Whatever reasons you have for changing your baby’s formula ranging from costs, allergies to not getting the feedback you were expecting, and doctor’s recommendation. Whatever it may be, it is important to note that serious considerations have to be made before using a different one. Another important aspect is how long it will take for your baby to show considerable and satisfactory results towards the new formula.
Picture an inexperienced and tired mother singing to her four months old son who isn’t listening but crying and vomiting and is red all over, occasionally giving out gas. A half-filled bottle of baby formula in the table right beside the duo and another almost empty bottle of another formula on that table.
This scenario is the case in many homes, especially new mothers. It will be seemingly difficult at first to know your baby’s mood most times. But bare in mind that lots of mothers have raised their children with the use of baby formula, successfully.
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How long does switching formula take effect?
Remember the sushi you ate that gave you serious stomach aches but left everyone else. Or that delicious whipped cream cupcake with raspberry flavor and peanuts that you thoroughly enjoy but gives your partner allergies.
That tells us that, as much as we are homosapiens, we have a body system that reacts differently in the same situations.
The same is true for these precious babies, even more so because babies are still delicate and need as little drama as possible. Rashes, vomiting, constant discomfort, and so much more could be expected if the baby isn’t responding well to a formula. Hence the need to change. However, if these symptoms continue after changing the formula, then it’s best to see your doctor.
It should be clear that getting an immediate response after switching your baby’s formula happens rarely. It takes 2 to 6 weeks. This is when you can actually deduce if your baby is responding positively or otherwise to the products.
Depending on the baby, you don’t have to wait for six weeks before you realize that formula isn’t helping much. Especially when the danger signs are so prominent to ignore, caution should be taken during those weeks after changing the formula. Monitor especially, the bowel movements, the amount taken now as to then, gas after burping, and other important details.
If your baby had these symptoms before introducing the new formula and still display the same symptoms after two to six weeks of intake of the new baby formula, it might be something else. Please go see your doctor for a check-up.
Base Contents of the baby formula: Note that The American Academy of Pediatrics AAP recommends iron-fortified formulas for babies
Below are the base elements found in your baby formula.
- Cow’s Milk: The most regularly used and cheapest baby formulas made from cow’s milk. This is most parents’ first choice unless their pediatrician suggests differently.
- Soy Milk: A vegan formula with awesome nutritional values.
- Lactose-Free: Allergies to cow milk can cause colic, intense crying for three or more hours per day. Enfamil Nutramigen is the go-to for lactose intolerant babies.
Some recommended baby formula:
- The Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO formula: This is our number one on the list. It is rich in 2′-FL HMO, found in breastmilk for improving immunity. So the difference between this formula and breastfeeding is very little. Are close to a mother’s milk as possible. Recommended by most hospitals
- Similac Advance Infant Formula provides complete nutrition for your baby’s first year. Affordable price with excellent nutrition and developmental advantages. Not advisable for babies with cow milk allergies.
- Enfamil: Also highly recommended. These have different products for optimal utility. Whatever product is best for your child, you are assured of high quality. This is one of our favorites. It’s a bit expensive but gives you what you want right on your money.
Do you switch the formula gradually or immediately?
So I read a blog recently that advises mothers to switch baby formulas at once, and the baby will adjust with time. How wrong!
Babies are that, babies. Their immune system isn’t as strong, and their tolerance for the unacceptable is relatively low. You might have a lactose intolerant baby that cannot bear animal milk. In this case, go for a vegetarian baby formula. Or apallazo baby allergic to almost everything. (I knew a baby once).
It is highly unlikely for the baby to adjust to what has now become food poisoning to its digestive system. This is because the delicate system sees it, doesn’t recognize it, and becomes agitated, thus leading to diverse symptoms.
How do you give your baby this new formula?
As daunting as this seems, it is quite simple actually. The application of the newly chosen formula is, as earlier said, comes gradually. There should be a process for this. It is my advice that little of the new formula be mixed with the old, say 30 to 70 ratio, depending on how the measurements are.
In two days, you could make it 50 to 50 ratio, continue in the same for another two to three days, then round off with 80 to 20 ratio, then finally 100 to 0 ratio, removing the old completely. Here the system is able to adjust to the new formula and not cause any real effect.
Suppose your little one is still having old symptoms. That’s okay, especially if they are mild irritations. Give it some time. The baby is probably still getting your desired feedback on the way. Make sure to burp your LO often and try swishes, bicycle legs, and massaging the LO tummy.
Signs that your baby is taking the wrong formula
Your baby actions will give you an insight into what is going on in that body. It’s up to you to know and act accordingly. We will give you the popular symptoms your baby will show. However, these symptoms could be a result of another illness, so the emphasis will be made on consulting your pediatrician.
- Watery poop
- Fatigue or weakness
- Fussiness and uneasiness after a meal
- Excess gas
- Grunting and cryings
- Scaly skin
- Forceful vomiting
Is it harmful to change baby formula often?
To be honest. The best formula to give your baby is breastmilk. This is because it has everything a baby could ever need. However, if for important reasons,your baby can’t be breastfed, then using a newly improved formula from The Milky Box closely similar to breastmilk is advised.
Please note that there is no perfect formula for a perfect baby, but there are few that are awesome with little side effects for your little one. Those are the ones you go to.
Now, due to the sensitivity of the LO, changing the formula frequently is not advisable or even necessary. Before switching, make sure your doctor is aware, and your baby is really not responding to the formula.