Babies can be picky!  

Turns out, babies have their preferences too!

Maybe your little one has developed a liking for breast milk – it's naturally sweet and delicious. Formula, on the other hand, often has a different taste, usually a bit metallic and slightly bitter.

So, here comes the big question: How can you make formula taste better? And the even bigger question: How can you make it taste more like breast milk?

Let's dive in and find some answers!

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How To Make Formula Taste Like Breast Milk

#1: Mix formula with breast milk

To ease the switch from breastmilk to formula, mix them gradually. Begin with a 90% breastmilk and 10% formula blend, then increase the formula portion by 5-10% every 2-3 days. Most suggest an 80/20 ratio, raising the formula by 20% every 2-3 days, but it varies per baby. Be patient with the adjustment.

Remember: If you're using a powdered formula, measure it and the water as directed on the label. Then prepare the formula according to the directions before mixing with breast milk.

If you're looking for breastmilk, consider platforms like "Human Milk for Human Babies" on Facebook to connect with milk donors.

#2: Add non-alcoholic vanilla extract or Karo syrup

If your baby is over 6 months old and you're thinking about adding a little flavor to their formula, some parents suggest a touch of vanilla. Others mention Karo syrup, but I'd only consider that in a real pinch because it's best to limit sweeteners.

Adding a tiny bit of pure vanilla extract could make the formula more appealing, but please check with your pediatrician first. It's crucial to be cautious about what you introduce to their diet, as their little tummies have their limits.

NOTE: Any pure vanilla extract is made with alcohol (even the non-alcoholic pure vanilla extract has a small amount of alcohol in it). Instead, use vanilla flavoring.

#3: Mix formula with quality water

The water you use plays a big role in how your baby's formula tastes. Mayo Clinic says tap or bottled water is fine, but sometimes tap water can have a funky taste depending on where you live. If that's the case, it's a good idea to switch to bottled water.

Make sure the water you use is clean and doesn't have any weird smells or flavors that might turn your baby off. And don't forget to sterilize the bottles before each use to prevent bacteria buildup, which can cause unpleasant odors.

#4: Try different temperatures

Babies can be picky about temperature, so try serving the formula slightly cooler or warmer to see what your baby prefers. You don't necessarily need a fancy bottle warmer; a big mug with warm water works just as well. Simply place the bottle in the water for about 15 minutes. But be careful with the temperature – it should be comfortably warm, not scalding hot. Test it with your hand to make sure it's just right.

#5: Find a formula that already tastes similar to breast milk

One easy trick to making baby formula taste better is finding one that's closest to breast milk! 

We did some research and the 2 that tastes most similar to breast milk are:
For infants: Aussie Bubs Supreme
For toddlers: Holle Cow Milk Toddler Drink

#6: For older babies, try mixing formula into baby food

Mix formula with baby cereal, possibly adding a bit of pureed fruits your baby has already tried. You can also experiment with natural spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or fennel, but consult your pediatrician first.

PRO-TIP:
Use a quality nipple during bottle feeding

Believe it or not, the bottle nipple can affect how your baby feels about formula milk, so finding the right one matters. Breast nipples are soft, while bottle nipples are usually harder. So, what you want to do is find a brand that your baby finds comfy to feed from.

Moms rave about this bottle nipple and say their breastfed babies take it better than all others.