Baby Formula and Nutritional Health

Children develop eating and nutritional habits early on. Some kids are choosy when it comes to food an others will try anything you put in front of them. Newborns are the same way – some may adjust easily to formula, while others will be fussy when you try to wean them off of breast milk. To ensure a trouble-free and healthy transition, try to introduce baby formula into your child’s diet gradually. Remember that the digestive system has to adapt to process new foods, and just as eating meat can upset a vegetarian’s stomach, baby formula can disrupt your baby’s digestion.

When is it time to make the switch to baby formula?

As your baby grows older and bigger, he or she will start drinking more milk than the mother’s body can produce. This is natural and should not be any cause for alarm. You can also make the transition a bit earlier to accommodate a return to work or even just a personal preference. Regardless of the timing or reason behind your decision to switch to baby formula, there are a number of methods you can try to ensure that the transition off of breast milk occurs smoothly.

Approach #1: Supplement with Formula

Allow your child to drink as much breast milk as is available, but then offer baby formula as a supplement to fill the child up. While the formula may not be a first choice, the baby will begin to drink more and more of it when that is the only option. If you notice that the formula distresses your child’s digestion (causing diarrhea or vomiting), stop feeding him or her straight formula. Instead, mix the formula with breast milk until you find a good ratio. Sensitive digestive systems will have a chance to develop the necessary enzymes to process the formula more slowly over time if you introduce formula in this manner.

Approach #2: Formula for One Feeding Per Day

Some parents choose to introduce formula for a single feeding each day, always at the same time of day. Some babies hardly blink at the difference, while others become fussy while adjusting. A wide range of responses can be expected, and you just have to let the transition run its course. Remember that breast milk is likely an integral part of your child’s routine and comfort zone, so it is natural to resist a change. Be gentle and remain calm and flexible as you entice them to try something new.

Approach #3: Combination Feeding

Introducing baby formula immediately after birth is also an option, although it is wise to hold off on bottle-feeding for a few days until the breast feeding habit is established. Your baby has to learn to suckle properly, and a breast and bottle nipple require different skills. Too much variety early on can confuse the baby and weaken their sucking action skills, inhibiting them from getting the nourishment they need. The general rule of thumb is to wait one month before initiating bottle-feeding.

About the Author: Doc. No.: CBFADS729 Colby Brister is a writer for My Baby Bedding Shop and he would like if you check out his Glenna Jean Crib Bedding and Glenna Jean Ashton Collection and his Modern Baby Bedding collection.