Step-by-Step Guide: How to Switch from Breastmilk to Formula

Going back to work, a change in milk supply, or simply feeling ready: families switch from breastmilk to formula for many reasons, and each one is valid.

The short answer: Switch from breastmilk to formula gradually. Replace one breastfeed with a bottle of formula, then drop the next feed every 2 or 3 days or once a week (AAP); many families keep morning and bedtime feeds for last. Make each powdered-formula bottle with water exactly as the label says, and ask your pediatrician first. Our Stage 1 formula collection lists formulas made for use from birth.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend breast milk alone for about the first 6 months. After that, they support breastfeeding alongside solid foods for up to 2 years or beyond; AAP adds, as long as you and your baby desire. AAP's weaning guidance adds that partial weaning is an option and that the choice is yours.

This guide covers ten practical steps, a sample breastmilk to formula transition chart, changes by age, formula amounts and when to call your pediatrician. Guidance and prices were checked on November 8, 2026.

Disclosure: Formuland sells the formulas named in this guide; this guide does not rank them. Feeding guidance comes from the AAP (HealthyChildren.org), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and WHO. It is general information, not medical advice for your baby.

Reasons To Switch to Baby Formula

AAP's weaning guidance names common reasons to wean earlier: time away from home, a new pregnancy, work, or no longer wanting to breastfeed. You can also breastfeed less often and use some formula, which the NHS calls mixed or combination feeding.

1. Feeding Convenience

Anyone who can prepare a bottle safely can give a formula feed. If you are returning to work, the NHS suggests starting formula feeds a few weeks beforehand. Powdered formula needs clean bottles, safe water and the exact amount of water on the label (CDC); ready-to-feed formula needs no water (AAP).

2. A Shared Feeding Schedule

Caregivers can share formula feeds, including at night. AAP says most formula-fed babies feed about every 3 to 4 hours by the end of the first month. Between 2 and 4 months, most formula-fed babies no longer need a night feed, though this varies. For where your baby sleeps after night feeds, see our guide to room-sharing and safe sleep.

3. A Partner Can Share Bottle Feeds

Bottle feeding is a chance to feel close to your baby and bond with them, according to the NHS. It adds that babies feel more secure when most feeds are given by the same few people: you, your partner or their main caregiver.

4. Feeding Concerns and Medical Advice

Some families switch because breastfeeding is painful or milk supply is a worry. The NHS lists sore nipples, painful breasts and supply worries among common reasons. A breastfeeding specialist can often help; in the U.S., ask your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.

If your baby spits up often, struggles to feed or is not gaining weight, talk with your pediatrician before you switch from breastmilk to formula. Our guide to spitting up and reflux explains what is normal and when to call.

Tips for Success: How to Switch from Breastmilk to Formula Feeding

A breastmilk to formula transition goes best when it is gradual and calm. AAP says breastfeeds should ideally taper off over weeks or even months. These ten steps follow AAP, CDC and NHS guidance; use the ones that fit your baby.

Step 1: Choose the Right Formula

CDC says no brand of infant formula is best. Pick one made for infants, with iron, sealed and in date, and not labeled for toddlers. AAP recommends iron-fortified formula for babies who are not breastfed or are partly breastfed, up to one year.

Stage 1 and Pre formulas are made for use from birth, and the NHS says first infant formula can be used throughout the first year. Follow the age range on the label, because ranges differ by brand. Our guide to choosing a from-birth formula compares labels.

Formuland carries European baby formula brands such as HiPP, Holle, Aptamil, Lebenswert and Kabrita (see our organic formula guide). These are UK- or EU-labeled formulas, made under a different rulebook from U.S. requirements, so ask your pediatrician about any formula you are considering.

For a confirmed milk allergy, AAP says to ask your pediatrician to recommend a hypoallergenic formula. AAP also says goat milk formula, such as Kabrita, is not for babies with a cow's milk allergy.

CDC says babies who get any breast milk need a 400 IU vitamin D supplement every day; its formula page adds that babies drinking about 32 ounces of formula a day do not need extra. Ask your pediatrician about baby vitamin D drops.

Step 2: Introduce the Formula Slowly

To switch from breastmilk to formula without discomfort, change one feed at a time. AAP describes tapering by eliminating a feeding every two or three days, or even once a week. The NHS says to drop one feed, settle into the new pattern, and only then drop another.

Going slowly helps your body too. The NHS says a gradual switch gives your body time to make less milk, which lowers the chance of swollen breasts or mastitis.

This guide's approach: one bottle, one milk. The AAP and CDC pages we checked give no method for combining breast milk and formula in one bottle, so we do not suggest one. Replace a whole breastfeed with a bottle of formula (NHS), and mix formula only with water, as the label says (CDC).

Step 3: Starting with the Bottle

Begin by replacing just one breastfeed with a bottle. CDC suggests a time when your baby is calm and not too hungry, starting with a small amount and offering more if your baby still seems hungry.

The NHS says it does not matter which feed you drop first. AAP notes that children often keep the bedtime and first morning feeds longest, and for children of 1 or older calls midday the easiest to skip.

For first practice bottles, AAP's example is about half an ounce of breast milk an hour or two after a regular feed. Once your baby takes the bottle, build up to a full feed of formula in place of a breastfeed.

Step 4: Follow a Paced Bottle Feeding Strategy

Paced bottle feeding lets your baby set the speed. CDC says to hold the bottle at an angle so milk only comes out when your baby sucks. Let your baby take breaks, and stop at signs of fullness even if milk is left.

The NHS adds: hold your baby semi-upright and keep the bottle nearly horizontal. Never prop the bottle or leave your baby alone with it, because of the choking risk (CDC, NHS).

The NHS says no type of bottle or teat has been shown to be better than another, but check that the hole is not too big. An AAP-hosted guide says a clean nipple should drip about 1 drop per second upside down.

Step 5: Encourage Initial Latching

A breastfed baby may need time to learn the bottle. AAP suggests dripping a little familiar-tasting breast milk on your baby's lips first. Then slowly offer the nipple and let your baby explore it, never forcing it in. The NHS suggests brushing the teat against your baby's lips and waiting for a wide-open mouth.

Stop the practice if your baby gets frustrated or has not fed after about 10 minutes, and try again the next day (AAP). Stopping a practice bottle is not skipping a feed: feed your baby as usual in the meantime. After a few days, AAP suggests a different nipple, or a cup.

Step 6: Warm the Bottle Only If You Want To

CDC says infant formula does not need to be warmed. An AAP pediatrician's answer prefers warming for babies under 6 months and lists a bottle warmer or warm water as options. Older babies often take room-temperature formula just fine (AAP).

If you warm a bottle, never use a microwave: CDC and AAP warn it can leave hot spots that burn your baby's mouth. Test a few drops on your wrist; it should feel warm, not hot.

Step 7: Enlist Help

CDC notes that a breastfed baby may take a bottle more readily from someone else; the NHS says your baby is then not near you and smelling your breast milk. AAP suggests offering it away from the usual nursing spot, a job for a partner.

Step 8: Maintain Skin-to-Skin Contact

Feeding is about closeness as well as food. CDC says to hold your baby close for bottle feeds, and the NHS suggests eye contact and talking as you feed. CDC also says not to put your baby to bed with a bottle, because milk can pool around the teeth and cause tooth decay.

AAP suggests extra hugs and affection while you wean. If you like a rich balm for your own skin, Formuland carries Earth Mama Belly Butter.

Step 9: Create a Low-Stress Environment

AAP suggests a calm, reassuring manner: a smiling face and a soothing voice help your baby relax. If a feed is not going well, AAP says to end on a positive note and try again the next day.

If tea helps you unwind, Formuland carries Earth Mama Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea and Earth Mama Organic Elderberry Immune Tea. If you are still breastfeeding or pumping, ask your doctor or pharmacist before trying any herbal tea.

Step 10: Incorporate Formula as a “Side Dish”

Once solids start, formula can join meals too. CDC says solid foods can begin at about 6 months, not before 4 months, once your baby shows signs of readiness such as sitting up with support. CDC suggests mixing infant cereal with breast milk, formula made as the label says, or water.

Offer cereal from a spoon, never in a bottle: CDC says cereal in a bottle will not help your baby sleep longer and could increase the risk of choking. Breast milk or formula stays the main drink until at least 12 months (NHS).

Breastmilk to Formula Transition Chart

There is no single official breastmilk to formula transition chart; feeds differ from baby to baby. This sample is for a baby past the newborn weeks with six breastfeeds a day (newborns feed 8 to 12 times a day, CDC). It replaces one feed every 3 to 7 days, within AAP's pace. Adapt it with your pediatrician.

Stay at a stage longer if your breasts feel full or sore or your baby is unsettled. The NHS says stopping can take a few weeks to several months, and that breastfeeding while giving some formula can work very well.

Switching From Breastmilk to Formula at Different Ages

For babies under 12 months, the steps for switching from breastmilk to formula are much the same; feed sizes, bottles and solid foods change as your baby grows. From 6 months a cup can replace the bottle (NHS).

In the First Weeks (2 to 3 Weeks)

CDC suggests 1 to 2 ounces every 2 to 3 hours in the first days on formula only, 8 to 12 feeds in 24 hours; amounts grow after that. For babies under 2 months, born prematurely or with a weakened immune system, CDC adds a step: boil the water, wait about 5 minutes, mix, then cool the bottle.

If you plan to keep breastfeeding too, an AAP-hosted guide suggests no formula bottles before 3 to 4 weeks unless there is a medical reason, to protect milk supply. The NHS suggests waiting until supply is established, around 6 to 8 weeks.

At 1 to 5 Months

The same AAP-hosted guide suggests a daily practice bottle of pumped breast milk (about 1 ounce) from about 4 weeks if breastfeeding is going well. It warns that many babies reject bottles if you wait until about 8 weeks, and suggests a bottle at least every 3 days once accepted.

Returning to work is a common reason to switch at this age; the NHS suggests starting a few weeks early.

At 6 Months

At about 6 months, solid foods begin when your baby is ready (CDC, AAP), and the NHS says a baby who drinks from a cup may not need a bottle. AAP lists 6 to 8 ounces at each of 4 or 5 feeds a day as typical.

At 7 to 12 Months

As solid food increases, babies need less formula (CDC), but breast milk or formula stays the main drink until 12 months (NHS). Then CDC says plain whole cow's milk can start; see our guide to switching from formula to milk at 12 months.

How Much Formula Does a Breastfed Baby Need?

After a full switch from breastmilk to formula, AAP says babies take on average about 2½ ounces (75 mL) a day per pound of body weight. That is usually no more than about 32 ounces (960 mL) a day. During a partial switch, offer small bottles and follow your baby's hunger cues (CDC).

These are averages, not targets. AAP says lip-smacking after an empty bottle may mean more hunger, and fidgeting usually means your baby is done. Talk with your pediatrician if intake often seems very high or low.

Preparing Formula Safely During the Switch

If the breastmilk to formula switch is your first time making bottles, check the basics. CDC says to wash your hands, use clean and sanitized bottles and safe water, measure the water first, then add the powder as the label says. Ready-to-feed formula needs no water.

Never make a bottle weaker or stronger than the label says: CDC says too much water may not meet your baby's needs and too little can lead to dehydration, and AAP adds that watered-down formula can cause seizures.

• Use a bottle within 2 hours of mixing and 1 hour of starting the feed, and throw away what is left (CDC).
• Made a bottle ahead? Refrigerate it straight away and use it within 24 hours (CDC).
• Keep opened powder tightly closed in a cool, dry place, not the fridge (CDC).
• Powder is not sterile: CDC adds extra steps for babies under 2 months, born prematurely or with a weakened immune system.

Our formula preparation guide has the details.

Changes to Expect and When to Call Your Pediatrician

Some changes are normal after a switch from breastmilk to formula. An AAP-hosted guide notes that stools usually become greener, more frequent, more formed and stronger smelling. Your baby should still have plenty of wet and dirty diapers and keep gaining weight (NHS).

An AAP-hosted guide says changing formulas rarely helps crying, spitting up or gas. See our guide on when to switch formula because of gas, and our tips for switching baby formula brands for a later brand change. This table (AAP-hosted guides, NHS) shows how fast to act.

Taking Care of Yourself While You Switch

Your body adjusts too. The NHS says stopping gradually helps prevent engorged breasts and mastitis; if problems start, ask your doctor, midwife or a lactation consultant. An AAP-hosted guide lists a red, tender lump on the breast as a possible sign of infection: contact your doctor within 24 hours.

For swollen breasts, an AAP-hosted guide suggests a cold pack wrapped in a wet cloth for 20 minutes, hand expressing a little milk, and a supportive bra. It says binding the breasts is no longer advised, because it can raise the risk of mastitis.

Simplify Your Feeding Routine with Formuland

A switch from breastmilk to formula is not always seamless. Some babies resist the bottle at first, so small changes in timing, nipple or who feeds can help, and your pediatrician or a lactation consultant can advise.

Stage 1 Formulas at Formuland

Here are some Stage 1 and Pre formulas from our Stage 1 formula collection, with one-time prices for a single unit, checked November 8, 2026. They are in no particular order; follow the age range on each label and choose with your pediatrician.

Prices are before multi-pack discounts or Subscribe & Save, which takes 7% off eligible items, and Formuland offers free U.S. shipping on orders of $100 or more. Browse all formula collections, or try our Formula Finder quiz for a starting point to discuss with your pediatrician.

Remember:

• Talk with your pediatrician before you start, and choose an iron-fortified infant formula together.
• Replace one breastfeed at a time, and give your baby and your body a few days between changes.
• Use calm, paced bottle feeds, hold your baby close, and let someone else offer the first bottles.
• Make every powdered-formula bottle with water exactly as the label says, and keep breast milk and formula as separate feeds.
• Ask for help when you need it.

Disclosure: Formuland sells the HiPP, Holle, Kendamil, Aptamil, Lebenswert and Kabrita formulas linked in this guide. This guide does not rank them and makes no claim about how any formula will work for your baby.

Note: Before making any changes to your baby's feeding routine, talk with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant for advice about your baby.

Frequently Asked Questions