You may have to consider switching the formula you are feeding your baby after realizing that it’s not working for them anymore. You may also be compelled to switch the current formula if you notice that your baby is gassy, constipated, or throwing up more than usual. But you have to super careful when doing so because every baby’s digestive system is different and the new formula could rather worsen the situation if your kid is unable to digest that well. But before making the switch, do you know the best formulas and how they work? Well, now you’ll know.
Switching Formula: How Long to Take Effect?
Pediatricians generally recommend to give a baby a full two weeks to check how the new baby formula is working in their system. Based on the formula and your child’s digestive system, it could take from a few days to even a few weeks to see any noticeable difference. We adults generally do not expect to see results overnight when we try to do an elimination diet. The same goes for any baby and you have to give your child some time to see if they are recovering and how effective the new formula is.
However, if your poor baby is going through a lot of discomfort because of constipation and gas pain, you should not wait that long. Instead, you should keep your baby under constant supervision of a child specialist to see if things are getting under control.
How to Switch Baby Formula?
Several things are involved in switching baby formula because your baby is very sensitive in this early age and you are ready to do anything to comfort your baby. So, let us go through those factors one by one.
How much new formula to feed your baby?
You should do the transition gradually so this can help your child wean from the current formula brand. Mixing both the old and new formulas slowly and then increasing the formula’s amount will allow your baby to slowly adopt to the new taste and this will also be much gentler for their stomach.
The chart below will help you combine 2 formulas in the same baby feeder together. Remember that this is applicable only if both milk formulas have the same scoop-to water ratio.
How to know a new formula is not working?
Well, the matter of the fact is that there’s no perfect formula milk on the market and there is no perfect baby. Some worrying signs that you may notice in your baby may or may not be due to the effects of the new formula. However, some signs you can’t ignore are
- Blood in stool (bright red or dark with black chunks or flecks)
- A severe skin rash
- A buildup of mucus in your baby’s chest
- Wheezing post eating
Aside from the previous ones, acid reflux and baby colic may also occur that are actually quite normal in children. So, although you won’t like seeing your baby suffering, the health condition of your baby will not be in danger in general.
Changing baby formula side effects
In case you decided to feed your baby a new formula because of allergy issues, be aware that even the new formula may cause allergy issues. Check to see if your baby has any symptoms of gas, diarrhea, or fussiness soon after the feeding and inform your pediatrician for guidance. Again, it may or may not be caused by the new formula milk because your child’s digestive tract needs some time to adjust to it. Some parents are seen to switch to vegan baby formula since they are often less reactive to sensitive babies.
There is also the challenge on taste. If your baby does not like the taste of the same type of formula but from a different brand, they may show no interest in finishing the meal. This may lead to malnutrition in your precious kid that you never want to see happening.
Is it ok to switch baby formula back and forth?
This is not necessary until and unless your pediatrician suggests you to do that. Your baby’s little stomach is so sensitive that frequent or abrupt changes in their diet could result in a number of issues. I have even heard of a mom who tried to mess around with formula mills on her own and ended up killing her infant child unfortunately. So, this is not worth the risk and you should carefully listen to what your child specialist says if you find any issues in your baby. You can try squishies, bicycle legs, and tummy massage to comfort your lovely baby.
To conclude, since the digestive tract of every infant is different but is sensitive to any changes in their diet, the time duration in which a new formula milk would start showing effects might vary from a few days to a few weeks. Instead of deciding on what to do yourself when you need to make any changes in your baby’s diet, keep in touch with your pediatrician and they will guide you to ensure your baby has a trouble-free and happy growth.
