The right infant formula for one child will create discomfort in another. When you first make the switch, it’s normal to follow the “trial and error” approach until you get the formula for your baby.
Because many people buy the wrong brand at the beginning, many households are left with large tubs they can no longer use. If that sounds like you visit Sell Formula, a company that will buy and sell your formula so another family can use what you can’t.
But how do you know if the formula is right? Here are some helpful tips.
Understanding “Partially Hydrolyzed”
Generally speaking, the baby formula comes in three types – Standard/Full, Partially Hydrolyzed, and Fully Hydrolyzed.
A standard or full formula contains protein that hasn’t been broken. Milk straight from the cow or soybean.
For most healthy babies, these untampered proteins are easy to digest. However, if your baby has any digestive issues they may find the size of the protein too large. That’s when you move onto a partially hydrolyzed version.
Partially hydrolyzed formula breaks down the protein to make it easier to digest. This formula type is particularly great for newborns or infants who are clearly in discomfort when full.
The last option is mostly aimed at children with milk allergies. The fully hydrolyzed formula is often recommended by a doctor and is suggested for children with severe digestive issues. The proteins are broken down so much that they shouldn’t trigger a reaction.
As a rule of thumb, use standard baby formula first, and then switch to partially hydrolyzed if you notice some discomfort.
Formula For Infants Who Constantly Spit Up
Babies with acid reflux often have trouble digesting large amounts of protein. To reduce the spit-up, you can either move onto a partially hydrolyzed formula or you can use a high whey content option.
Milk proteins are either casein or whey. Whey will stay liquid while in your child’s stomach, making it easier to digest.
If you pick a formula that is over 50% whey, then your child may have an easier time moving their milk through their system.
Alternatively, if this is creating more spit-up, go for a strong casein option. Casein thickens the formula and helps keep the milk down. Your child may react better to one option than the other. Try one, and if that doesn’t help switch to the other.
Formula For Infants With Eczema
Child eczema can occur for a myriad of reasons. When it comes to food, the cause could be allergies. Make sure you’re using partially hydrolyzed milk. Like before, switch between whey and casein to see which helps your baby the most.
Don’t confuse “partially hydrolyzed” with “a blend of partially hydrolyzed and full-sized”. The last description is often found on generic brands and is not helpful. If a child cannot digest the full-sized protein, then giving it to them (even partially) will not help them.
Formula For Infants Who Are Constantly Constipated
If your baby is often constipated, it could be because of palm oil. Palm oil is a commonly used oil in these formulas but many children with sensitive stomachs cannot handle their side effects.
These side effects include an increase in firm stool. To get around this, you should either look for a formula that specifically doesn’t include palm oil or ask your doctor for a fully hydrolyzed formula.
How To Switch Brands
If you need to switch brands or even formula types, you should do so slowly. Decrease the amount of the original formula you’re using and mix in a top-up of your new formula.
Take it slow and wait for your child to adjust to the new formula amount before moving on to a bigger change in ratio.
If you can’t see any difference, wait 3 days and then decrease the original and increase the new formula.
If you notice some discomfort from the change, wait a week and see if it settles. Once settled, change the ratios. If the discomfort is worse try a new formula.
How Do I Know Which Formula Is Right?
By now, you should have a general idea of what ingredients you should be looking for. Here are some physical examples of positive or negative changes. Keep an eye on these areas:
- Change in sleep
- Change in stool/diapers
- Agitation
- Spit up
- Rejecting/Accepting the formula.
Final Thoughts
Don’t worry if it takes you a while to get the right formula. Every child is different and will react to the milk in different ways. If you need help, talk to your doctor.
