Signs that formula isn’t agreeing with baby
Does your Baby have trouble digesting formula? Or do they get sensitive to an ingredient in the formula? Have you tried out other formulas because of their reactions? And you are worried it is a sign that your Baby no longer agrees with that formula anymore! So what are Signs that formula isn’t agreeing with baby?
You might have also had the thought of “maybe it’s the ingredients in the formula,” or it could be “an allergy or something.”
The baby formula is a sum-up of calculated and nutritious ingredients. Research has also shown that protein in the formula can make your Baby allergic and cause their immune system to react.
This post may contain affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy click here.
Baby Formula and its Constituents Ingredients
Formulas are usually of different brand types but consist of almost the same ingredients; the only difference could be their flavor and taste, hence an additive that would not be the same in every other formula. These ingredients are usually wide and numerous, containing a certain component that is necessary.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made it compulsory that at least a minimum amount of 29 different nutrients constitute a baby formula. Moreover, 9 of these have a specified level that must not be exceeded for every 100 calories serving baby formula.
These are the set of components contained in baby formula:
- Chloride
- Iodine
- Linoleic acid
- Fat
- vitamin C
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- Calcium
- B Vitamins such as B6, Niacin, B12, Thiamine, Antithetic Acid, Riboflavin, Folic Acid
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Manganese
- Protein
- Sodium
- Selenium
- Potassium
Note: These components only need to be augmented with non-milk-induced formulas such as biotin, choline, and inositol.
These nutrients are either gotten in the components used to generate the formula (e.g., milk, cow, soy, etc.), Or addition by a fortification process to make sure that the desired product ultimately satisfies the necessary proportions per serving for infants, and it doesn’t surpass the regulatory maximums.
Breast formula and milk
Breast milk provides a baby with an optimal source of nutrition. At the same time, the Baby formula is designed to closely mimic the composition of breast milk, both the physical and its nutritional properties.
The Baby formula is simply a substitute for Breast milk. When you try to substitute Milk beverages (whether dairy or plant source) for Formula or Breast milk, be aware that you are doing more harm than good to your Baby.
This is because, Milk beverages contain no caloric density, nutrient composition, or medically prescribed or advised component (s) that is meant to support your Baby’s growth and development. Hence, it is harmful to use them as a substitute.
In addition to this, the baby formula contains a variety of Prebiotic Oligosaccharides is combined in the formula powder or any other form of baby formula. They tend to mimic the Gastrointestinal tract of Breastfed babies making digestion and nutrition equivalent to that of a Breastfed baby.
What are Those Harmful Ingredients You Must Look Out For In Your Baby Formula?
The composition of what is contained in a baby’s formula usually depends on the manufacturer. Sometimes, those signs that your Baby gives because they do not go with the formula anymore could be as a result of the harmful ingredients that are contained in it. Now, you need to know how to identify those harmful ingredients. You can easily identify them in a simple manner by just comparing the ingredient label of multiple brands.
Find below is a List Of a Few Common Commercial Harmful Baby Formula Ingredients That You Might Want to Refrain From:
Concentrated fructose corn syrup, simple corn syrup, and supplementary sugars may contribute superfluous sweeteners to your Baby’s diet.
Most of the commonly processed hexane solvents like the added DHA and ARA are not necessarily of great importance
Inhibition of calcium absorption infants is triggered by palm oil which is highly harmful to the environment.
This commonly recognized safe GRAS called “Carrageenan” is a thickener that is gotten from seaweed and is also known to be the cause of intestinal inflammation in some animals.
Pesticides and heavy metals that are not documented on the label should also be avoided. At the same time, you can control your exposure by choosing products that have been independently tested for these contaminants.
The contribution of animal agricultural practices gives rise to the production of hormones and antibiotics, which are contained in most of these dairy-based baby formulas.
Artificial, synthetic flavors, or coloring, may build up the probability of hypersensitivity and behavioral disorders
What To Consider When Going for A Better Option For Your Baby Formula!
You want to be more careful this time because of the repeated intolerance your Baby gives when taking a formula. In order to make your Baby stop refusing their formula or showing no interest in taking it anymore, all that must be done is to reach out to your healthcare provider to rule out any form of Medical disorder and to finally agree on other formula options.
After which you have done that, you can follow the guidelines when choosing a better option!
Things to look out for:
- Check out for the Expiry date
- Make sure you do not buy damaged cans or bottles
- Ascertain that the formula you are about to purchase meets with the strict guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Be sure that melamine is not contained in the formula you want to buy
- Make sure that the fat source is contained with soy, coconut, palm kernel, and safflower.
- The Prebiotic and probiotics contained in some Baby Formulas are yet to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so be sure to avoid any Baby Formula that has them.
What are These Signs that formula isn’t agreeing with baby?
This is best regarded as “Formula intolerance,” whereby your Baby starts acting fussy because they find it hard to digest their formula or are sensitive to the ingredient in that formula.
Most of the time, the protein contained in the formula might make your baby allergic. Your Baby might as well get irritation in their digestive system due to the intolerance. This intolerance could make your Baby get dehydrated or cause restricted weight gain and growth in your Baby’s development.
Below Are The Signs of Formula Intolerance:
- Diarrhea
- Blood or mucus in your Baby’s bowel movements
- Vomitting
- Stretching their legs upwards so that they face the abdomen because of the inconvenience in the abdomen.
- Colic that makes your baby cry constantly
- Trouble gaining weight, or weight loss
How to Handle The Situation When you have a fussy baby Due To the Formula Intolerance
You can help make your Baby feel better when they become fussy due to formula intolerance by doing the following:
- Relieve gas with a motion by walking around while you hold your Baby, after which you are done feeding them.
- Rub your Baby back to make him or her comfortably
- Make use of a white noise machine which can help to calm your Baby
- To prevent dehydration and malnutrition, feed your Baby less formula more often
- After feeding, avoid bouncing your Baby as that can interrupt digestion
- Using a light blanket, swaddle your Baby appropriately
- Avoid feeding your baby while they are lying down
Diagnosis Procedures of Formula Intolerance
One of the first questions your pediatrician will ask is, “how does your baby react to formula?” Also, you are to say the type of formula you use.
A sample of your Baby’s bowel movements is going to be taken, and then right after the test, the pediatrician would be able to rule out the problem your Baby is having. In addition, your Baby may have to test for protein allergy as well.
You might be advised to go for a change of formula. Most times, the signs of intolerance go away, after which there has been a change.
What Is Needed Of You To Do When Treating Formula Intolerance In Your Baby
You may have to go for a new formula
As directed by your Baby’s pediatrician. You could be asked to do this. Also, formula made with cow’s milk, soy, or rice protein may be the result of the allergy your Baby has. Hence, you would need a hypoallergenic formula. Your Baby’s pediatrician would diagnose the formula you are to go for.
This could have you trying out a few to find out which works best for your Baby. When you mix a new formula with the current one and go with your Baby’s preference, there is no problem. You might as well have to start increasing the amount of new formula over time as directed by your Baby’s pediatrician.
Try out Breast Milk
You may be someone who is having problems such as sore nipples or plugged ducts, which could be why you switched to using formulas. The Breast can be pumped if you want to, then you supply your Baby with the milk using their feeding bottle. You also have to avoid cow’s milk, soy, or other foods relating to the cause of your Baby’s condition.
The use of an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
Dehydration usually occurs when your Baby vomits, has diarrhea, or takes little or no formula. This Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) contains salt, sugar, and minerals which replenish the body with enough fluids. You should ask for the type of ORS to use from your Baby’s pediatrician. Using a syringe, you can administer the solution to your Baby!
Temperature Storage For Your Baby Formula
This should be done by filling a bowl with warm water and placing your baby bottle inside. When you microwave, it can cause a ” hot spot,” which could burn your Baby. You as well hold the bottle under warm tap water. In order to ensure that it is not too hot to feed your Baby, you can sprinkle a few drops of the formula to know if it is not too hot.
Conclusion
When your Baby shows the Signs of Formula Intolerance, do not hesitate to go for a change or see your Baby’s pediatrician immediately for more diagnosis and treatment. Also, avoid the use of Baby Formula containing harmful ingredients!
Related Post: