Introducing Formula....

space629

My LO is almost 4 weeks old. I will be going back to work when she is 8 weeks old.  I want to start introducing formula because i won't have the time at work to pump 3 times a day. I will be able to pump on my lunch and then i will BF her in the morning and at night.

But how do i go about this? What should i watch for as far as allergies/intolerances go?  We have given her bottles of pumped breast milk and she does well with it.

 TIA for ANY suggestions or info!!

SmittyPants

Our pediatrician had us supplement with formula when LO was about three weeks old. She said to start with a milk-based formula, not soy, and see how she tolerated it. We use Similac ready-to-feed for babies 0-12 months and so far we haven't had any issues.

My hunch is that if your LO is doing well with breast milk, then you probably won't have a problem with a milk-based formula and will be able to use regular, non-specialty stuff. Just to be sure though, you can always give a call to your pedi and ask what he/she recommends. Good luck!

katea81

We supplement with formula as well and the NICU started our boy on Similac Advanced, ready to feed. We have since moved over to the same brand, but the powder kind. So far so good. We also add breastmilk to the formula to bring it up to 3 oz. Maybe you could do the same so that your LO would have a little bit of both while he gets used to the formula?

revolution_breeze

If LO is going to daycare, check with them to see if they provide formula... if they do, try that formula. If not, I would suggest Gerber good start. also, if lo hasn't had a bottle yet and resists from you, try leaving the room and have your dh give her the bottle.

tikichic14

My daughter is 10 weeks old and we started formula Around 5 weeks. It was hard to get her to take the bottle at first but once she took it formula was a breeze. We started with Similac Advance because we had a few sample tubs (powder). We did one ounce a day for a few days and gradually increased the amount. When we got her up to 5 ounces she was quite constipated so we switched to sensitive and saw quite a difference. Be sure to go to your formula of choices website to sign up for coupons. 

preggersin2011

My LO started Enfamil Newborn after her 2 day weight check. No problems so far. I'm tempting to switch to generic, its less than half the price even with a formula check & coupon. The list of ingredients is the same

xraychick07

When I switched to formula I would mix DD's bottles 50% breast milk and 50% formula to gradually go all formula. She did great. If your LO has a milk allergy you would probably know it already from the breast milk. My pedi told me an allergic reaction could result in red spots or welps all over the body so that would be one thing to look for. GL!