Transition to formula feeding - tips and advice

[Jojonewmaman]

After a difficult ten days of tears, a tongue tie and a bad infection, I have chosen to formula feed my ds while expressing some feeds. It wasn’t a decision we took lightly and i still believe breast is best but it hasn’t worked for us and we’ve been happier and healthier since starting with formula. I wonder if anyone has had a similar experience and if anyone has any tips on responsive bottle feeding? I still want my ds to decide when he wants fed and not ruled by a routine of bottles.

Like BF, feed when baby seems hungry - you might end up with a few wasted bottles but you'll get used to their cues in a few weeks... (I have a 7 week old and his hungry / tired cues are similar). Once baby stops feeding leave it and don't force him to finish, if he finishes the bottle offer more - i make every bottle up to 6 oz which is the most he'll take. Often he might just have 2/3. More formula goes to ware but it saves having to start the whole process again halfway through.

The timing will help understand the cues. If he's gone 3 hours and is fussing I know it's prob hunger, any less than 2 and I'll try other options first. You may not be looking for a routine, but may find baby settled into one. Tbh I've found it quite helpful... you get more confident in what you need to take out in the day, know times you'll be able to do something without a hunger meltdown etc.

"Wasted" not ware

Also meant to say - similar experience here. BF my first with lots of difficulty, was hoping for an easier time with #2 but it wasn't to be. I know how much stress goes into the decision to switch, but we moved forward and we're happier now.

Always so good to hear from others who have had similar experiences. It’s such a hard decision. I’m working on the same sort of timings as you but not making up the bottles as big, which I might try. He definitely knows when he doesn’t want anymore and am happy to waste it. But sometimes it can be stressful getting another one ready if he’s still hungry and I’d rather no stress. My ds uses finger sucking as a comfort too I think so it’s hard to tell exactly what he wants sometimes!