Why and How To Transition From Breastmilk to Formula

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 2 years.¹ However, there are many reasons why parents may want to switch to formula at any point. Gradually transitioning from breastfeeding your baby to formula feeding can make feeding time easier for both of you and even get your partner involved in feeding too! Use this guide to learn how to transition from breastmilk to formula.

How to Introduce Formula to A Breastfed Baby 

Although switching from breastmilk to formula can be tricky, it is definitely not impossible. To begin introducing formula to a breastfed baby, slowly start to replace breastfeeding with a bottle of breastmilk. This will help your baby get used to the way the bottle feels. Use plastic or glass bottles with an ultra-wide mouth and breast-like nipple to mimic the feel of a breast and assist with the transition. Once your baby is comfortable with the bottle, then try your first formula bottle.

For the first formula bottle when switching from breastmilk to formula, choose a feeding time that your baby is least interested in. For example, you may want to start by nursing in the morning or nighttime and giving your baby formula in the middle of the day. As your baby adjusts to this change, you can gradually decrease breastfeeding sessions until you switch over to the number of formula feedings you desire.

Switching From Breastmilk to Formula 

If you plan on nursing and supplementing with formula, it’s best to wait until your baby is at least three to four weeks old. It is very important that you do not suddenly switch from breastmilk to formula. Not only is suddenly switching from breastmilk to formula bad for your baby, but it can also cause painful breast engorgement. Ease your baby off breast milk slowly so that your body can slow milk production gradually. Take away one breastfeeding session at a time. Your baby should adjust to the formula change within two to six weeks.

Does Formula Cause Constipation?

There are a number of questions to consider when transitioning from breastmilk to formula. For instance,  many mothers wonder if formula can cause constipation. Breastfed babies are less likely to experience constipation than formula-fed babies. Formula is thicker than breast milk, which makes it harder for babies to pass it through the gastrointestinal tract. If your baby is constipated, it may also be because of a lactose intolerance or an allergy. 

If you’re wondering how to switch from breastmilk to formula, try the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced. This formula dispenser uses automated mixing technology that instantly mixes a warm formula bottle to the perfect consistency*. It’s fully customizable and works with all formula brands and bottle types. Just press one button, and let the Formula Pro Advanced do the rest!

Benefits of Breastfeeding vs. Formula 

It’s important to consider every aspect of choosing the healthiest option for your little one when looking to introduce formula to a breastfed baby. There are many benefits of breastmilk. Breastmilk is high in nutritional value and is composed of lactose, protein, and fat, which can all be easily digested by a newborn. Breastmilk also has natural antibodies to help babies resist common illnesses like ear infections. Additionally, the AAP continues to support evidence that breastfeeding protects against various diseases and conditions, for both mother and baby.²

However, when it comes to breastmilk vs. formula, formula feeding has many benefits. Baby formula is made to include all the nutrients your baby will need– so the best formula for a breastfed baby can often provide extra doses of healthy goods. It can be composed of additional nutrients that breastmilk doesn’t have. Babies that are formula-fed eat less frequently than breastfed babies, and formula can be more convenient than breastfeeding, especially on the go or if you go back to work. Formula also allows your partner to handle some of baby’s feeding too, giving you a much-needed break.

Switching from breastmilk to formula should not be met with fear. Many mothers are concerned that breastfed babies may be healthier than formula fed. During breastfeeding, antibodies and other germ fighting factors pass from a mother to her baby, strengthening their immune systems. While it has been proven that breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula fed babies, formula fed babies grow up to be just as strong and healthy as breastfed babies.

Transitioning from Breastmilk to Formula: Is Formula More Filling Than Breast Milk?

Firstly, it is important to consider that babies feel full with both breast milk and formula. The difference boils down to differences in digestion. Babies digest breast milk faster than formula milk so they feed more frequently. Infant formula takes longer to digest and thus may be considered more filling than breast milk.

Alternating Breastmilk and Formula 

Sometimes, the best formula for breastfed babies can be a mixture of both if the option is available. Can you mix formula and breastmilk? Yes, in fact, some mothers decide to combine their milk and formula in order to increase the calories that their baby gets during feeding time. If you decide to mix breastmilk and formula, first prepare the formula according to the directions. Don’t add powdered formula directly to your breast milk. Supplementing one or two bottles a week should not affect your body’s breast milk supply. However, if you are giving your baby one or two bottles of formula a day, your milk supply may begin to drop. 

Whether you choose to feed your baby breastmilk, formula, or both, Baby Brezza is here to make feeding time as easy as possible for both you and your little one.