I Tried 3 Different Formulas for My Newborn—Here’s What I Wish I Knew

1. I Tried 3 Different Formulas for My Newborn—Here’s What I Wish I Knew If you’ve ever stood in the baby formula aisle feeling completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, you’re not alone. I was right there too—frantically Googling things like newborn best formula options and which baby formula is best in Australia while my little one struggled with digestion issues. I had planned to breastfeed exclusively, but like many mums, things didn’t go exactly as expected. My baby needed formula top-ups, and I naively assumed choosing one would be simple. After all, they all meet Australian standards, right? How different could they really be? The answer: very different. What I thought would be a straightforward decision turned into weeks of trial and error. I went through three different formulas before finally finding the right one—Bubs Goat Infant Formula. And let me tell you, I wish I had known a few things before starting this journey. The Overwhelming Search for the Right Formula Like most first-time mums, I’d done my homework. I read every parenting blog, attended antenatal classes, and asked for recommendations from my midwife. But when it came time to actually choose a formula, I still felt completely lost.

2. I found myself: ? Googling “best newborn formula in Australia” at 2 AM ? Scrolling endless parenting forums filled with conflicting opinions ? Examining tin after tin at the supermarket, trying to decipher ingredients ? Asking my doctor, only to be told, "Any Australian formula is fine." Even at Baby Expo in Melbourne, where I was hoping to get expert recommendations, I was met with a flood of options—cow’s milk, goat’s milk, hydrolyzed, organic, A2, probiotic-enriched… The choices were endless. I had no idea how much trial and error I’d have to go through to find what actually worked for my baby’s sensitive tummy. Formula #1: The Doctor-Recommended Baby Formula (That Didn’t Work for Us) Following my doctor’s advice, I started with a well-known cow’s milk-based formula, trusted by paediatricians and widely used in Australian homes. I felt reassured—it was nutritionally complete, regulated by strict Australian standards, and seemed like the safe choice. At first, my baby took the formula well. But within days, I noticed some worrying changes: ❌Frequent, forceful spit-up—not just a little dribble, but full-on projectile spews after feeds.

3. ❌Severe gas and bloating—my baby’s tummy was visibly distended and rock hard. ❌Uncontrollable crying after feeds—he’d scrunch up his legs and scream in pain. ❌Broken sleep—waking up every hour, clearly uncomfortable. I knew some reflux and wind were normal for newborns, but this felt excessive. When I raised my concerns, my paediatrician suspected a sensitivity to cow’s milk protein, which can be hard for some babies to digest. That meant it was time to try something different. Formula #2: A Hypoallergenic Alternative Next, I gave a partially hydrolyzed hypoallergenic formula a go—these are often recommended for bubs who might have a sensitivity to dairy. The proteins are broken down into smaller pieces, making them gentler on tiny tummies and easier to digest. I had high hopes, and at first, there were some small wins: ✅ Less gas and bloating ✅ A slight reduction in spit-up But the challenges weren’t over:

4. ❌ My baby absolutely hated the taste—feeds dragged on because he’d refuse to drink. ❌ The crying persisted—less intense, but still happening. ❌ It was pricey and hard to track down—some weeks, I had to visit multiple stores just to get my hands on a tin. After weeks of frustration and endless second-guessing, I started exploring other options—particularly goat’s milk formula. Formula #3: Discovering Bubs Goat Infant Formula I’d never really considered goat milk formula before. I assumed it was a niche option or just a fancy marketing trend. But after speaking with a dietitian at Baby Expo Melbourne, I learned that goat milk proteins are naturally smaller than those in cow’s milk, making them easier to digest for some babies. With nothing to lose, I gave Bubs Goat Infant Formula a try. Within one week, the difference was remarkable: ?No more severe gas or bloating—my baby’s tummy felt soft again. ?Spit-up is almost gone—a little here and there, but nothing dramatic. ?Better sleep—longer stretches, and finally some peace at night.

5. ?Easier feeding—he actually liked the taste, so feeding times were calmer. I finally felt like I had found the right formula. What I Wish I Knew Before Starting If I could go back in time and give myself a few tips before starting the formula journey, here’s what I’d say: 1. Every baby is different. I can’t tell you how many times I thought, why isn’t this working?! The truth is, there’s no perfect formula that suits every baby. What worked for my friend’s bub didn’t work for mine, and that’s okay. It’s all trial and error—so don’t feel guilty if you have to switch things up a few times. 2. Goat Milk Formula Deserves More Attention I wish I had known about goat’s milk formula sooner! It’s not as widely recommended as cow’s milk formulas, but for babies with sensitive tummies, it can make a world of difference. The proteins are easier to digest, and for us, it meant way less tummy discomfort. 3. Australian Formulas Are All Safe One thing I stressed about (unnecessarily) was whether I was choosing a “good” formula. Turns out, all infant formulas in Australia have to meet strict FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) guidelines, so they’re all nutritionally complete and safe. That gave me peace of mind knowing I could focus on what worked best for my baby instead of worrying about quality. 4. Switching Formulas Slowly is a Game-Changer I made the mistake of switching too quickly once, and let’s just say, my baby’s tummy was not happy. What worked best for us was a gradual transition: ?Days 1-2: 75% old formula, 25% new formula ?Days 3-4: 50/50 mix ?Days 5-6: 25% old formula, 75% new formula ?Day 7: Fully on the new formula Doing it this way helped avoid unnecessary tummy upsets and made the switch much smoother.

6. Trust Your Instincts and Take Your Time Finding the right formula for your baby can feel like a big decision, and honestly, it’s often a bit of trial and error. If one formula doesn’t seem to work, don’t stress—feel free to try others; just be sure to chat with your paediatrician first. For us, Bubs Goat Infant Formula ended up being the winner, but I get that every baby is different. What works for one might not be right for another. It’s all about trusting your instincts, watching for your baby’s cues, and asking for help when you need it. If you’re feeling stuck or just want to explore more options, I’d definitely recommend checking out the One Fine Baby Expo. It’s one of the best baby expos in Australia, where you can connect with trusted brands, chat to experts, and discover products that could be a perfect fit for your bub. Plus, it’s a great place to meet other parents and share experiences—sometimes the best advice comes from those who’ve been through it all. Have You Been Through a Formula Journey? I’d love to hear about your experience! What formula worked best for your baby? Drop a comment below. ? FAQs

7. What is the best newborn formula for gassy babies in Australia? A: Many parents find that goat milk formulas like Bubs Goat Infant Formula help reduce gas due to their smaller, easier-to-digest proteins. However, always check with your paediatrician. How do I know if my baby has a formula intolerance? A: Signs can include excessive spit-up, diarrhoea, constipation, rashes, and persistent crying after feeds. If you’re unsure, speak to your doctor. Can I mix different formulas? A: It’s best to consult a paediatrician before mixing formulas, as different brands have unique nutritional profiles.