
How to Transition a Baby to a New Formula
There are two common methods for transitioning a baby to a new formula: 1. Gradually replace the old formula with the new one—substitute 1 scoop of the new formula for 1 scoop of the old formula each day, allowing the baby 2–3 days to adapt. If no adverse symptoms appear, add another scoop of the new formula and observe for another 2–3 days, continuing this process until the baby is fully transitioned to the new formula. 2. Replace one feeding per day with the new formula. Avoid selecting the first morning feeding or the last feeding before bedtime as the initial transition meal. For example, after 3–5 days of feeding with the new formula at one meal, add a second feeding with the new formula. A full transition typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Babies with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) may require specialized formulas. For instance, amino acid-based formulas are suitable for infants with moderate-to-severe CMPA, while extensively hydrolyzed formulas are appropriate for those with mild-to-moderate CMPA. Infants with an allergic predisposition are generally advised to receive an appropriate amount of hypoallergenic formula to help prevent the development of cow’s milk protein allergy.
Infants with lactose intolerance should be fed lactose-free formula. For preterm infants, specialized preterm formulas may be selected based on clinical indications to support catch-up growth. Similarly, high-calorie formulas may be appropriate for undernourished infants. We hope this information proves helpful!
