How to switch from breast milk to formula milk

When the baby is still young, parents should try to breastfeed, because mother's milk contains a large amount of antibodies. Breastfeeding can effectively and comprehensively supplement the nutrients needed by the child's body and can also increase the child's immunity. When the baby grows to about 7 to 8 months, parents should add appropriate amount of milk powder to feed. But if a baby has been breastfed, how should he switch to formula feeding?

1. Choose milk powder suitable for your baby:

There are many types of milk powder on the market, but not every type is suitable for babies. Mothers need to carefully select according to the baby's physical characteristics. For example, premature babies are suitable for premature milk powder, and babies with allergies are suitable for anti-allergic milk powder. Choosing the right milk powder for the baby is the greatest help for the mother.

2. Choose a soft pacifier:

The pacifier is one of the key items for successful weaning, because the baby is sucking milk powder with it. If it is too hard and uncomfortable, the baby will definitely cry. It is easy to choke when crying. Once the baby chokes on milk and feels uncomfortable, he will refuse milk. This will trigger a series of chain reactions, leading to failure of weaning. Therefore, it is important to choose a pacifier that is soft and comfortable.

3. Find the right time to switch milk:

Weaning may not be possible on any given day, but it is fine most of the time. However, mothers need to be aware that they should not switch milk when their babies are sick or have just received vaccinations, because once the baby becomes unwell, his appetite decreases, and he suffers from diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, etc., which will make him feel even more uncomfortable.

4. Learn from others’ experience:

Every mother is a novice when she gives birth to her first child and lacks experience in raising children. When encountering problems with weaning, it is easy to panic if you don't understand the situation. If you don't want to be in this situation, you should find one or two familiar girlfriends in advance to understand the situation and master the correct method of weaning. Sometimes, learning from other people's experience can help you avoid detours and reduce the suffering of your baby.

5. Transfer milk in the correct way:

There are two methods of weaning: one is the alternate weaning method, and the other is the mixed weaning method. If your baby is still young and has been drinking breast milk, you can use the alternate feeding method when switching to formula milk. Although it is not a panacea, many mothers have tried it with a high success rate. Therefore, new mothers may as well give it a try. The specific method is to insert one or two meals of milk powder while breastfeeding, and gradually increase the number of feedings with milk powder until the transition to milk is completed.

6. Follow the principle of gradual progress:

Don't be impatient when changing your baby's milk. Take it slowly and let your baby gradually adapt. Because the baby's gastrointestinal function is not yet fully developed and the ability to digest and absorb protein is weak, in order to avoid indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea, it is necessary to wait for the stomach and intestines to slowly accept it, which usually takes 1-2 weeks. If your baby is in good health, it may take less time, but mothers should avoid being too hasty and trying to achieve everything all at once.

Nothing is difficult in the world if you set your mind to it. Weaning may be difficult for some mothers and babies, but some mothers find it very easy. In fact, many times, it depends on whether the mother is attentive, understands the baby's situation, and learns effective methods. As long as the mother uses the right method, she can get twice the result with half the effort, and the baby will be able to happily accept milk powder. In fact, milk powder is also a nutritious food for babies, and babies need to eat it continuously for a period of time. In order to make the baby accept it, the mother needs to put in more effort.