switching formula

[alidb36]

How awful is it to switch formula-I thought I heard it's best to stick with one kind, but wasn't sure if it would be awful to switch between a couple different kinds.

What do you all do?

[gvroach]

You really have to stick with one kind, you cant feed many different types at once. Babies dugestive systems are very tricky and sensitive to the slightest change.

But if you mean how do you switch from one formula to the other, the answer is gradually.

[~sarah~]

We had to switch several times until we found a formula that works for Sean's tummy. I agree w/pp though, once you find what works then stick with it. However, our pediatrician said to just make the switch all at once. I think that either way is probably fine. In our case it worked better just to switch "cold turkey" as the one's that we were switching from were causing him tummy and bowel problems.

[amjbmommy]

My 8m old is generally on Good Start (we're on WIC and that's what they give here) but he was on Similac from birth up to 4 m (when we went on WIC) and for the past 2 months I find i can give him Similac, Enfamil or even the Walmart Parent's Choice brand -when I run out of GS- (all milk based w/ Iron) and he does absolutely fine. No tummy/constipation issues.

[boomer]

It's been a long time since I formula fed, but my first daughter could switch between Enfamil and Similac just fine. With my second daughter I did want to switch her to a different kind (can't remember what she took now) and I did it gradually because I was told it was the gentlest way to do it. I think I started with 75% old brand, 25% new brand and did that for a couple of days, then did 50/50 for a few days, then 25% old, 75% for a few more days before making the complete switch. She showed no adverse reactions, but then again she might not have had anyway if I had gone cold turkey. But it made me feel better knowing I was doing it as gently as possible, I guess.

[homeschoolingmama]

Switching can be hard on babies tummy- but not all babies have trouble. SIL changed my nephews formula every week when he was born to "find out what worked best for him" she said it didn't seem to bother him (maybe she was just clueless IDK)
Anyhow, whenever I have made a formula change (rare around here...) I start by giving 1/4 new and 3/4 old formula for a couple days, then 1/2 and 1/2 bottles for a couple days, then go to 3/4 new and 1/4 old, then on to all new formula. I'd try for the transition to last at least a week.....

:goodvibes:

[SativaStarr]

When it comes to formula, my babies have had it all.. Ive always switched cold turkey with no problems. WIC gives us goodstart soy, but if I run ou I use whatever is cheapest or i can get for free (milk or soy) without issues. Granted my LO's are 2 & 23 mo, but never switched gradually.

ETA: Are you exclusively FFing or just supplementing w/ formula?? If your only supplementing its even less of an issue to switch cold turkey; really its no big deal.. and that was straight from the mouth of DD's NICU nurse.

[alidb36]

Right now I am giving my son about 2/3 (at the least) breast milk with the rest formula-I don't know how much longer I can keep up the pumping schedule, but really want to go the organic route, but also want to get the formula as cheaply as possible...which I know organic formula and cheap doesn't go together (but apparently Wal Mart has Parent's Choice organic-anyone have experience with this?)