How to Switch Formulas

How to Switch Formulas

on Dec 21, 2023

You may be thinking about changing your baby’s formula whether it’s due to their age or digestive issues like fussiness, gas and spitting up.

Regardless of the reason, it’s best to speak with your doctor before switching your baby’s formula. Once you have the go-ahead, here’s some things to consider when doing the switch.

Why switch baby formulas

Many parents choose to switch formulas for different reasons such as adapting to different dietary needs or preferences, feeding issues, or transitioning to a different stage formula as their baby grows.

How to switch formulas

Most babies will do well on different brands of the same type of infant formula and can transition to the new formula right away. Be patient, it can take up to 5 days for some babies to adjust.

How to choose which formula to switch to

Talk to your baby’s doctor

Your baby’s doctor should be consulted for any questions about your baby’s health.They know your baby's unique needs and can help guide your formula choice based on any potential intolerances or other dietary requirements your baby might have. Your doctor may recommend switching to a lactose-reduced or soy-based formula. If your doctor suspects your baby has an allergy, they may recommend hypoallergenic formula designed for babies with allergies.

Choose the right stage

Look for formulas that are age-appropriate for your little one. Different formulas are designed for different stages, such as newborns or infants 6 months and older.

Read the label instructions

Remember to carefully follow the preparation instructions on the label for the product you are using. Instructions can vary from product to product and between infant formula brands.

Tips for switching formulas

  1. Don’t worry about alternating or combining the new formula with the formula you’ve been using: Baby’s transition to the new formula can happen right away.
  2. Avoid mixing different formulas! Formulas aren’t meant to be combined. Plus, if the reason you decided to switch formulas is because baby is experiencing digestive issues, you won’t be able to identify the cause if you are mixing formulas.
  3. Give your baby 3 to 5 days to get used to the new formula: The adjustment could happen right away or it may take some time to adapt. While you’re transitioning, your baby may go through some other slight changes—mainly to their stool pattern, gas and how often they spit up. Minor changes to baby’s stool pattern, gas or how often they spit up are normal when transitioning to a new formula

Is switching formulas safe?

Switching baby formulas is generally considered safe and common but it's important to talk to your baby’s doctor before making any changes.

Why choose GOOD START®?

GOOD START formulas are tummy friendly and easy to digest*. Designed with baby’s comfort in mind, only GOOD START formulas have comfort proteins, which are 100% whey proteins that have been partially broken down using our unique process for small tummies.

Whenever you may decide it’s time for formula, choose GOOD START PLUS. It’s our closest formula to breast milk and the only non-GMO baby formula with Comfort Proteins™, Probioticsǂ, DHA, and 2’-FL.

Switching to a formula for sensitive stomachs

Designed to give sensitive tummies extra comfort, GOOD START SOOTHE is easy to digest* and has 30% less lactose compared to other GOOD START milk-based formulas. It is our most advanced formula for fussy tummies and is the only formula with probiotic L. reuteri.

Over 90% of parents who switched to GOOD START SOOTHE said their baby was less fussy after the first feed.1

*Like all infant formulas

Ingredients not genetically engineered.

ǂProbiotics only in powder format.

<2>References
  • 1 Czerkies L et al., JPHN. 2019;1(1):19-26.