Infants are developing so quickly, and their sleep patterns reflect this. One study in 2015 showed that formula or breastmilk had little effect on the sleep/wake patterns of babies over the age of 6 months.
Giving formula as an alternative when breastmilk is available is no guarantee that your baby will sleep longer. In reality, you're playing Russian roulette as it could potentially have unwanted side effects for your baby and cause them to wake even more frequently for comfort.
Because there are so many things that influence how long a baby sleeps, it can be hard to tell if what they eat is affecting their sleep or not. However, research has not found a link between formula feeding and longer sleep at night. Essentially, how long your baby sleeps depends on many factors.
A systematic review concluded that formula-fed infants have a 1.2-to 9.5-fold higher energy intake and a 1.2-to 4.8-fold higher protein intake than those who are breastfed in the first week of life [13].
Sleep Intervention: Many symptoms of digestive distress can mimic those of overtiredness, particularly crying, fussiness, and symptoms of discomfort! Make sure sleep is on track before switching formulas (outside of obvious symptoms of allergy or intolerance).
Increased burping and gas may last a few days. A slight change in stool color is not a problem. This change may also happen when you add solid foods to your baby's diet. Be sure to check the instructions on the formula packaging to make sure you are properly mixing the formula.
Infant formulas take two times longer for a baby to digest than breast milk. The slower digestion of infant formula can affect: Feeding frequency. Babies who take infant formula usually want to feed less often than babies who are breastfeeding.
Breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula-fed infants. During breastfeeding, antibodies and other germ-fighting factors pass from a mother to her baby and strengthen the immune system. This helps lower a baby's chances of getting many infections, including: ear infections.
However, after 6 months-of-age, most studies (>65%) reported breastfed infants to sleep less in the night-time and over 24 h compared to formula-fed infants.
Feeding your baby can happen many different ways. That can mean formula during the day or at night or breast milk during the day or at night. How you feed your baby is up to you! If combo feeding is what makes feeding easier all around, then try it as a method to help in your baby's first year.
It may be, researchers say, that formula fed babies get more nutrients than they actually need. This means that they are, in effect, comfort eating. The feeling of being full all the time could make them appear more satisfied.
By 9 months, almost all formula fed babies should be sleeping through the night. If night wakings are still occurring it's not likely due to hunger. The first time your baby sleeps through the night without needing to eat is a milestone to be celebrated.
Babies digest breast milk faster than formula milk so they feed more frequently. Infant formula takes longer to digest and thus may be considered more filling than breast milk.
A small number of mothers are not able to breastfeed. This can be hard to accept, but it does not make you a bad mom. Infant formula is still a healthy choice, and your baby will get all the necessary nutrients.
Risk of reducing mother's milk supply: When a formula feed is given, the baby does not suckle at the breast. This reduces your milk supply, as the breast is not stimulated. Increased risk of diabetes: Early exposure to cow's milk protein increases the risk of the baby developing insulin-dependent diabetes.
Infant formula provides nutrition and does not generally have side effects. Some infants, however, may have intolerance or allergy to milk proteins or soy, and special formula may be required for such infants.
Additionally, some babies are intolerant to the cow's milk protein found in formula and can have gut disturbance when it is introduced. If there is a strong history of allergy in your family, avoiding the use of formula milk may reduce the risks of your baby developing hay fever, asthma and eczema.
In the breastfeeding vs. formula debate, experts say breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed a baby. Breastfeeding has many health benefits for babies and mothers. Formula provides balanced nutrition for infants and is convenient for feedings but can be expensive and come with side effects.
The most common side effects of switching formula are fussiness after feedings and changing stool patterns, either looser or less frequent. It's not a sign of trouble if your baby's poop changes in frequency or color. Remember that formula makes up a big part, if not all, of your baby's diet when they're young.
Changing from breastmilk to formula side effects like gas, upset stomach, and even constipation is possible if you make the change quickly.
It's also important to know that changes won't happen overnight after switching your baby's formula. It could take a week or two for a baby to get used to a new formula and for their symptoms to go away completely.
If they haven't improved after a week, it could be that they just haven't adjusted yet or perhaps you haven't yet found the right formula for your little one. If you don't see any sign of improvement at 3 weeks, it's time to reach out to your baby's pediatrician to make sure your baby is on the right track.