Do I Need to Change My Baby’s Formula?
The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life. For a variety of reasons, some women are not able or choose not to breastfeed. Infant formulas are an excellent source of nutrition for your little one. Dairy formula made with cow’s milk is the most common form of formula, but not every infant can tolerate a cow’s milk formula.
If your feel like your little one is having an issue with their current formula it is always best to check with your baby’s pediatrician before making the switch. Common signs that your baby may need to switch formulas include: blood in the stools, vomiting, eczema and persistent fussiness during or after feedings. Poor weight gain may also prompt your pediatrician to suggest a formula change.
Many infants have gassiness and immature digestion in the first 13 weeks of life. Most of these babies do not have a true allergy or intolerance to their formula. Most babies will have some amount of gas and variation in their stools. In most cases, the gassiness will decrease with age, appropriate burping and positioning the bottle to limit the amount of swallowed air.
If your pediatrician recommends changing your little one’s formula, some parents will find that switching to a partially hydrolyzed formula, such as Earth’s Best Organic® Gentle Formula, will decrease their babies’ gassiness. Partially hydrolyzed formulas will provide appropriate nutrition for your little one and may help them to feel more comfortable. Unlike when switching from breast milk to formula which is a transition that takes place over several days, if your doctor recommends a formula change it is an immediate “cold turkey” switch.
Learn more about choosing a formula.
Sources
AAP. 2015. Choosing a formula. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Choosing-a-Formula.aspx
This is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always discuss any health and feeding concerns directly with your pediatrician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read above.