Should I (or What if I Have to) Switch my Baby’s Formula?

Some parents wonder if they need to switch formula because their baby seems overly fussy, is spitting up a lot or has gas. Your baby’s digestive system is busy maturing (those little stomach muscles and sphincters are still getting stronger), so symptoms such as gas, fussiness, and working hard to pass poop is common for healthy breast fed and bottle-fed infants. Spitting up usually peaks between 2-4 months of age, and babies typically outgrow this around the time they can sit up. In many cases, there’s no need to switch formulas (and switching too often can upset your little one’s tummy even more!)

In some cases, your little one may not tolerate a formula well, as some babies may have food intolerance or allergy to a specific ingredient (such as milk or soy proteins) or may simply have a more sensitive tummy. Signs can include:

• Skin rash (i.e. eczema)
• Severe constipation
• Intense fussiness after eating
• Coughing or gagging
• Typical allergic responses such as wheezing or hives
• Forceful vomiting

If your baby is experiencing any of these symptoms, call your pediatrician right away.

• Talk with your pediatrician
• Check that you are properly preparing formula according to direction
• Make sure you are tuning into and following your baby’s signs of hunger and fullness

Overfeeding can make fussiness or spitting up worse and is more common in bottle fed babies (whether breastmilk or formula), as there can be a tendency to want to “finish the bottle”. Signs your baby has had enough include:

• Turning their head away
• Baby stops sucking and releases the bottle
• Falling asleep
• Becoming distracted and looking around

If you are feeling that you want to or need to switch formulas, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that, in most cases your baby will do just fine as long as the formula is of the same type. For example, you can switch from one cow’s milk formula to another, or from one pediatrician-recommended sensitivity formula, to another sensitivity or “gentle” option.

In some cases, switching formulas can be as easy as opening a new one and making the change right away. In other cases, your baby may be frustrated by the switch, as different formulas can have slightly different tastes (some may be a bit sweeter or have a different texture, especially if switching from a ready-to-use formula to a powdered option.

If your baby does not like the taste or has difficulty tolerating a new formula, you may want to gradually introduce small amounts by mixing it with their usual formula. While there’s no one-size-fits-all method to making the switch (sometimes, you may simply run out of formula!), a general approach is to start with two parts of the original formula and one-part new formula, gradually increasing the amount of the new formula.

This is safe to do, as long as you are preparing each formula properly (the ratio of formula to water), and there are no issues such as a formula is expired or has been recalled. You can gradually increase the amount of the new formula. Patience is key, as it may take some time for your baby to get used to a new formula. Remember it can take several days or even a week for your little one to adjust, so have patience. Keep an eye out for signs that your baby is tolerating the change. Sensitive little ones may need a slower approach and more time to adjust.

This is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always discuss any health and feeding concerns directly with your pediatrician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read above.