How To Switch Baby Formula

Whether you suspect your baby has an allergy or sensitivity to their current formula, you're looking for a more affordable option, or you want to prioritize a cleaner ingredients list, there are many reasons to switch your baby’s formula.

Is it safe to transition from one formula to another? Are there certain precautions you need to take? How do you choose the right one? In this guide, we’re covering everything you need to know about how to switch formulas, making the transition, and factors to consider. 

How to Switch Baby Formula: Step-By-Step

1. Discuss the Switch with Your Pediatrician

When making any major dietary change, especially in the first year of your baby’s life, it’s important to consult your doctor. They can discuss your concerns, offer personalized support and advice, and answer any questions you may have. 

2. Choose Your New Formula

All infant formula legally sold in the US is nutritionally complete and meets the FDA’s nutrient specifications. That said, the quality of the nutrients may vary. 

Choose a soy- or dairy-based formula that is certified by reliable third-party organizations such as the Clean Label Project (CLP) to avoid feeding your baby any harsh or unnecessary chemicals. It’s also a good idea to ask your pediatrician about a formula’s ability to meet your baby’s specific dietary, allergy, or food-intolerance needs and restrictions. 

3. Introduce New Formula Slowly

Transitioning gradually rather than switching all at once can help ensure your baby gets comfortable with the new taste. It can also help decrease the risk they’ll refuse to eat or have an allergic reaction. 

Here’s a general guideline for how to introduce a new formula slowly: 

     

    4. Monitor for Possible Reactions

    Some babies may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in formula, such as cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). When switching formulas, keep an eye out for symptoms of allergies, including:

    • Diarrhea 
    • Vomiting 
    • Wheezing 
    • Coughing 
    • Digestive distress
    • Rash or hives
    • Bloody stool
    • Extreme fussiness

    Aussie Bubs Baby Formulas

    Bubs Goat Infant Formula (0-12 Months)

    Formulated with wholesome, non-toxic ingredients, this Goat Milk Infant Formula is CLP certified. It’s an excellent source of essential nutrients like omega-3, omega-6, prebiotics, and DHA/ARA. It’s also made with naturally occurring A2 protein to aid digestion Goat milk is naturally similar to breastmilk, which is ideal for bubs with sensitive tummies.

    Bubs 365 Day Grass Fed Infant Formula (0-12 Months)

    The 365 Grass Fed Infant Formula is made using 100% grass fed, free range cows that produce high-quality milk, offering a unique prebiotic and probiotic blend to ensure maximum nutritional value to bubs under one year old. It’s a great choice for families looking for sustainable, eco-friendly options. With naturally rich bata-caratine, vitamins A and E, and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), this CLP certified formula offers a pure ingredients list with no unnecessary additives.

    Bubs Essential Infant Formula (0-12 Months)

    If you’re looking for a nutrient-rich, high-quality formula at an accessible price point, the Essential Infant Formula is a great choice. Made with demineralized whole-fat cow’s milk, this CLP certified infant formula provides bubs with the full range of rich nutrition to help them grow happy and healthy. 

    Packed with a comprehensive prebiotic and probiotic blend, omega-3, and other essential vitamins and minerals, you can provide your little one with clean meals for less than $30.

    Consult Your Doctor Before Switching Baby Formula

    It’s a good idea to check in regularly with your pediatrician to make sure your bub’s diet meets all their nutritional needs. However, it’s especially important to consult your doctor before you switch formulas if your baby is on a specialty formula, has food allergies or sensitivities, or has had issues in the past with formula ingredients.

    Babies react to formula changes differently. While you can expect some changes in their digestion and stool patterns over the first week or so, if you notice any of the following symptoms of food allergy or your baby seems to be in pain, you should always call your pediatrician:

    • Persistent vomiting
    • Severe or persistent diarrhea or blood in stools
    • Skin rashes, swelling, or hives
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Severe fussiness or irritability

    Side Effects of Switching Baby Formula

    By gradually transitioning your bub from one formula to another, you can limit the risk of digestive discomfort. However, you may notice some side effects as your bub adjusts to the changes. These can include:

    • Gas and bloating: As your little one adjusts to their new formula, they may experience more gas and bloating than usual.
    • Stool changes: You may notice a change in the color, consistency, and frequency of your bub’s stools; they may become softer or firmer, take on a greenish or yellowish appearance, and they may poop more or less frequently for a period of time.
    • More spit up than usual: A moderate increase in spitting up, especially following meals, is normal as your little one adjusts to digesting their new formula.

    Why Transition my Baby to a New Formula?

    Digestive Discomfort

    If your bub suffers from constipation, bloating, or reflux after meals, it may be time to try switching to a different formula. 

    A gentle or specialty formula may help alleviate digestive distress over time. Because goat milk formulas are naturally similar to breastmilk, they’re often easier for babies to digest. It’s also a good idea to ​​check in with your pediatrician before you make the change, and to rule out digestive disorders and colic and to get their advice on dietary changes.

    Allergies

    True allergies to cow’s milk aren’t common, only affecting about 1% of babies. However, if your baby is showing signs of food intolerance, such as skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive fussiness, they might benefit from transitioning to a hypoallergenic formula or a product that doesn’t include cow’s milk proteins. 

    Feeding Issues

    If your baby gets fussy around mealtimes, refuses to eat, tends to spit up a lot, or has difficulty latching onto their bottle on a regular basis, one of the simplest things you can try is switching out their formula.

    In addition to switching formula, you might also want to try:

    • Holding them in a different position
    • Changing up their eating schedule
    • Trying a new size, shape, or type of bottle
    • Seeing if using a bottle warmer helps

     

    Final Thoughts

    Switching your little one’s formula can help address digestive issues, help them enjoy meals more, and ensure they get a balanced, clean, and nutrient-rich diet. To get these benefits though, it’s important to be selective about the formula you choose. 

    Aussie Bubs formulas are developed with clean, pure ingredients and contain all the essential nutrients your bub needs to grow and develop. Take the 2024 Formula Quiz to find the right product for your infant or toddler.