Easiest Way to Switch Formula

Updated on May 12, 2010
J.M. asks from Crestwood, KY
5 answers

I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to switch my 3 1/2 month old son's formula. I nurse him at night to get him to sleep, but he eats mostly formula during the day, but the WIC formula is Nestle, when I've been using Similac. I really don't want to switch formula since he does so well with the one he's on, but with WIC you have to try at least 3 different types of the contract brand before getting a doctor's note saying that he has to use a non-contract brand (which I think is bullpoop). If you guys can give me any idea as to how to switch his formula without upsetting his tummy, I would really appreciate it!

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J.H.

answers from Lexington on

just gradually mix the two-- so for instance if he's on a 6 ounce bottle, do 2 ounces of the new stuff to 4 ounces of the old stuff for several days, and if he doesn't have any issue, then 3 oz new/ 3 oz old, then 4 oz new/2 oz old, then he should be switched over. i would allow a good 3-4 days between each time to be sure he's not getting constipated, upset stomach, etc. i have used nestle in the past (with my first, who is now 4 years old), and i didn't like it b/c it's hard to mix up (the powder anyway)-- you have to be very thorough with it, and it might almost be a good idea to make up a days worth in a larger container and use a whisk or something like that-- i had a hard time getting it mixed properly just shaking it. for that reason also, i would actually make up 2 ounces of it and mix it in to 4 ounces of mixed similac, instead of doing a scoop of it and 2 scoops of similac into 6 ounces of water. of course, if you can do the premixed, that solves a lot of the problem :) i know he's doing good on the similac, and you hate to mess with it, but all formula is fda regulated, so try not to worry. but if you can find a way, like k.p. said, around this-- then i would try that! one of my good friends is using nestle now b/c breastfeeding didn't work out, and she tried enfamil premium, enfamil gentalese, similac, and is now on nestle b/c that's been the best for her little man's tummy. good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.H.

answers from Rochester on

can you just say you tried 3 different types? i'm not sure how WIC works but just an idea.

if you really do have to change formulas you should do it gradually by mixing the formulas together and phasing the old one out slowly. Nestle is a good brand of formula though if you want to go with that - many moms have better luck with Nestle than Similac.

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K.H.

answers from Huntington on

I'd try mixing it and graduallly increasing the amount of the 'approved' formula.

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K.P.

answers from Dallas on

WIC in Texas must just be totally different than it is there cause we have not had this problem at all. My daughter has had acid reflux her entire life and we went through 6 different formulas (all through WIC) in 2 months. We ended up with a specialty formula that WIC does require a form from her pediatrician for but once we got that form in have had no problems. Call the WIC office and discuss it with them again and if they wont talk to you go to your pedi and discuss it with them maybe they will be able to give you a way around this.

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N.G.

answers from Fayetteville on

If it were me, I'd find another mom that likes the WIC approved formula and do an equal swap for the kind your baby likes. Stick with what works for your baby.

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