What is the best way to introduce formula to a breast feeding baby?

Question

What is the best way to introduce formula to a breast feeding baby?

Answer 1

If you must introduce formula (and it's usually not necessary, so only do it if you have to), then do so gradually.

If baby has had breastmilk in bottles, try mixing a small amount of formula with the breastmilk in the bottle.  (Maybe one ounce formula to 3 ounces pumped milk.)  If he tolerates it well, increase the proportions gradually, to get baby used to the different taste, and get his digestion used to the different proteins.  

If baby doesn't do well (gassy, vomiting, etc.)  try a different formula. You may have to try several to find one he tolerates.

(If baby has never had a bottle, I would start by finding a bottle he likes, putting breastmilk in it.  Once he's good with the bottle, proceed as above.)

If your goal is to wean completely, once you find a formula he tolerates, you would gradually cut out breastfeeding sessions one at a time, and replace them with bottles of formula.

Answer 2

Try mixing them, starting w/ mostly breast milk and then gradually decrease the amount.  The baby may not take the bottle from mom at first so dad may need to do so.

Answer 3

I agree, grafually is the best. Take your time and give your baby a bottle once a day for awhile, or when it is difficult to breast feed. However, if you have a baby like the one I had, you'll have to just stop breast feeding and only offer the bottle. My son was born thinking he was in charge and still thinks he knows better then mom, and he's 28 years old. I breast fed until I had to go back to work, my son was only six months old, but he refused the bottle, day after day, no matter how long I let him go without feeding him. They say if the baby is hungry enough they'll eat, well mine wouldn't, and I always had to give in. I was becoming very anxious. He had teeth and, one day he bit me I guess I screamed so loud it scared him. I gave him a bottle and he took it, I never tried to breast feed again because I didn't want to basically have a power struggle with him again. He was fine. He has grown up to be a great young man, and he is still very strong willed.