It gets to a point when mothers want to switch things up by introducing formula to their babies who have been breastfed exclusively. This process is not easy for both mother and child.  As a mother, you worry so much about the fallout that might occur when you feed your child something new that they aren’t used to. On the part of the children, their GI tract takes some time getting used to new foods. For this reason, all mothers need to make this transition as easy and as bump-free as possible.

Based on the accounts of several mothers and the recommendations of pediatricians, here are steps to make this transition.
1. Mix formula with breast milk in a 25:75 ratio.
The taste of formula is different from breast milk, and the first step is to get them used to it. Introduce the taste of formula by mixing it up with regular breast milk. When feeding your baby, preferably before a nap, prepare a bottle with 25% formula and 75% breast milk.
This first stage is important for two reasons.
• It helps them get used to the taste of formula
• It enables you to gauge their reaction to formula. Most parents record constipation, gas, diarrhea, also other reactions like rashes, bloody stool, and fever.
With their reaction to the first taste, you would know if you should continue or visit a pediatrician.

2. Mix formula and breast milk in a 50:50 ratio.
This is the logical step to take after you have dealt with any complications from the first mixing. This step gets your baby used to more of the formula than the breast milk. Depending on your baby’s reaction and adjustment, you can proceed to a full formula feeding.

3. Give them the full effect
You’re not out the woods yet. Your baby might decide he doesn’t like the full formula and take you two steps backward. Don’t go the full hog, substitute one of his mixed meals for a bottle of formula. If he doesn’t fuss, keep on substituting until he adjusts fully.

Some babies refuse the bottle. Don’t get frustrated. Try having someone else offer them the bottle. Most babies would not accept bottle from their mothers because they know that they can get the real deal from them. If at any point you notice some undesirable reaction, you should visit your pediatrician to get a professional opininion.

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