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New parents must recognize the signs of a baby not tolerating formula to know how to help. Understanding how to manage formula intolerance or allergy is essential to ensure your baby receives the necessary nutrients and stays comfortable. Your pediatrician can help you identify the causes and recommend the best solution for your baby.
Formula intolerance occurs when the baby's digestive system cannot properly break down an ingredient in the formula they've ingested, causing one or more negative symptoms. It's not life-threatening, but the irritation within their digestive systems can cause slow weight gain and growth and the more acute symptoms of dehydration.
Common ingredients in baby formula, such as cow's milk, soy protein, and lactose, can be the culprits. Dairy products all contain lactose, a disaccharide. A disaccharide contains two sugars. In this case, lactose is made up of glucose and galactose.
Parents should be aware that gas, diarrhea or constipation, excessive crying, spitting up, and fussiness are typical occurrences after a formula feeding. These symptoms of formula intolerance usually resolve themselves after the first few months, and these children outgrow any further adverse reactions.
However, if your baby is experiencing more persistent symptoms, it's important to consult their pediatrician. Your infant might be allergic to their formula if symptoms include:
Many parents will try to alleviate symptoms by immediately changing the baby's formula, which can worsen the situation. Understanding the difference between intolerance and allergy is crucial:
Formula Intolerance:
Formula Allergy:
If you think your infant is allergic to the formula you are feeding them, seeing their pediatrician is necessary. Most babies with formula intolerance or allergy symptoms should see their pediatricians immediately. This way, they can help determine whether intolerance or common food allergies are causing the issue before the child has any severe symptoms.
The baby's pediatrician will recommend how to help with the intolerance. You may have to try several different brands before finding the one your baby tolerates best.
Your pediatrician can help determine which ingredients in the formula are causing the allergic reaction and recommend another formula more compatible with your child's nutritional needs.
When you see your pediatrician, the doctor will most likely ask you questions about the formula your baby is taking and your family history, then examine your baby. They may also want to test samples of your baby's blood or stool.
The child's doctor can often diagnose food allergies based on a patient's medical history, physical examination, and test results. They can help determine which ingredients in the formula are causing the allergic reaction and recommend a formula more compatible with your child's nutritional needs.
The symptoms of anaphylaxis in an infant may include:
If your baby is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, call medical emergency services immediately.
If your child has a severe allergy, you might need an Epi-pen to treat an allergic reaction. Carrying these at all times is essential to your baby's well-being.
The treatment for a formula allergy typically involves avoiding the ingredient causing the severe reaction and using a hypoallergenic formula. This will address your child's digestive problems or allergic symptoms without causing any other health problems.
When introducing a different formula to a baby with a known allergy, it's crucial to do so under medical supervision. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it over time while monitoring your baby for signs of an allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction is not something that you want to happen to your child. Most babies with formula intolerance or allergy symptoms should see their pediatricians immediately.
A registered dietitian can help create a diet for children over one year old with food allergies. This is usually done after formula milk is no longer ingested, but the ingredient that initially caused an allergic reaction as an infant may still trigger food allergies in older children.
They can help you plan a nutritious diet to support your child's growth and development and guide you in managing food allergies and intolerances. Always read food labels carefully to ensure products do not contain the ingredients that cause your child's symptoms.
Your infant might be having a severe allergic reaction if symptoms include:
If your baby is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, call medical emergency services immediately. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, which can include life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Proper formula preparation is important for all parents, especially those managing formula intolerance or allergies.
First, wash the bottles, rings, and nipples after each use. Clean them in hot, soapy water, then sterilize them in boiling water. Second, let the bottles, rings, and nipples dry on a clean dish towel or paper towel.
For parents managing formula changes frequently, automated cleaning tools like the Momcozy KleanPal Pro Bottle Washer and Sterilizer can save time and ensure consistent sterilization with 9 cleaning modes for hands-free bottle washing, sterilizing, and drying.
Your standard formula comes in three types:
Follow these simple steps to get the formula ready for your baby to eat. Whatever form you choose, follow the directions carefully.
Use clean water from a source free of bacteria or other germs that cause disease. The water is used to mix the powdered formula or to dilute the concentrated liquid. Do not use too much water, as this can harm your baby. No water is needed for the ready-to-feed formula.
Mixing Powdered Formula:
Mixing Concentrated Formula:
The process is the same as for powdered formula, but you add a liquid concentrate to the water instead. Shake well and warm the bottle before feeding.
Ready-to-Feed Formula:
This formula is recommended for babies with a high risk of infection. Simply shake the container, pour the right amount into the bottle, and warm it as needed.
As a parent, formula intolerances and allergies can be frightening and frustrating when trying to keep your baby free from discomfort and symptoms of an allergic reaction. It's important to identify and address the causes. If it is a formula allergy, your pediatrician can provide recommendations to help your baby feel comfortable without compromising their health. We hope we've helped you be more aware of some of the challenges and have given you insight into what helps your child stay safe.
Momcozy wants you to feel confident using our products and trust their quality and dependability to make parenthood easier.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Momcozy is not responsible for any consequences arising from the use of this content.
