Parents do what’s best for their babies, which sometimes includes giving them formula.Parents should be aware that formula is much more likely to cause colic than breastmilk because it is harder to digest.It also cannot be made more nutritious, like breastmilk can with improved diet, and therefore is not as effective at helping babies systems develop and overcome problems.Babies will, of course, outgrow their colic on formula just as they would on breastmilk, but their colic will most likely be worse and longer lasting.If parents can provide breastmilk for their babies, even if it is from another breastfeeding mom, it will be better for their babies than formula.
Parents who need to use formula might find it difficult to find the right one.A few guidelines to keep in mind when changing formulas is that it can take up to two weeks for the proteins in a formula to clear baby’s system, so parents need to wait at least a week before they will be able to tell if a new formula is helping.If the baby gets worse within this time, then the new formula is probably not working.Even after a week, the progress in the baby may be barely noticeable, so if the baby hasn’t improved in a week but isn’t getting worse, then the parents should probably wait another week before trying yet another formula.
Infant Allergies & Acid Reflux
Babies are more likely to experience allergic reactions and reflux to formula because the ingredients in formula are harder to digest.First of all, formula is made from cows’ milk, which many babies react to.Also, formula contains ingredients that can cause gas and bloating when they are digested.The sweetener FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) for example gives babies gas because part of it passes through the intestines undigested.This sweetener is used because it also provides probiotic support for the intestines.Gas is an unfortunate side effect.Other ingredients are also suspected of causing gas in babies.
If your baby reacts to regular formula, you can switch to a different formula.Soy formulas often cause reactions in babies who are sensitive to regular formulas, so it’s usually a better idea to try a hypoallergenic formula.The milk proteins in these formulas are broken down more so babies’ bodies are less likely to recognize them.Goats’ milk formulas are also available in some countries and may help babies who are showing allergic reactions.Goats’ milk is less allergenic than cows’ milk.
If babies are reacting to the ingredients in formula rather than the type of milk, they will still have difficulty digesting formula.You may find it necessary to compare ingredients and try different formulas based on the ingredients that are added in addition to the milk.
Multiple Food Protein Intolerance (MFPI)
Babies who are especially sensitive to food proteins may need an even more hypoallergenic formula.Super-hypoallergenic formulas have had their proteins broken down completely.These formulas may be the only thing babies with MFPI can tolerate.Some doctors even recommend that breastfeeding women with MFPI babies switch to these formulas.Breastfeeding mothers should know that their babies’ problems can be solved while breastfeeding with diet alterations and that their baby will develop much faster on breastmilk.However, this is often a more difficult course to take and each mother will need to make that decision for herself.
Homemade Formulas
If you cannot find a commercial formula that helps your baby or are wary of them, you can also mix your own at home.Advocates of homemade formulas often recommend raw cows’ or goats’ milk because of the healthful live organisms, though regular pasteurized milks are also effective and safe.The greatest advantage of homemade formula is the ability to alter the ingredients for your baby.If you find that a certain ingredient causes problems for your baby, you can substitute it, reduce it, or eliminate it.Following are basic formula recipes that can be used for supplementing low breastmilk supply, but if babies are entirely dependent on formula, parents should use one of the more nutritionally balanced recipes available elsewhere on the internet.
Cows’ Milk Formula
This has traditionally been made using corn syrup, but this sweetener has been shown to have detrimental effects on people.Brown rice syrup is a much safer natural sweetener.
1 can evaporated milk
2 cans water
3 tablespoons brown rice syrup
Mix and warm to comfortable feeding temperature.Syrup will mix more easily when the formula is warm.
Goats’ Milk Formula
Goats’ milk is high in protein and is too hard on the kidneys unless diluted.If your formula is not diluted enough, your baby may dehydrate.Watch for signs of dehydration (lack of urination, sunken soft spot, dry skin) when you first give the formula.If your baby starts to get dehydrated, just give your baby a little water and make sure to dilute the goats’ milk more next time.
4 ounces goats’ milk
4 ounces water
1 tablespoon brown rice syrup
Mix and warm to comfortable feeding temperature.Syrup will mix more easily when the formula is warm.As the baby grows older, the amount of water can be reduced.By 12 months, the baby should be able to tolerate straight goats’ milk.
Herbs for Helping Digestion
Formula-fed babies can be given herbal teas so they are better able to digest their formulas.It’s best to either make a large amount of weak tea (seep 2-3 minutes) and use it to mix formula or make very strong tea (seep 30 minutes) and only give the baby a small amount.This way the baby doesn’t fill up on tea and will still get enough formula to fill her nutrition needs.Some good digestive herbs are fennel, anise, ginger, peppermint, and chamomile.