Newborns’ digestive systems are still unstable, so they often experience slow absorption, stomachaches, etc. Therefore, mothers need to know how to change their baby’s formula when the old one is no longer suitable. Let’s explore this with AVAKids through the article below!

1When should you change your baby’s formula?

1.1. When your baby has digestive problems

When your baby shows signs such as prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, it means that the current formula or powdered milk is no longer suitable for their digestive system at this stage. At this time, you should stop giving your baby the formula and after about 1-2 days, consult your doctor about a suitable formula for your baby!

Nutifood GrowPLUS+ yellow (colostrum) vanilla flavor 800g (from 1 year old)

1.2. When your baby feeds poorly and is tired

Your baby’s poor feeding and tiredness may stem from the formula they are drinking daily. The nutrient and energy content of this formula may not be sufficient, causing your baby to appear lethargic and lose interest in feeding.

Usually, a newborn’s tiredness is due to a lack of iron (supports blood production) and vitamin D (supports calcium metabolism). At this time, you should consult your doctor about the nutrients your child needs, and then choose a new formula that can meet your child’s needs.

1.3. When your baby’s weight stagnates or they are not gaining weight

These average standards for newborn weight gain may be helpful:

• In the first 3 months: This is the most vigorous growth period. Your baby can gain 600-800 grams or even 1 kg in a month.
• From month 4 to month 6: Your baby’s growth rate starts to stabilize. The rate falls to around 500 grams/month.
• From month 7 onwards: Your baby gains about 400-500 grams/month.

Abbott PediaSure BA vanilla flavor 1.6 kg (1 – 10 years old)

Refer to the above indicators to monitor your child’s development. If your baby weighs less than 20% of the average standard, they are experiencing slow weight gain. The main cause may stem from the nutrients they are absorbing, so you may consider changing their formula.

1.4. When your baby enters a new age stage

You also need to reconsider how to change your baby’s formula when they enter different developmental stages:

• Babies under 6 months old: At this time, their immune system is not fully developed. The only formula they can use is infant formula (similar to the nutritional composition of breast milk to provide essential nutrients for development).
• Babies over 6 months old: At this point, you can apply more common formula selection methods. To supplement the right nutrients suitable for your baby’s condition, you should consult with experts to make the right choice.

2Is it okay to change formula frequently for babies?

Some babies have difficulty adapting to new formulas, and parents have to change 5-7 types continuously but still cannot find the right one. According to experts, constantly changing formulas not only affects the baby’s health but also disrupts their taste preferences, and unused old formula can lead to waste.

Typically, each formula has its own recipe suitable for each stage of a baby’s development. For example, if a baby is underweight, the mother should supplement with a weight-gain formula, not a height-increasing formula. Therefore, when choosing formula for their baby, parents should consider whether the formula is suitable for the baby’s condition.

In addition, reputable brands and genuine purchase locations are other factors parents need to consider when buying. Parents should not follow advertisements and change formulas frequently!

Nutifood GrowPLUS+ red vanilla flavor 900g (from 1 year old) for malnourished, stunted children

3The right way to change your baby’s formula

3.1. Completely switch to the new formula

You can switch your baby’s formula immediately without a gradual transition period. You can switch directly to the new formula. This stage is around 6-7 months of age when the baby’s immune system is almost fully developed, so the mother can safely change the formula.

3.2. Gradually change formula, combining old and new

Some babies may not adapt to the new formula initially. To help them get used to it, you can mix the new formula with the old one as follows:

• 2 feeds of old formula – 1 feed of new formula: Continue for about 2 to 3 days initially.
• 1 feed of old formula – 2 feeds of new formula: Continue for about 3 to 4 days afterwards.

You should mix the new formula with the old formula in a 1:3 ratio on the first day, then observe your baby’s reaction. If your baby doesn’t refuse to feed, has diarrhea, feeds less, etc., then you can continue to increase the ratio of the new formula.

In the next 2-3 days, you can mix the new and old formula for your baby at a 1:2 ratio (new:old). By the 5th day, if your baby still shows no unusual signs, you can gradually increase this ratio to 2:3 (new:old) and finally switch completely to the new formula.

Colos Gain 1+ (colostrum) vanilla flavor 800g (1 – 10 years old)

If your baby shows signs of allergy, stop feeding them the formula immediately. Signs of formula allergy in babies include:

• Difficulty breathing: The baby wheezes, coughs a lot, and has phlegm in their throat due to difficulty absorbing unfamiliar protein.
• Red rash: Large eczema or hives appear on the skin.
• Diarrhea: Loose stools, frequent bowel movements about 2-4 times a day.

When you detect signs of formula allergy, you must stop feeding the baby the formula immediately. Formula allergy can be caused by hypersensitivity. Therefore, you should take your baby for screening to receive a diagnosis and advice from a doctor.

4Principles when changing baby formula that mothers should know

4.1. Change formula according to the baby’s age

Each age has different nutritional needs. In the first 3-6 months, you need to follow the doctor’s instructions on using formula for your baby. Key transition stages in your baby’s body:

• First 3 months: Rapid physical and weight development.
• From month 4 to month 6: Energy storage phase.
• From month 7 to 1 year old: More robust metabolism phase.

Therefore, you should carefully observe and consider each stage to make the right choice. Initially, the baby’s immune system is unstable, and changing formulas during this period can easily cause “fever” and be counterproductive. Especially for babies under 6 months old, breastfeeding is recommended instead of formula, and formula should only be used when absolutely necessary.

By the seventh month, the baby’s weight has begun to stabilize. At this time, you should observe your baby’s reactions to have a direction in choosing the right formula.

4.2. Choose a formula flavor that your baby likes

Choosing a formula flavor that your baby enjoys is also a way to promote their nutrient absorption. During each stage of formula changing, observe your baby’s reaction to each type of formula.

Then, consider the nutritional content and switch back to the formula your baby likes best. Even if your baby may be used to the formula’s components, you should still be careful when changing from one type to another.

4.3. Do not change formula frequently for your baby

The effective way to change formula for newborns is to closely follow the three stages of the baby’s development (first 3 months, months 4 to 6, and months 7 to 1 year). The purpose of changing formula is to support the baby’s development process. Therefore, you should not overuse or change formulas frequently for your baby.

4.4. Principles of changing formula for constipated babies

If your baby is often constipated, you can switch to formulas containing high amounts of easily digestible proteins, fiber, etc. These substances help soften the baby’s stools and lubricate the intestines to make it easier for them to pass bowel movements. In addition, you should choose formulas containing probiotics for your baby.

Aptakid Growing Up Milk Formula No. 3 900g (from 2 years old)

4.5. Principles of changing formula for babies experiencing diarrhea

If your baby’s diet is normal, the food is fresh, not spoiled, but the diarrhea continues, it may be due to the formula they are drinking. Also, check your baby’s feeding equipment such as bottles and nipples for yellowing, mold, or unpleasant odors.

If the baby’s feeding equipment doesn’t show these signs, you should immediately switch to formulas with low or no lactose. This is because the baby’s intestines are still immature and cannot absorb all the lactose in milk. The excess lactose converts to lactic acid, causing diarrhea.

Besides, prolonged diarrhea can also be due to lactase deficiency, leading to poor absorption. In such cases, the baby’s intestines eliminate lactose in the form of loose, foul-smelling stools.

4.6. Principles of changing formula for babies who don’t grow despite continuous feeding

A baby’s weight also depends on their build; mothers shouldn’t rely solely on weight to diagnose underweight or malnutrition. If the baby’s weight doesn’t meet the standard, you should review their diet to ensure it’s age-appropriate.

If the diet is appropriate, but the baby still doesn’t show physical or intellectual development, you should switch to a formula that primarily provides calcium, vitamin D, and DHA for the baby’s overall development.

Friso Gold No. 3 vanilla flavor 1.4 kg (1 – 2 years old)

4.7. Principles of changing formula for babies prone to allergies

Some babies experience constipation, diarrhea, slow growth, allergies, itching, and even red rashes when consuming formula. Mothers should review the baby’s diet to see if they are allergic to seafood, beef, eggs, or beans. If none of these foods are present, the mother should switch to a different formula that doesn’t contain casein or whey protein.

4.8. Consult a doctor or nutritionist when changing your baby’s formula

For babies with weak conditions or allergies to cow’s milk protein, parents should consult a doctor or nutritionist before changing formulas to choose the right one for their baby. Avoid frequently changing formulas, which can negatively impact the baby’s physical and intellectual development.

Additionally, if the mother has changed formulas 2-3 times and monitored the baby for at least 2 weeks, but the baby still can’t adapt, they should consult a nutritionist. This helps the mother identify the reason for the baby’s inability to adapt to the product and find appropriate solutions for the baby’s development.

Friso Gold No. 4 vanilla flavor 850g (2 – 6 years old)

5Guide to changing baby formula by developmental stage

5.1. For Vietnamese formula

Vietnamese formula is affordable because it doesn’t incur costs like shipping and is readily available in supermarkets and stores across Vietnam. This type of formula is researched and developed according to the physique of Vietnamese children, making it easier for them to absorb.

Some Vietnamese formulas that mothers can consider include: Colosgold, Friso, Optimum Gold (such as Optimum Gold No. 1, No. 2, etc.), Yokogold, NAN, Morinaga, Nuvi, Pediasure, etc. Below is a conversion table for Vietnamese formula symbols for mothers to refer to and choose the right formula for their baby:

Age	0 – 6 months	6 – 12 months	Over 1 year
Symbol	1 Step 1	2 Step 2	1+ Step 3 123

Dielac Alpha Gold IQ No. 4 (colostrum) 850g (2 – 6 years old)

5.2. For Japanese formula

This is a gentle formula closest to breast milk, supplementing essential nutrients such as DHA, ARA, and vitamins A, D, K, B6, etc., helping babies develop physically, intellectually, and boosting their immune system. Some Japanese formulas for newborns and other ages that mothers can consider include: Meiji, Wakodo, Optimum, etc.

Below is a conversion table for Japanese formula symbols for mothers to refer to and choose the right formula for their baby:

Age	0 – 12 months	1 – 3 years	Over 3 years
Symbol	0 1	2 9	3 4

Meiji Infant Formula 800g (0 – 12 months)

5.3. For Korean formula

Korean formula is very suitable for babies with weak digestive systems. This type of formula contains hydrolyzed whey protein and GOS fiber system, which helps improve and enhance the baby’s digestion, thereby helping them eat well and grow tall.

Below is a conversion table for Korean formula symbols for mothers to refer to and choose the right formula for their baby:

Age	0 – 3 months	3 – 6 months	6 – 12 months	Over 1 year
Symbol	1	1 2	1 3	3 4

XO Imperial Kid 800g (2 – 15 years old)

5.4. For British formula

British formula contains the Immunortis probiotic complex, which strengthens the baby’s immune barrier. In addition, the formula contains the GOS fiber system, promoting a healthy digestive system and providing essential nutrients for the baby’s development.

Below is a conversion table for British formula symbols for mothers to refer to and choose the right formula for their baby:

Age	0 – 6 months	6 – 12 months	1 – 2 years	2 – 3 years
Symbol	1	2	3	4

Aptamil Toddler Formula No. 2 900g (1 – 2 years old)

5.5. For French formula

French formula is known for its high nutritional content and IgG and IgE antibodies, which strengthen the baby’s immune system. Furthermore, French formula often contains natural fats from rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, etc., promoting the baby’s digestive system development.

French formula is also produced through a strictly controlled process according to international standards to provide the best milk source for babies. In addition, French formula contains high amounts of vitamin D and calcium, which help promote height growth and support strong bones and joints.

Below is a conversion table for French formula symbols for mothers to refer to and choose the right formula for their baby:

Age	0 – 6 months	6 – 12 months	Over 1 year
Symbol	1	2	3 4

5.6. For American formula

American formula has long been trusted by most mothers in Vietnam because of its high quality. It provides most of the essential nutrients for babies during their first years of life, and the products are manufactured and tested according to international standards.

Enfa and Abbott are reputable American formula brands, very popular in Vietnam, that mothers can consider for their babies. Below is a conversion table for American formula symbols for mothers to refer to and choose the right formula for their baby:

Age	0 – 6 months	6 – 12 months	1 – 3 years
Symbol	1 Newborn	2	3

Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula 581g (0 – 12 months)

6Things to note when changing your baby’s formula

• Each baby has a different digestive system and absorption capacity, so just because another baby thrives on a particular formula doesn’t mean your baby will too. Therefore, parents shouldn’t follow advertisements and change formulas frequently for their baby.
• When switching to a new formula, pay attention to the baby’s reaction after consuming it, such as constipation or vomiting. The minimum time to determine if the baby is suitable for the new formula is 2 weeks.
• When the baby experiences issues after switching to a new formula, investigate the cause, whether it’s the formula or other factors, to find an appropriate solution.
• Don’t change formulas frequently, as each formula has a different microbial environment. Frequent changes can disrupt this environment, negatively impacting the baby’s digestion and formula absorption.
• When changing formulas, help the baby adapt gradually by mixing the old and new formulas. For example, if the baby has 3 feeds, give them 2 feeds of the old formula and 1 feed of the new formula, then gradually increase the new formula feeds.
• To ensure the baby’s health, choose formula milk from reputable brands and purchase from reliable, quality sources.
• Strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions on preparation method, dosage, precautions, age of use, etc.

Similac Total Comfort No. 1 360g (0 – 12 months)

AVAKids has explored effective ways to change formula for newborns with you. We hope you can make the right choices to help your baby grow quickly and healthily. If you have any questions, please contact our hotline 1900.866.874 (8:00 – 21:30) or visit avakids.com for guidance and advice!