Can You Switch From Enfamil Infant to Gentlease?
It’s a common question for parents and caregivers to switch from Enfamil Infant to Gentlease. Some significant changes take place when babies begin eating solid foods.
Due to this, most pediatricians recommend changing your baby’s formula around six months of age; however, your baby may benefit from the formula as early as four months of age. Here is how to go about switching baby formulas.
Switching Baby Formulas
Switching baby formulas can be a complicated and confusing process for new parents. Of course, there is no such thing as a “perfect baby formula,” but for many parents, there is such a thing as the perfect baby formula – for their baby!
You may have heard that babies are commonly switched from birth to formula in the early months and vice versa by their worried new moms.
Below are some common reasons why a mother might need to switch baby formulas:
- Inability to tolerate cow’s milk-based formula.
If your baby has trouble tolerating cow’s milk-based formulas, you can try switching to an amino acid-based formula. Amino acids are simple proteins that the body uses for growth and development.
They are commonly found naturally in breast milk but not in cow’s milk. Cow’s milk is considered too complex for babies under 12 months old, who have not yet developed the ability to break down these proteins into amino acids.
- If there is a family history of allergies or other food allergies.
While it’s true that some babies may outgrow allergies, others may not. So if there is a history of allergies in your family or if your baby has experienced reactions to foods like eggs or soybeans, it’s best to start with an amino acid-based formula (or hypoallergenic formula).
Effectively Switching Baby Formulas
When switching baby formulas, you need to do it carefully and slowly enough to avoid messing up your little one.
Here are some tips to observe when switching:
- Begin by mixing the new formula with the old one. Gradually increase the amount of new formula and decrease the amount of old formula until you completely switch over.
- Start with just one meal and then add another a day later if there are no problems digesting the new formula. If there is any digestive upset or diarrhea, slow down the pace of switching until your baby settles on a schedule that works for them.
- If you notice any changes in your baby’s stool after switching formulas, contact your doctor immediately, as this could indicate an underlying medical condition.
Is It Safe To Switch Between Baby Formulas?
It’s safe to switch between formulas if your baby is healthy. Most babies do well if you switch back and forth between the two formulas.
However, it’s best to stick with one brand for a week before switching to another. This way, your baby’s intestines will get used to that brand and be less likely to have any problems with the switch.
If you’ve recently switched from one formula brand to another and your baby seems fussy or has diarrhea, call your doctor. This could be a sign of allergic reaction or intolerance.
Main Concern When Switching Formulas
The main concern with switching between formulas is that it may change the nutritional balance of your child’s diet, which could induce adverse health effects. For example, if you switch from one cow’s milk-based formula to another, the nutritional composition may differ enough to induce allergic reactions to your child’s digestive system.
In addition, there have been reports of babies developing diarrhea after switching between formulas due to changes in bacteria levels in their intestines. All in all, if your baby has developed an allergy or intolerance to one type of formula, visit your Pediatrician for consultation.
It may be possible to make an alternative more tolerable by mixing it with other formulas or adding other ingredients like lactose-free milk powder or rice flour to reduce thickness.
Switching From Enfamil Infant to Gentlease
Enfamil and Gentlease are leading brands in the infant formula market, particularly for babies with sensitive stomachs. Enfamil’s claim to fame is that pediatricians have trusted it for over 50 years, being one of the most preferred by parents.
It is marketed as a milk-based formula designed to stimulate breast milk while helping your baby thrive. It has received praises from various organizations due to its effectiveness and endurance in the saturated baby formula market.
However, despite being the number one choice for many parents, there are some isolated cases where it has induced allergic reactions. Yet, it is understandable since some babies’ digestive systems may not be tolerant enough to sustain this formula’s reactions. So there is only one option for these toddlers: to switch to another lactose-free formula- the most preferred is Enfamil Gentlease.
It is a milk-based formula marketed as gentler on babies’ tummies than other brands due to its effectiveness on babies experiencing indigestion problems. Similarly, Gentlease has lower lactose concentration than other standard Enfamil formulas making it viable for intolerant babies.
So as mentioned earlier, switching between formulas should be easy when done correctly and under the right instructions. You have to introduce Gentlease formula slowly to your toddler’s diet until they become tolerant enough.
Enfamil vs. Gentlease: Which Is Better?
When you bring your baby home from the hospital, you want to give them only the best. That’s why so many parents will research to buy the best formula for their little one. And speaking of the best baby formulas on the market, you cannot fail to mention Enfamil and Gentlease.
Deciding between two may be hard, as both products have their pros and cons. They are very different in their targeted audience, flavor options, and nutritional makeup. While both are considered “premium” formulas, Enfamil is designed primarily for babies who fall into a higher-risk group of toddlers with special nutritional needs, such as premature or low birth weight babies.
Additionally, it contains additional levels of long-chain fatty acids (DHA and ARA) that are known to aid brain development and help support vision. On the other hand, Gentlease is designed for babies with colic and fussiness.
Ultimately your choice between the two will depend on your needs and preference.
Bottom Line
Concerns about switching formulas are understandable, but that doesn’t mean they’re valid. As long as you go about the process safely and responsibly, switching formulas can be perfectly safe.
Granted, you must keep an eye out for any red flags. But if things seem to be going smoothly and your baby seems happy, there’s no reason not to consider a switch.
