How to Transition from Breast Milk to Formula

New moms are generally told that “breast is best” when it comes to feeding their infants. But when breastfeeding doesn’t go according to plan, Canadian-made formula is the answer.

“My milk didn’t come in for 10 days, and my daughter was cluster feeding around the clock trying to get my milk to come in,” says Cheryl, a mom of two just west of Toronto. “My midwife on day three decided to talk to me about formula. I had been set on only breastfeeding so this was tough for me to accept, but baby needed food! So my midwife came up with a stellar plan of combo feeding.”

The midwife put a small tube into a bottle of formula and fed the other end to the nipple, so when Cheryl’s daughter was still at the breast and simulating nursing, she was finally being fed.

“Two days later, my milk came in. Formula was my saviour!”

Aaryn, a mother of three living in Ontario’s cottage country, has another story. “I had a scary experience with my youngest, in which a tongue tie went undiagnosed and he couldn’t nurse. My son became very sick in his first three days from dehydration, and we had to switch to formula,” says Aaryn. “The bottle saved him.”

While not every story of formula use is so drastic, it’s clear that it can be a literal lifesaver in special cases and part of a healthy feeding regimen for most other babies. Returning to work, weight gain challenges and moms going on medication, are just some of the reasons why parents might choose to introduce formula. Every family should do what feels right for them and should discuss options with their doctor or midwife.

It may seem like there’s a lot to figure out, so let’s break it down.

How do you transition from breast milk to formula?

Introduce a bottle containing breast milk before switching to formula, and don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to find a bottle and nipple type that your baby likes. Some families have dad or another caregiver introduce the bottle, as some babies may expect the breast from mom.

Once they’re drinking well from the bottle, start to introduce the formula and feed at the same times as you would nurse. According to the Centres for Disease Control, “Replace one breast milk feeding a day with a bottle of infant formula (for your child younger than 12 months old). Continue to replace more breast milk feedings over time.”

A good guideline is to start with 5-10 ml of formula per feeding but adjust as needed to your baby’s wants and needs.

Can breastfeeding and formula feeding be combined?

Yes! This is how many moms include formula in their baby’s diet. Niuriss, producers of the only infant formula made in Canada, made with Canadian milk, recommends using both formula and breast milk to maintain the physical and relational benefits of breastfeeding, with the highly regulated nutritional benefits of formula.

Can I mix formula and breast milk?

Infant formula is designed to be mixed with water per the manufacturer’s instructions; however, in cases where your baby requires additional nutrition, you may opt to supplement with a mixture of infant formula and breast milk. This should be done under the advice and supervision of your health-care team.

What’s an effective combination feeding schedule?

Start with one feeding a day and increase from there. A good idea is to swap out the feeding session that baby will likely miss the least. Many parents find that the mid-afternoon session is an easy one to swap.

How do you maintain a connection with your formula-fed baby?

Maintaining bedtime breastfeeding is a great way to maintain the close contact you and your baby have come to cherish. Other ways to have skin-to-skin contact (baths with baby are great for this) as well as lots of eye contact, like singing and rocking while bottle feeding and trying baby massage are all great ways for maintaining your close connection with your baby.

Justine, a mom of three north of Toronto, combo-fed all three of her daughters, moving exclusively to formula at six months.

“It was a lot of trial and error, a lot of patience, and support from my husband,” she says. “It got easier with each baby, but they also had their own preferences. Be flexible and let your baby guide you.”

Still have questions? We’ve got answers.

What should I consider when choosing a baby formula?

• Safety: Ensure the formula is produced by a manufacturer with facilities certified for infant formula production. Niuriss, for example, is committed to delivering top-quality infant nutrition by adhering to the highest global standards of quality and safety.
• Expiry Date: Always check the expiry date on the packaging to ensure the formula is fresh and safe for your baby.
• Stable Supply: Choose a formula with a stable supply to avoid any disruptions in feeding your baby.

How can I tell if infant formula is working for my baby?

Each baby is unique, but keep an eye on things like consistent weight gain according to pediatric growth charts, regular bowel movements, contentment after eating, six to eight wet diapers a day and healthy skin and good muscle tone.

Niuriss infant formula is nutritionally complete for infants ages 0-6 months and meets nutritionally essential standards with complementary feeding for infants ages 6-12 months. It also includes innovative OPO lipids designed to closely resemble breast milk’s fat structure, contributing to the overall well-being of formula-fed infants.

Is powder formula as safe and convenient as ready-to-feed formula?

Yes, powder formula is just as safe as ready-to-feed formula. In fact, baby formula is one of the most highly regulated products in Canada, and you can start feeding it to your baby from birth.

Is there a difference between adding powder to water versus adding water to powder?

You should generally add formula powder to sterilized water and mix until no powder lumps are left. Follow the packaging instructions. Distilled water is the best option for preparing formula, but you may use tap or bottled water if sterilized first. And of course, always use clean and sterilized bottles and nipples.

Niuriss is committed to helping new parents manage their formula budget for the first year. That’s why as part of their Nest program (sign up online), they offer a locked-in special launch price and more to safeguard against price increases for the first year. Visit niuriss.com for more.