Gas is most often caused by the infant swallowing too much air while feeding. However, the type of formula you are using may be causing her unwanted stomach distress. Before you switch infant formula, first use natural remedies to relieve gas, including massage, burping, holding the baby upright and supervised tummy time. If all else fails, try a formula switch. Once symptoms dissipate, keep the baby on the same type of formula to avoid future gas and digestive problems.
Features
If your pediatrician suspects your baby is allergic to the type of formula you are using, ask him to suggest a switch. Signs that your baby is allergic to the formula include excessive gas, loose stools, rashes, fatigue and forceful vomiting. If a formula switch does not resolve digestive issues, seek tests to see if a medical condition is causing bowel changes. Keep a feeding journal that keeps track of feeding times and bowel movements.
Lactose Intolerance
An intolerance to lactose, found in dairy milk-based formulas, can cause gas and abdominal distress in infants. Lactose-free infant formulas can be used in place of cow's milk formulas in diagnosed infants who are experiencing excessive gas as a result of the disease. Corn syrup is often used instead of the lactose in the formula. A milk allergy in infants occurs in approximately two to three percent of babies, according to the KidsHealth website from the Nemours Foundation. It differs from lactose intolerance, but also produces gas symptoms and requires a formula switch from cow's milk. Soy and hypoallergenic formulas are typically used for milk allergy treatments.
Soy Formulas
Soy formula is another type of formula used for children who have digestive issues when consuming cow's milk formulas. Soy formula is derived from the plant protein and is an acceptable option for vegan parents. According to a 1992 study published in "Clinical Therapeutics," researchers found that infants fed a soy-based formula diet experienced a decrease in gas, fussiness, diarrhea, spitting up and colic symptoms.
Colic Treatment
When your baby has colic with symptoms of gas and fussiness, ask your doctor about trying a formula switch. Extensively hydrolyzed formulas are available to help the baby digest the food easier. The proteins in the formula are broken down into smaller proteins. Besides colic, extensively hydrolyzed formulas are recommended to infants with problems absorbing nutrients and food allergies.
References
- Babycenter: Can I Switch Formula Brands and if So, How Do I Ease the Transition?
- FamilyDoctor: Infant Formula
- Babycenter: Choosing the Best Baby Formula
- KidsHealth: Formula Feeding FAQs: Some Common Concerns
- KidsHealth: Milk Allergy
- "Clinical Therapeutics"; Tolerance of a Soy Formula by Infants and Children; M Nadasdi et al; 1992
