As babies grow, their nutritional needs vary at each stage, so they may face the situation of transitioning from cow’s milk powder to goat milk powder. This transition process should be handled with caution, following a principle of gradual adaptation, usually taking about two weeks, to ensure the baby can comfortably accept the new changes.
The specific steps for milk transition should start with one feeding per day, such as trying the new milk powder at the third meal, then gradually expanding to the second meal, the fourth meal, and finally the first meal and the fifth meal in the evening, transitioning gently in this order.
When preparing milk powder, strictly following the recommended water-to-powder ratio is crucial; the ratio should not be adjusted arbitrarily to accelerate the adaptation process. A standard mixing ratio example is: 200 milliliters of boiled water cooled to the appropriate temperature, mixed with 4 level scoops of milk powder. Some brands, like the Cow & Gate brand from Hong Kong, provide a measuring spoon inside the packaging to help accurately measure, ensuring precise formula preparation.
During the transition period, if the baby does not consume all the milk, the remaining liquid should not be kept for use the next day. Due to the rich nutrients in formula milk, it is prone to spoilage, so it is recommended to prepare and feed it immediately, discarding any remaining portion to ensure the baby’s health.
When transitioning from cow’s milk powder to goat milk powder, the same “mixing old with new” strategy should be followed. Initially, a small amount of the new milk powder is added to the existing milk powder, increasing the ratio gradually, usually over a transition period of about a week. For example, initially, the new milk powder accounts for 1/3 of the mixture, then observing the baby’s adaptation, gradually adjusting to half new and half old, then to 2/3 new, and finally complete replacement. This gradual transition helps the baby’s gastrointestinal system adapt, reducing the risk of discomfort.
