Changing to different formulas

If you’ve chosen to formula feed, whether exclusively or in combination with breastfeeding, you’ve probably spent some time thinking about which brand and type of infant formula milk to use. We know all too well that, as you stand on that baby aisle at the supermarket, the choice on the shelf can feel pretty overwhelming!

Settling on which infant baby formula you’d like to use is a big decision. And, sometimes, just when you think you’ve got it figured out, something will come along to make you consider a change. That’s why we’re here to help, exploring some of the things you might want to consider when changing infant formula, why you might want to do so, and our top tips for making the switch.

There’s nothing to suggest that changing infant formula will cause your baby any harm. However, keep in mind that even after birth, your baby’s digestive system isn’t fully developed, so it can take a little time for your baby to settle into their feeding journey. As such, it’s best to avoid regularly switching baby formula to help them do just that.

It’s always best to speak to your doctor or midwife before you make the switch. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your reasons for wanting to change and for your healthcare professional to provide you with any specific advice that you might need.

There are any number of reasons why you might want to change the infant formula that you’re currently using. For example, you might feel that it’s simply not agreeing with your baby and you’d like to try another type. If this is the case, always chat with your doctor or midwife first to ensure that nothing else is going on. 

Other reasons for changing baby formula might be:

• Your baby growing older and moving onto follow on or toddler milk.
• Switching to a ready-to-feed type of infant formula milk instead of powdered formulations.  
• Your baby needs a specific kind of infant formula as prescribed by your doctor (you can read more about the different types of infant formula below). 
• Availability. Some types and brands of infant formula might be available at your local supermarket or shop, while others may not be as widely available. This might be something to consider when dealing with those last-minute or late-night trips when you realise you’re low on supplies!

The important thing to remember is that all infant formula milk, whichever one you choose, will have all the nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop¹ . There are strict legal regulations on the composition of baby formulas that make sure they’re suitable for use, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

When buying infant formula, you'll notice that they all state that breastfeeding is best for your baby. We understand that it may be upsetting for some people to read. However, it’s actually a legal requirement for us to include the “breastfeeding is best” notice. We agree that breast milk provides the best nutritional start for babies, and this is part of the WHO guidelines, too. But we know this is not always an option for parents and First Infant Milk is the only safe and nutritionally complete alternative for your little one. For us, it’s all about making sure that your choices as a parent are respected.

If you’re thinking about switching baby formula, you might wonder what alternatives there are. From first infant formula and follow-on milk to hungry baby and lactose-free, let’s look at the different types of formula milk available and why consulting your doctor or midwife before doing a swap is essential. 

If your baby is formula-fed, first infant milk will be the first milk that you give to your baby and is suitable for them up until they reach one year of age. 

Follow-on milk is suitable for your baby from 6 months of age, once your baby has started to eat solid foods (and probably making quite a mess whilst doing so!).

Follow-on formula milks contain a range of vitamins and minerals that complement your baby’s weaning diet (additional iron being a good example) up until they’re one year old. However, if your baby is happy enough drinking first infant formula, you don’t have to switch to follow-on milk.

Toddler milks are suitable from either 12 months or two years (depending on the stage).

If your baby seems hungry for more after their feeds, you might think about giving hungry baby formula a try. This type of formula contains more of a protein called ‘casein’, which is slower for babies to digest. As a result, it may keep them fuller for longer^{1, 2}.

Whilst hungry baby milk is suitable from birth, it’s best to speak to your doctor or midwife before giving it to your baby to ensure it’s the best thing for them. If you have concerns about how much milk your baby is drinking, it’s always best to talk this through with your healthcare professional.

You may have heard about comfort formula if your baby is experiencing any digestive or tummy troubles, like colic , for example, or constipation . Comfort formula is made with partly broken-down proteins from cows' milk (the scientific name for this process is ‘partially hydrolysed’), which your baby may find easier to digest.

If your baby has reflux, you might be looking for ways to reduce those spit-ups and outfit changes (read lots of helpful information about baby reflux here ). Anti-reflux formula milks are thickened to try and help your baby’s tiny tummy to keep their feeds down.

Whilst you can buy anti-reflux or comfort formula from the supermarket, these types of milk should only be used if you’ve been advised by a healthcare professional.

If you think your baby has colic, constipation or reflux, always run their symptoms by your doctor or healthcare professional first. That way, you can make sure you’re getting the advice you need.

Although uncommon, some babies have lactose intolerance, which means that they can’t absorb lactose, - a sugar found naturally in milk and other dairy products³. If this is the case, your doctor may advise you to use lactose-free formula milk.

Lactose-free formula should only be used under supervision from your doctor.

If your baby has an allergy to cow’s milk, it’s likely that your doctor will prescribe a hypoallergenic formula milk, which is made from proteins that have been fully broken down (extensively ‘hydrolysed’ (EHF)). Lactose-free formula is not suitable for babies with a milk allergy as it is the protein that triggers the immune system to react and not the milk sugar (lactose). Comfort formula is also not suitable as the protein is only partially broken down, so it can still trigger an allergic reaction.

Hypoallergenic formula should only be used under supervision from your doctor or healthcare professional.

If you’ve spoken to your doctor or midwife and decided that switching baby formula is the right option for you, the next step is introducing the new formula into your baby’s feeding routine. To help your baby adjust:

• Use the new infant formula for one feed on the first day of making the change
• Use the new infant formula for two feeds on day two.
• Use the new infant formula for three feeds on day three.
• Continue increasing the feeds your baby has with the new formula until you’ve fully switched.

As you make the change, remember:

• It can take some time for your baby to settle on a new baby formula. Try not to rush and just follow your baby’s lead.
• To spot, read and follow your baby’s cues. They won’t waste any time in letting you know if something’s not working for them.
• Changes to your baby’s stools are common when switching baby formula. This should settle down after a short time.
• If your baby is already eating solid foods, making the switch might be a little quicker and easier.

T­here’s no evidence to suggest that changing from one infant formula to another will cause any harm or side effects in your baby, although it’s not recommended to keep switching formula as little tummies need some time to settle.¹

Try to make the change gradually so that your baby has time to adjust to the taste and texture of a new formula. However, if you notice that your baby starts to experience tummy troubles or there’s a difference in their usual pooing or weeing habits, always consult your doctor or healthcare professional for advice.