Is your little one about to turn one? Wondering if you should keep the same formula or if it’s time to switch to a different one? Curious if it’s time to transition from Neocate® Infant to Neocate® Syneo® Junior, Neocate® Junior and/or Neocate® Splash?
If you’ve been an avid reader of our blog, you might have a hunch of what we’re about to say. The answer isn’t simple and isn’t the same for everyone. Your child’s transition path depends on a number of factors including what formula your child is using and the condition your little one has been diagnosed with. Of course, everyone’s situation is different, and you should speak with your healthcare provider first before switching formulas or making dietary changes.
NEOCATE PRODUCTS FOR CHILDREN 1-YEAR-OLD AND UP
Once a child turns one, the Neocate product range offers a wide variety of powdered and ready-to-drink formulas. Our product range for those one-year-old and older includes Neocate Syneo Junior, Neocate Junior and Neocate Splash.
| Product | Ages | Type | Flavors | ||||||
| Unflavored | Vanilla | Strawberry | Chocolate | Tropical Fruit | Orange-Pineapple | Grape | |||
| Neocate Junior | 1 year and up | Powder |
x ( without prebiotic fiber) |
x | x | x | |||
| Neocate Syneo Junior | 1-10 years | Powder |
x (with prebiotic fiber and probiotics) |
||||||
| Neocate Splash | 1 year and up | Ready-to-drink (liquid) | x | x | x | x | x | ||
TRANSITIONING TIPS TO NEOCATE
Once you and your healthcare provider have chosen the right formula for your little one, the next step will be to begin the transition process. Again, the process of transitioning is not set in stone. For some little ones, a straight switch to the next formula is no problem. For others, a more gradual approach may be needed.
For little ones who follow a gradual switch, fading is a strategy where a small amount of a new formula is mixed with something the child is used to (such as expressed breast milk, another formula, or another beverage they currently drink), gradually increasing the ratio of new to old over time. The goal is acceptance of the new combination, even if the difference is noticeable. It is important that once you begin the transition, try not to return to the preferred beverage if your child refuses. Instead, decrease the ratio of the new formula to the previous beverage just slightly. It is very important that through the process of fading you are in touch with your healthcare team and are communicating your concerns on a regular basis.
For some children: the slower, the better – others may transition very quickly. Each child will have his or her own unique pace, which can range from a few days to a few weeks. You can use the table below as a guide to fading and a tool for discussing fading with the healthcare team. The goal is successfully moving forward, even if the pace is very gradual.
How to read this table: For example, you could start off with 1/4 of the new formula and 3/4 of the current formula and if that combination works for your little one, slowly keep increasing the amount of new formula while decreasing the current one. This could be over the course of a few bottles, a few days, or even a few weeks. If your child resists the new ratio, you can switch back to less of the new formula and more of the current but try not to slide back too much. Please note that this is an example of a formula transition schedule and not appropriate for everybody. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about the best transition schedule for your child.
Important note: When transitioning between powdered formulas, you should mix each formula separately following the directions on the can (or specific instructions given by your healthcare team), and then combine the prepared formulas in a clean container. Once mixed, unused Neocate formula can be safely stored in a refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Once your little one has successfully transitioned to the new formula, you can have some fun trying it in yummy recipes. Our blog is chock-full of recipes you can experiment with. View Allergy-Friendly Recipes.
If you have any questions, our team of Nutrition Specialists is just a call away. They can’t give medical advice, but they can definitely answer your Neocate product questions, and may be able to help steer you toward the right questions to ask your healthcare team! Don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can answer for you.
Neocate® is a family of hypoallergenic, amino acid-based medical foods for use under medical supervision and is indicated for cow milk allergy, multiple food allergies and related GI and allergic conditions. Talk to your health provider to see if Neocate is right for you.
Updated on 7/12/2024
