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8 Best Formulas for Breastfed Babies to Make the Transition Easier, According to a Pediatrician
By Taylor Lane,
2 days ago
Breastfeeding is an experience that many mothers look forward to when welcoming a new baby. And while it’s an incredible time, it can also come with challenges. Getting a baby to latch, producing enough milk, and keeping your supply up is demanding and, in some cases, impossible for some. But these issues are more common than you think, so don’t be discouraged! Whether you need to supplement breastfeeding with formula or transition your baby to one altogether, rest confident in knowing that there are plenty of pediatrician-recommended formulas for breastfeeding babies. Keep reading to learn more about the best formulas for breastfed babies to make the transition easier.
Cases for Giving Baby Formula if They’re Breastfed
There are many cases why parents choose to give their babies formula while breastfeeding. The main reason is that the mother may not be producing enough milk to keep the baby satisfied. In this case, supplementing with formula is crucial to ensure the baby receives all the vitamins and nutrients necessary to reach developmental milestones. Other reasons include not being able to pump enough when the mother goes back to work, or that breastfeeding just isn’t working, which is absolutely fine! Others choose to only breastfeed for the first few essential months and then make the switch to formula.
When the time does come to switch to a formula, Chelsey Borson , a pediatrician and founder of Luna Leaps advises to “look for vital nutrients like iron, DHA, and prebiotics. These ingredients support brain development and digestive health.”
What Formulas Are Closest to Breast Milk?
“I often recommend hypoallergenic or easily digestible formulas for sensitive tummies,” Dr.Borson say. “In my opinion, Brands like Similac Pro-Advance, Enfamil NeuroPro, and Earth’s Best Organic can be solid choices. However, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not suit another.”
Most commercially available formulas are safe and well-regulated. “But I always tell parents to avoid formulas with added sugars, artificial colors, or preservatives,” Dr. Borson adds. “Also, be cautious of palm oil as an ingredient because it can sometimes cause constipation in sensitive babies. Keep it simple: if you can’t pronounce half the ingredients, it may not be the best choice.”
Can Switching Between Formula and Breastmilk Upset Baby’s Tummy?
“Switching from breast to bottle is challenging for moms and babies,” Dr. Borson shares. “I’ve seen it all in my practice! The secret is to take it slow. To begin, replace one nursing session with a bottle of formula. It allows moms and babies to get used to the new routine without fuss.” At first, it might upset your baby’s stomach, but give it at least a week before calling your pediatrician to find another solution.
How Long Does It Take for a Breastfed Baby to Get Used to Formula?
According to pediatricians , your baby can take up to two weeks to transition to consuming formula. Sometimes, it can be lonely if you need to test out different formulas. Here’s a helpful guide on how much formula to give your baby when making the change from breastfeeding to formula:
¾ : ¼ for the first 4 days
½ : ½ for the next 4 days
¼ : ¾ for the next 4-5 days or even one week
Finally, 100% baby formula
“I once had a mom who tried five different formulas before finding ‘the one,’ Dr. Borson recalls. “Her little guy would scrunch up his face like he’d tasted a lemon with the others, but it was smooth sailing when they found the right match. So don’t be discouraged if the first try isn’t a home run.”
We rounded up the best formulas for breastfed babies that are pediatrician approved, starting at $31.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Bobbie is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Bobbie’s formula is our best overall pick since its formula mimics nearly the same composition as breast milk. The recipe includes a whey to casein ratio of 60:40 which matches that of mature breastmilk. There is also organic lactose, which is easy on little one’s tummies.
In a study by Bobbie, “75% of parents surveyed reported an improvement in their baby in at least one digestive concern like gas, spit-up, stool consistency, or fussiness after starting Bobbie Gentle,” the brand reported on their website.
From September 17 until September 24, you can take advantage of Bobbie’s buy one get one free on organic formula (12.7 oz.) with free shipping promotion — no code needed!
Standout ingredients: Whey to casein ratio and organic lactose Sizes available: 2 cans, 4 cans, 6 cans Pros: Modeled after breast milk Passed 2,000 quality checks Cons: Expensive
If you’re searching for a cleaner formula for your breastfed baby, consider this one. Bellamy’s Organic Step 1 Infant Formula is professionally formulated with scientifically advanced ingredients that help to deliver essential nutrients to your baby from birth through six months. The formula is crafted from Australian organic milk and contains no artificial growth hormones, and is non-GMO.
Standout ingredients: Organic milk solid, whey powder Sizes available: 31.8 oz. Pros: Powder dissolves easily without bubbles Cleaner formula Cons: Expires quickly
ByHeart’s formula is another exceptional option for your breastfeeding baby. Its unique formula includes grass-fed whole milk that contains lactose, a primary carbohydrate (just like breast milk). There are also two main proteins found in breast milk, alpha-lac and lactoferrin, which are easy on bellies.
Standout ingredients: Grass-fed whole milk (not skim) and alpha-lac and lactoferrin (the two most abundant proteins in breast milk) Sizes available: 24 oz. Pros: The only US-made infant formula company to use organic grass-fed whole milk Free of corn syrup, gluten, soy, maltodextrin Cons: Has a slight scent
This gentle formula from Gerber is affordable and packed with ingredients that nourish your baby. It’s packed with easy-to-digest comfort proteins, prebiotics, and DHA to support brain and eye development.
“I never write reviews, but I have to for this formula,” one shopper said . “My baby is breastfed, and we have to supplement. This is the only formula that doesn’t constipate my baby or make her spit up. She has no issues with this formula at all.”
Standout ingredients: Easy to digest comfort proteins and prebiotics Sizes available: 32 oz. Pros: Best for babies up to 12 months old Includes easy to digest comfort proteins Cons: Some babies don’t prefer the formula, according to shoppers
Similac is the number one brand fed to babies in hospitals. If you’re looking for a formula, you can pick up Similac’s Advance Powder Baby Formula at your local store. The formula is milk-based and iron-fortified, which supports healthy growth and brain development.
Standout ingredients: DHA and lutein Sizes available: 30.8 oz. Pros: #1 infant formula brand fed in hospitals No artificial growth hormones Cons: Not suitable for babies with allergies
BEST GOAT MILK FORMULA
Holle Goat Dutch Stage 1 Organic Infant Milk Formula
European formulas are known for offering cleaner options in the baby formula category, and the Holle Goat Dutch Stage 1 Organic Infant Milk Formula is a bestseller. The formula contains goat’s milk, packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals critical for early infancy development. It’s soy-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, sugar-free, corn syrup-free, and no synthetic ingredients — a win for parents!
Standout ingredients: Goat’s milk Sizes available: Single can, pack of six, or pack of 12 Pros: Clean formula European made Cons: Very expensive
If your toddler is breastfeeding and you need to switch to formula, this pick is your best bet. It’s Clean Label Project Purity Award Certified, which means it doesn’t include additives and synthetic ingredients. Instead, the formula is crafted with organic whole milk, A2 protein, nutrient-rich fats, DHA, ARA, HMOs, and nucleotides.
Standout ingredients: Organic whole milk, A2 protein Sizes available: 21 oz. Pros: Suitable for toddlers Approved baby EBF moms Cons: Strong scent
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