How to Switch Formulas

When you get down to a 1/2 of a can, poor some of the new in with the old and mix it.. I used parents choice on all 3 of my kids. They started of on simulac at the hospital and then as soon as I ran out of the premixed formula, I went right to the parents choice powder and they did fine.

HI! My daughter was born at 34 weeks too, I started her on a name brand and eventually switched her to parents choice, and really like you said, what a savings! They way I did it was I would give her 1 bottle of the PC (parents choice) and (lets say) 5 of the NB (name brand). Then the next day I gave her 1 full bottle & 1 bottle w/ 1 1/2 scoops PC & 1 1/2 scoops NB 4 bottles NB. Next day 2 bottles PC, 4 NB....and so on. I have also heard of mixing ratio's of scoops on all bottles until switched. You can tell how she is tolerating it too how she acts and her bowel movements. If you think it is okay you can try a little more if you think it isn't back it off just a little :)

We switched to generic formula from Enfamil somewhere around 2 months. We did it by using a mix of the two formulas when we got to the last can of Enfamil. My daughter didn't even seem to notice. When we first started the blend of the two, I did use a little more Enfamil than generic, and slowly went a little more generic.

One thing to note, all the generics I've used so far are made by the same company, so if it's on sale someplace else, feel free to switch between store brands. I've used Shopko, Target and Parent's Choice, so I know those are all the same.

I just thought I'd let you know that all of the generic enfamil formulas are all manufactured at the same place so, whether you're buying generic enfamil at Target, Walmart or Sam's its all the same stuff :)

I personally like to get mine at Sam's, you get a double sized can for $20. It's nice to not have to go to the store as often!

my ped told me that switching cold turkey is fine. assuming the formulas are the same - we switched from enfamil to target brand and since they're the same there was no issue. no need to mix or alternate.

My son was born at 34 weeks as well,When I switched, I just switched- finished one can of enfamil and went straight to the Parent's choice- and back again when we got free samples for enfamil from the pediatrician. It never seemed to bother my son, and oddly enough, he still seems to like variety.

You will want to mix the two kinds together at first. Try 1/3 new with 2/3 old and every 2 days, gradually increase the amount of new formula. It can take 5-7 days for a baby to adjust to a new formula so you may see extra fussiness, gas, spitting up. Some babies have no problem at all changing formulas though.

Good luck.

I really don't have a suggestion, but more of a comment. I too gave my twin preemie girls (also born at 34 weeks) the Parent's Choice formula. I noticed that this formula didn't mix very well for me, it always had clumps in it. Also, one of my girls was a big spitter and I found the Parent's Choice formula was the worst at staining. I had a really hard time getting some of the stains out, so I went back to Good Start and Enfamil. Good Luck and have fun with your little girl. They are the best! (Mine are 16 months old now).

For a 4oz bottle
Day 1: 1 scoop of each formula
Day 2: 2 sccops new formula

For 6oz bottle
Day 1: 1 scoop new, 2 scoops old
Day 2: 2 scoops new, 1 scoop old
Day 3: 3 scoops new

Do it one feeding at a time over days. Her tummy should be able to tolerate it them.

I also ended up switching to Parent's Choice. I breasfed in the beginning and could not keep up, so we had to supplement. I don't know if my way was the right way, but it worked. I just cut back the regular feedings with the formula I'd been using by 2 ounces and gave "snacks" with the new formula for about 3-4 days. Then I would cut back again by 2 ounces, but would finish up the feeding with the new formula to even out the portion. Ater 3-4 days of that, he just got the new formula. It seemed to work. Good luck!