Pediatricians agree, the healthiest way to feed a baby is by breastfeeding. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to breastfeed and some women that do breastfeed cannot do so for the full recommended time, which is a year. Infant formulas are created to provide adequate nutrition to growing babies. Some cause allergies to babies because of the ingredients used. Infant allergies to formula are common, though there are many different formula options to choose from.
Milk Protein Allergy
Milk protein allergies are the most common type of allergies that babies have to formula. Children's Hospital of Boston states that symptoms of milk protein allergy include colic and blood in the stool. Doctors usually recommend switching the baby to a soy-based formula when a child is intolerant to formulas made with milk protein.
Lactose Intolerance
While lactose intolerance is an intolerance rather than a true allergy, it is important to note in infant allergies to formula, because some babies cannot have formulas with milk, as they are lactose intolerant. Babies who are lactose intolerant cannot digest the carbohydrate portion of milk, called lactose. This leads to symptoms like gas and diarrhea. Babies with lactose intolerance are usually given soy formulas, as they are lactose-free.
Soy Allergy
Children's Hospital of Boston states that soy allergies in infants are almost as common as milk protein allergies. The symptoms of soy allergies in babies are similar to milk protein allergies in that they include poor growth and colic. Those with soy allergies may have to go on milk-based formulas or special hydrolyzed formulas.
Hydrolyzed Formulas
Hydrolyzed formulas are created especially for babies with allergies to infant formulas. The HealthCastle.com states that hydrolyzed formulas are pre-digested, meaning they have ingredients that are broken down and therefore digested easily by babies. These formulas are usually more expensive, but can be helpful in providing the required nutrients to babies who cannot tolerate regular formulas.
Lactose-Free Formulas
Lactose-free formulas can be soy-based or they can be milk-based with the lactose portion taken out during processing. Health Castle states that lactose-free formulas are especially helpful for babies with various allergies to which the cause may not be determined yet. They can help to reduce symptoms like diarrhea.
