How To Tell When Your Baby Needs To Switch Formula

If you've decided to start your baby on a formula diet, you're probably feeling overwhelmed by the variety of options available on the market. After all, there's a lot to pick from, and you'll want to select the best option for your child.

However, it's rare that you continue to use the same infant formula you started with. Unless a medical problem, such as a cow's milk allergy, requires the use of a specialized formula, parents should start their newborns on a typical milk-based formula.

The appropriate reasons to switch formulas if their infant isn't tolerating a traditional formula are: medical reasons, a parenting preference, or difficulty obtaining the standard formula.

1. Change Because of Parent Preference

It's crucial to keep in mind that there isn't a precise, flawless formula. It's quite fine if something that works for one infant doesn't work for another. You've done the best thing for your infant if they're fed, loved, and content. Here's what parents should consider the following when purchasing infant formula:

• Ingredients of Formula and how closely it resembles breast milk - The contents of European infant formulae are created to closely resemble the nutritional value of nursing, even though no formula can completely imitate the immune system-boosting characteristics of breast milk. A European formula is the way to go if you want something that closely resembles breast milk.
• Strict standards for production with organic certifications - Compared to their US-based counterparts, European infant formulas are subject to far higher quality standards. The formulas used in Europe do not contain any GMOs, soy, sugar, corn syrup, artificial flavors, or synthetic preservatives
• Accessibility from a reliable source - Being able to quickly run to the grocery store and pick up infant formula when necessary is crucial for some parents. Others value convenience above all else, which is why they would like to have formula delivered right to their door. It is possible to guarantee availability and reduce the cost per ounce by buying your formula from a reputable retailer with an established supply network for purely online and large purchases. Here in Organic Life Start any order above $100 will always qualify for free shipping and is able to ship to the 48 states.
• Cost: We know formula feeding is expensive, and many parents express concern about the price associated with European formulas. By purchasing the greatest size pack, Organic Life Start offers the best discount possible of up to 15%, an additional 5% on a recurring basis via subscription, and as manufacturers share deals with them, they generously share it with the customers by offering coupon codes.

2. Change Because of Medical Reasons

One of the most difficult aspects of having an infant is figuring out what he or she needs, especially when it comes to feeding issues. While your baby can't tell you if something is up with their formula, they can give you other signs that it's time to switch.

After choosing baby formula, you'll undergo an experimentation phase. Some babies will tolerate formula for a time, but something will change, and that's your call to switch.

These signs could indicate that the formula isn't ideal for your child. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed below.

Please note that typical levels of concern are based on common experiences by other parents, but in all cases you should consult with a pediatrician to get advice specific to your baby.

1. Baby Is Projectile Vomiting

Typical level of concern: HIGH

In infants, spitting up and dribbling milk with burps or after feedings is rather typical. Forceful or projectile vomiting, or spitting up considerable amounts of milk after most feedings, however, can indicate a problem. Vomiting in formula-fed newborns can occur as a result of overfeeding or formula intolerance.

• Vomiting severely or constantly
• Vomiting blood
• Becomes sluggish
• Any indicators of distress

2. Baby Has Eczema

Typical level of concern: MEDIUM

If your child has eczema due to an intact protein allergy, switching towards a more broken-down formula will aid. The skin of your youngster may begin to clean by removing the intact proteins that irritate it. HiPP HA is a nice alternative that is widely available.

HiPP HA is regarded as a hypoallergenic formulation. HiPP HA is also the first organic product designed specifically for babies at risk of developing allergies. This formula's milk proteins are digested into small bits to minimize allergenic characteristics and help newborns tolerate them better.

It's definitely worth a shot and completely safe for your infant.

3. Baby Develops Allergy

Typical level of concern: HIGH

There are various causes why newborns and infants who drink infant formula can develop diarrhea. One of these is allergy.

An allergy or intolerance to the type of infant formula that they begin to take may lead to diarrhea in newborns.

Milk allergy and milk intolerance are two different disorders, both can develop infant diarrhea. Allergies are uncommon. Only about 7% of babies under the age of one year have cow's milk allergies.

This sort of allergy can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms right after a meal or hours to days later. Most infants outgrow their allergies by the age of five.

4. Baby Has Severe Constipation

Typical level of concern: MEDIUM

Because the formula is thicker than breast milk, it takes longer to pass through the digestive system. The molecules can be difficult to digest at times, causing various GI difficulties in addition to constipation.

Formula-fed babies might go anywhere from once to three times a day to once every few days. Constipated babies have huge, tough, painful bowel motions that resemble pellets, and they arch their backs, tense their buttocks, and wail as they go. If your baby's stool contains blood or mucus, or if he or she is excessively irritable, your pediatrician may recommend changing the formula. A doctor might suggest HiPP HA, a hypoallergenic alternative.

5. Baby is Extra Fussy

Typical level of concern: MEDIUM-LOW

All babies are fussy at times, but when it happens more frequently than usual, it's usually due to hunger or discomfort. It could also indicate that their body is in pain or suffering.

There are various reasons why a baby can cry, but formula intolerance could be the cause if your infant is crying during or after a feeding.

6. Baby Has Wheezing after feeding

Typical level of concern: MEDIUM-LOW

It's not usual for your infant to start wheezing after bottle feeding, it's because their chest is congested with mucus, which isn't normal. This indicates that your baby has consumed something that is causing them to produce a lot of mucus, which they will need to eliminate.

7. Baby is Gassy

Typical level of concern: LOW

Although gas is an inevitable part of a newborn's life, if your child has a lot of it, his or her formula may need to be switched. Due to the presence of extra gas, their stomach may appear bloated or firm when touched. It's possible that their formula is the source of their symptoms. To help alleviate your baby's gassiness, and get the best formula recommendation, always seek the advice of your pediatrician.

8. Baby Has Trouble Sleeping

Typical level of concern: LOW

In the first several months of life, babies should sleep a lot. During the day and at night, they should get 8 hours of sleep. It could be a problem with the formula if they aren't and something doesn't feel right.

When sleeping problems are accompanied by general fussiness and other signs of discomfort, you should consider how their formula is affecting them.

9. Baby Has Severe Acid Reflux

Typical level of concern: MEDIUM-LOW

Although your child may experience some discomfort as a result of acid reflux, it is a manageable condition. You can treat your baby with acid reflux by changing their formula and changing the way you feed them. Your doctor may prescribe a change in the formula if your child has severe reflux or isn't improving with feeding changes.

The majority of newborn formulas are supplemented with iron and manufactured from cow's milk. Some babies have an allergy to a protein found in cow's milk, which can cause acid reflux. This requires the use of a different type of formula for your child.

10. Baby Is Slow To Gain Weight

Typical level of concern: MEDIUM-LOW

Gain weight and diaper use can be utilized to determine a baby's general health. If your baby isn't gaining weight as predicted, talk to your child's pediatrician; a change in formula may be necessary.

How Do I Switch to Another Formula?

Here are some useful hints for formula switch:

1. Always consult a physician - The ideal formula for your child should always be discussed with your doctor. If you struggle with the change, you will need the help of a health expert who is the only one who can precisely describe what your infant requires. Never change a baby's formula on your own without first seeking medical advice. If your doctor is adamant that your infant doesn't require a change in formula, pay close attention because there may be another problem with your child unrelated to the formula they are now consuming.
2. Choose a New Baby Formula - Use caution when choosing the new infant formula. If there is a medical reason to switch to a different formula, such as lactose intolerance, talk to your baby's doctor about the best option. Always read the labels, compare them, and attempt to choose a formula that is as close as you can to the one you just used.
   • Bring in the New Formula Gradually - The ideal time to switch our babies to formula is not based on any precise science. These approaches could be useful to you:
   • Partial Weaning - This approach can be used if you want to keep breastfeeding but also need to take some formula supplements. This might only include replacing one feed a day with formula. With your infant, it can be helpful to experiment with a few different formulas to determine which one they prefer.
   • Gradual Weaning - is an excellent technique to employ if you intend to quit breastfeeding soon but want to do it so that your baby receives a little less breast milk each day until they switch to drinking 100% formula. A smart approach to achieve this is to stop nursing your baby for one session each day and substitute a bottle of formula.
   • Combination of breastmilk and Formula - Another effective technique to introduce formula to a newborn is to mix breastmilk and formula in one bottle. Just keep in mind that you must still adhere to the correct mixing guidelines to maintain a balanced ratio of nutrients to water.

If you notice variations in digestion, such as changing feces colors, while your baby converts to formula, don't be frightened. For more information, it is advisable to speak with your child's pediatrician.

Baby Formulas That Are Easy To Switch To

If you believe your formula-fed baby is dealing with intolerance, you might want to try something different. There are numerous specialist formulas from which to choose.

It's best not to switch formulas too often once you've decided on one for your baby. The taste will differ significantly, and it may disrupt your baby's eating routine.

HiPP has established the standard for a new generation of infant formula with the HiPP Dutch Stage 1 organic Infant Milk. One of parent's favorite formulas is frequently ranked as HiPP Dutch Milk Formula. For infants who are exclusively formula-fed, this formula can be used as a complete breast milk substitute or as an addition to regular breast milk. All HiPP formulas are entirely free of GMO components, synthetic nutrients, and preservatives. It satisfies or exceeds all of the stringent organic certification requirements set forth by the European Union, which are significantly more stringent than those in the United States and Canada.

• Why switch to HiPP Dutch?
  • European organic
  • Breastmilk-like
  • Lactose based, no starch
  • Enriched with prebiotics & probiotics
  • NO harmful chemicals, pesticides or antibiotics
  • GMO-free

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HiPP Comfort is a soothing, easy-to-digest formula for babies of all ages, including older infants and toddlers who have started eating solid foods. HiPP Comfort was created with sensitive digestive systems in mind. The formula's lower lactose content may assist to alleviate chronic difficulties like colic, constipation, bloating, or gas, while the other carbohydrate sources (maltodextrin and starch) add to a richer, creamier product that will keep newborns satisfied. HiPP Comfort's whey proteins have been hydrolyzed into small, easier-to-digest particles. HiPP Comfort also contains a particular vegetable oil blend including beta palmitate, which provides essential fatty acids without hurting your child's stomach.

HiPP Comfort helps build your baby's gut microbiome and immune system and supports overall digestive health. They can help alleviate painful symptoms like colic and gas, as well as soften feces to relieve constipation. It helps young children's brains, vision, and nervous systems develop properly. It has high-quality ingredients that will help your baby grow and flourish.

• Why switch to HiPP Comfort?
  • Proteins are hydrolyzed (broken into fragments) for easier digestion
  • Omega 3 & 6 LCPs
  • Appropriate for all ages starting at 0 months
  • Prebiotics and Probiotics
  • GMO-free

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HiPP Hypoallergenic (HA) Combiotik comes into 3 stages (Pre to Stage 2) and is designed to satisfy the needs of children who are allergic or at risk of becoming allergic. This formula can be given to babies who haven't been breastfed or as a supplement to nursing. Milk protein may play a key role in inducing allergies in people. The HiPP Hypoallergenic product line is based on hydrolyzing (cow) milk protein, which makes protein molecules smaller, simpler, and easier to process for babies. To put it another way, hydrolyzed milk protein is more familiar to humans than normal cow milk protein.

• Why switch to HiPP HA?
  • Lactose as the natural carbohydrate
  • Long-chain proteins are hydrolyzed (broken into fragments) to minimize allergenic impact
  • Prebiotics
  • Probiotics
  • DHA and ARA
  • Essential vitamins and nutrients
  • No synthetic preservatives or nutrients
  • Available in stages Pre to Stage 2
  • GMO-free

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If your baby is having problems with spit-up, acid reflux, or regurgitation, HiPP AR Germany Anti-Reflux Formula could be precisely what you need! This mild, nutritionally-complete formula is produced with a foundation of skimmed milk and is suitable for newborns of all ages, including older babies who have begun eating solid foods. HiPP Anti-Reflux contains locust bean gum, which naturally thickens the formula in the bottle and inhibits regurgitation, making this creamy formula even simpler for your baby to keep down after feeding. For optimal results, HiPP recommends allowing the formula to settle for 7 minutes post-mixing before feeding it to your baby. This brief waiting period ensures that the formula attains a thicker consistency, providing added comfort during feeding.

• Why switch to HiPP AR?
  • HiPP AR is perfect for babies with reflux or spit up
  • Includes locust bean gum for a creamy product that's easier for your little one to keep down
  • Omega 3 & 6 LCPs
  • Appropriate for all ages starting at 0 months
  • GMO-free

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You'll discover organic whole goat's milk as the foundation of this recipe, along with a variety of vegetable oils (free of palm oil! ), lactose, and nourishing carbohydrates. Holle's goat milk Dutch formula is EU-certified organic. This formula may be very soothing for infants who are experiencing digestive distress and gentle for more sensitive tummies. Holle's formula is free of GMOs and artificial sweeteners . It is loaded with vitamins like A, D, and E, minerals, and vital fatty acids (DHA and ALA). Holle's formulas are designed to fulfill your baby's dietary requirements at each developmental milestone: Stage 1 is intended for babies of 0 to 6 months, stage 2 for babies of 6+ months, and stage 3 for babies of 10+ months.

• Why switch to Holle Goat Dutch?
  • Dutch Formula!
  • EU Organic Certified
  • Premium quality goat’s milk
  • Easy to digest formula
  • Simple and healthy ingredients
  • Chemical free agriculture and manufacturing

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Holle A2 Organic Cow Milk Formula Stage 1 is a baby formula that uses the best organic ingredients and is nutritionally complete. Baby's who may experience discomfort, inflammation, and digestive disorders benefit from a simple changeover to an A2 protein milk. This gentle formula is recommended for infants from birth to 6 months and is perfect for combining with breast milk or exclusively bottle-feeding. Holle A2 cow milk gives infants the option of continuing to consume cow's milk without having to experiment with other goat's milk formulas.

• Why switch to Holle A2?
  • EU certified organic
  • Premium organic A2 skim milk
  • Gentle & digestible for babies with cow milk sensitivities
  • Simple and healthy ingredients
  • Chemical free agriculture and manufacturing

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Switching Formulas - In Summary

There are several reasons for a formula switch, whether parents are completely formula feeding or supplementing with formula. There could be a medical issue, a parenting preference, or difficulty obtaining the standard formula.

In general, this is a safe thing to do, but you should always consult your baby's healthcare practitioner for the best advice on how to make the move and which formula is best for your child.

Although changing your baby's formula brand is safe, you may notice some differences in your infant. "Babies may get constipated, poop more frequently, have their stool consistency change, or be gassy while they acclimate to the shift, which can take a week or more.

If you're wondering how to switch formula, it's advisable to make the transition gradually to rule out any allergy or sensitivity to a new brand. For a smooth shift, consider consulting with your healthcare provider to ensure a well-informed decision. Additionally, if you're contemplating how to switch baby formula or how to transition your baby from formula to milk, your healthcare practitioner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your baby's needs.

The most crucial thing, though, is that your child gets fed.

If you're switching your baby's formula, do so gradually to rule out any allergy or sensitivity to a new brand. The most crucial thing, though, is that your child gets fed.

Top 3 Alternative Formulas

1. HiPP Dutch Formula
2. HiPP Comfort Formula
3. Holle Goat Dutch Formula

References:

1. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-formula
2. https://www.drugwatch.com/baby-formula/side-effects/
3. https://www.verywellfamily.com/mixing-baby-formula-brands-2634531
4. https://www.newkidscenter.org/Switching-Baby-Formula.html
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/organic-baby-formula
6. https://www.newkidscenter.org/Switching-Baby-Formula.html