Everything changes when you’ve got a baby, and they change most of all as they grow, which means there are many reasons why new parents might need or want to switch from one way of feeding to another.
Whether it’s because you’re returning to work, because an illness is coming or going, or just because it fits your family’s day-to-day patterns better, switching the way you feed Baby can be an adjustment, and we’re here to help.
Picking a formula
If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, it’s important to pick a formula and try it out before decreasing your milk supply. Most babies will tolerate formula really well, but you want to make sure you’ve found a great choice before you run out of breastmilk.
Most babies should start with a standard cow’s milk based formula. All FDA regulated formulas in the US are required to meet specific standards that provide the nutrients and vitamins necessary to help babies grow. But their major ingredients are slightly different. They have different proteins (mostly dairy, but some are processed to be easier to digest), different oil types (some may be better digested by different babies), and different carb/sugar sources. Working with a pediatric provider or formula expert can help you decide where to start, especially if your baby has any current struggles with digestion, allergies, or conditions like eczema.
When you’re shopping be sure to ignore the front of the formula can. This is 100% marketing, and you’ll find actual ingredients if you turn the can around. Keep in mind that the first 5 or 6 ingredients make up the bulk of the formula. Accessibility, your values and budget are important as you shop and check out your options.
Breast milk to formula
If possible, when you’re switching from breastfeeding to formula, a gradual transition can be easier on you and Baby. Slowing down supply little by little can cut down on instances of engorgement, pain and mastitis as your supply starts to slowly go down. Hormonal changes from weaning from breastfeeding will also be less abrupt if you’re able to start slowly.
Switching breast milk for formula one meal at a time is a fairly standard way to make the switch, but you can make the change even more gradually, or do some troubleshooting if Baby rejects a bottle of formula, by starting by offering breast milk expressed into a bottle, and then mixing formula into bottles partially filled with expressed breast milk to help get Baby used to the new flavor.
Bottle struggles?
If your little one is having a hard time with bottles, remember that this is a new skill. After about 8-10 weeks of age babies lose their automatic reflex to suck. Bottle feeding may have gone well earlier as a newborn, but now – it requires a totally different skill set. Try to practice when you and your baby are at your best, often in the morning when everyone is well rested. Keep bottle practice really fun and relaxed, and stop if Baby is stressed or crying. This is one situation where stress can make it harder to reach your goal.
Some babies may take a bottle best from a family member. On the other hand, some parents of reluctant bottle-feeders find that making feeding time as much like breastfeeding as possible, at least at first, with the same parent, same hold, and same smells is the best way to make formula feeding seem safe and familiar. It may be tempting to buy a dozen different bottles to try, but consider working with a bottle feeding expert if things are tricky. It can help your baby learn and reduce stress and worry.
Although switching from breastmilk to formula can have its challenges, there is support as you make your way along. Feeding goals and needs change, and you deserve support.
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Sources
- “Breastfeeding FAQs: Some common concerns.” KidsHealth.org. The Nemours Foundation, 2017. Web.
- “Questions and Answers for Consumers Concerning Infant Formula.” FDA/CFSAN, Jan 19. 2023. Web.
- G. Fuchs & S. Abrahams, “Choosing a Baby Formula.” Health Children Org, Oct. 10, 2023. Web
- “Bottle Refusal” IABLE, April 2022. Web.
