5 Signs You Might Need to Switch Baby Formulas

Changing formulas can be daunting for a new parent, especially if their old formula had side effects. To make the formula transition process a little easier, there are some tried and tested methods available, which this article will address.

It is possible for some children to accept any formula offered to them without hesitation, while other children may refuse or take time to switch over. Transitioning from one formula should be done gradually. The sudden switch to another brand or formula type can cause fussiness, feed refusal, and constipation. Read on for a closer look at some signs you may need to pay attention to in order to know that you should switch baby formulas.

Signs You Might Need to Switch Baby Formulas

1. Excessive Spit Up:

All babies spit up due to their underdeveloped digestive systems. As long as your infant is steadily gaining weight—about 6 ounces a week—and wetting diapers at least once every six hours, there’s often little to worry about. But when spit up amounts to more than 2 tablespoons at each feeding, it could be a sign of a formula intolerance.

2. Very Slow Weight Gain:

It is useful to track your baby’s weight gain and diaper output in order to gauge their overall health. Parents may notice the following when their infants gain weight properly:

• The baby’s birth weight is regained ten to fourteen days after birth.
• Babies gain about 1 ounce a day between birth and the first 3 months.
• Babies gain .67 ounces a day by the time they reach 6 months of age.
• Consult a paediatrician if your baby doesn’t gain weight as expected.

3. Extra Fussiness Following Feedings:

Several factors can cause a baby to spiral into a crying fit, but formula intolerance may be to blame when your child is inconsolable after or during feedings. An observational study of 256 babies aged 1 to 3 months with symptoms of excessive crying and fussiness found that switching from a milk-based formula to a partially hydrolyzed 100% whey or whey-enriched protein formula reduced their symptoms. What we can conclude here is that goat milk can help with reducing the symptoms.

4. Bloody Stool:

It can be frightening to discover blood in your baby’s diaper. Bloody stools can be caused by several factors, including allergies to cow’s milk, which is the protein source in infant formulas. Consult your paediatrician if you experience any of these symptoms.

5. Severe Constipation:

The average formula-fed baby has one bowel movement a day, although going up to two days without one is not unusual. In contrast, if your baby strains, produces hard, small stools, or suffers from stomach cramps, they’re probably constipated. A change in diet may provide some relief.

The Best Method for Switching Formulas

If you suspect your formula-fed infant is struggling with an intolerance, you may consider trying something new.

Introduce one bottle of a new formula such as goat milk formula when your baby is especially hungry or at the first feed of the day. Additionally, offering the new formula in the morning can reduce the risk of fussiness in the evening. Make the new formula your child’s main source of nutrition for 5 – 6 days, so your baby can get used to it. You should avoid changing any other feeding associations, such as when you sit to feed your baby or when you change their bottles or teats, as too many changes may confuse them.

Transition Properly

Formula switching can be accomplished in two ways.

• One-step transition: No transition time is needed if your baby switches from a standard formula to one that can be digested more easily. However, it is still recommended that you monitor your baby’s bowel movements or other signs of tolerance. For easy digestion, goat milk formula is the best option.
• Slow transition: For babies transitioning from a specialised formula, a gradual change gives parents time to monitor side effects. In order to use this technique, you must combine the two formulas while gradually reducing the original formula’s volume.

Choosing the right baby formula can be a challenge for sleep-deprived parents walking along the isles in search for the best option for their little one. In order to make an informed decision if your little one is experiencing discomfort, you need to know what signs indicate a need for change. This article ensures you know what you need to look for and what you need to do thereafter.