How to Switch Baby Formula: A Step-by-Step Guide

There isn't one universal reason to switch formulas:

• The current formula may be difficult to find
• Parents might want to use a more affordable formula brand
• Parents might be curious about another brand
• Your baby may be ready for a different formula stage based on their age
• Baby seems uncomfortable during or after feeds

One of the most cited reasons for switching formula is due to babies experiencing colic or regurgitation after feeding.¹

Signs your baby may be struggling with their current formula can vary. Parents might notice:

• Persistent digestive discomfort
• Changes in stool
• Increased fussiness during formula feeding
• Frequent regurgitation
• Difficulty feeding

It's important to distinguish between minor changes and potential signs of an allergy or intolerance. For example, cow's milk protein allergy can cause gastrointestinal, skin, and sometimes respiratory symptoms. A suspected milk protein allergy requires evaluation by a healthcare professional rather than simply trying different formula brands at home.

If your baby seems otherwise comfortable, is feeding normally, and is growing appropriately, minor variations in digestion or drinking less formula than usual doesn't necessarily mean you need to switch. When you're unsure whether a symptom is related to formula intolerance or something else, seek medical advice.

You don't necessarily need to consult a pediatrician every time you switch baby formula, particularly when moving between comparable formulas intended for healthy, full-term infants. However, there are circumstances in which professional guidance is important.

Talk to your pediatrician if you're considering switching because your baby has:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Blood in their stool
• Poor weight gain
• Significant feeding difficulties
• Symptoms of an allergy or intolerance

You should also seek professional guidance before switching to a specialty formula, like HiPP HA or Comfort, intended to address a particular medical or dietary need. A pediatrician can help determine whether the formula may actually be contributing to your baby's symptoms and, if necessary, recommend an appropriate formula type.

In many cases, parents can switch between formula brands, provided both products are appropriate for their baby's age and nutritional needs. Infant formulas are regulated to meet specific nutritional requirements, although their individual ingredients and formulations can differ.

One baby formula might use a different protein composition, fat blend, carbohydrate source, or added ingredients than another. Even two standard cow's milk-based formulas won't necessarily have identical recipes.

For this reason, switching formula brands may result in some temporary differences in feeding or digestion. Always read the label of the new formula carefully, even if it appears similar to your old formula. Scoop sizes, powder-to-water ratios, and preparation instructions can vary between formula brands.

Switching between two comparable standard formulas is different from moving from a regular formula to a specialty formula.

Specialty formulas may have modified proteins, different carbohydrate sources, or other features designed for particular dietary or medical needs. This is one of the scenarios where you would want to speak with your baby's healthcare provider first.

Some parents prefer to make a formula change gradually, giving their baby time to adjust to the taste and characteristics of the new formula.

1. Swap one feed for the new formula. A gradual formula transition might involve interchanging the new and old formula, and increasing the feeds with the new formula over several days.²
2. Try the new formula in the morning.  This gives you a full day to observe any side effects from the new formula. It also avoids the risk of your baby suffering from side effects at night, which could prevent sleep.
3. Never assume two formula powders can be measured or prepared interchangeably. Each formula should be prepared exactly according to the manufacturer's instructions using the correct amount of water and powder.
4. Avoid repeatedly changing formula after only a feed or two simply because something seems slightly different.
5. If your pediatrician has recommended a specific transition method, follow their instructions instead.

The transition may take 10 days or up to two weeks.² Here is an example of what the transition to the new formula may look like:

There is another method of switching to a new formula which involves mixing it with the current formula being used. Always follow the preparation directions for each formula and ask your pediatrician for guidance if you're unsure.³

A gradual transition isn't always necessary. In some circumstances, parents can switch to a new formula without slowly combining it with the old formula, sometimes referred to as switching "cold turkey."

Whether making the change immediately is appropriate can depend on why you're switching and what type of formula you're moving to. A baby may also readily accept one formula while another baby needs more time to adjust to a different taste.

If the formula switch is being made for medical reasons, follow your pediatrician's recommendations rather than creating your own transition schedule. There may be situations where continuing to give your baby the old formula during a gradual transition isn't appropriate.

Your baby's digestive system may need some time to adjust after changing formula. The exact experience varies from one child to another, so there isn't a single transition period that applies to every baby.

During this period, pay attention to how your baby feeds and behaves. Changes in stool can occur because formulas contain different ingredients and nutrient compositions. What matters is whether your baby is tolerating the new formula well overall.

Frequent changes can make it more difficult to determine whether a particular formula is actually responsible for a symptom. If you're concerned about how your baby is responding, talk to your pediatrician about how long to continue before making another formula change.

While different formula brands may use similar ingredients, it won't be an exact match. Babies therefore may still experience some side effects when making the change to a new formula. 

https://www.health.state.mn.us/docs/people/wic/localagency/recall/transitions.pdf

If your baby seems unwell after starting a different formula, contact your pediatrician. Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling.

If you think your baby isn't tolerating the new formula well, start by looking at the overall pattern rather than a single bottle or diaper. Consider whether your baby is feeding adequately, producing their usual number of wet diapers, behaving normally, and continuing to grow as expected.

If concerning symptoms persist, speak with your pediatrician before moving on to yet another formula. The problem may not necessarily be the brand itself, and repeatedly switching formula brands can make it harder to identify what's causing the symptoms.

Changing formula isn't the only type of feeding transition parents navigate. Some families decide to introduce infant formula after exclusively or primarily providing breast milk.

The transition doesn't necessarily have to happen all at once. Depending on your circumstances and feeding goals, you may introduce formula while continuing to provide breast milk. This is often referred to as combination feeding.

Give your baby time to become accustomed to any changes in feeding routine. If you're transitioning because of concerns about milk supply, your baby's growth, feeding difficulties, or another health issue, a pediatrician or qualified lactation professional can provide individualized support.

Making the change doesn't need to be overly complicated. Start by making sure the new formula is suitable for your baby's age and needs, and carefully read its preparation instructions before the first feed.

Prepare every bottle safely and follow the exact water-to-powder ratio listed by the manufacturer. Never use the scoop from your old formula to measure a new product unless the manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so.

Monitor your baby's feeding habits, behavior, and diapers. Giving your baby some time to adjust can help you distinguish temporary changes from an ongoing problem.