A.H. asks from Lake Forest, CA on July 23, 2008
Formula Recommendations
I posted earlier today about a gassy baby and my husband and I want to try and change his formula. We are currently using Nestle Goodstart Natural Cultures and I like that it doesn't constipate our 7.5 week old, but he seems to have a hard time processing it. I would love some recommendations of formulas that worked for moms with fussy, gassy babies. Thanks so much!
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R.H. answers from Los Angeles on July 24, 2008
My pediatrician recommended Enfamil's Nutramigen for my very gassy, colicky baby. He was a new baby in a few days! It is expensive, but totally worth it. We kept him on it until he was 9 months old.
J.L. answers from San Diego on July 24, 2008
Hi A., I used Simulac with all 3 of my babies, and we had no problems, I do recamend that you don't use soy formula. J.
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R.H. answers from Los Angeles on July 24, 2008
My pediatrician recommended Enfamil's Nutramigen for my very gassy, colicky baby. He was a new baby in a few days! It is expensive, but totally worth it. We kept him on it until he was 9 months old.
J.V. answers from Los Angeles on July 24, 2008
I had a very gassy baby and switched to GentleEase by Enfamil. My daughter loved it and was such a different baby within just a day or two. She went from being gassy and very constipated to being able to poop 3-4 times a day easily. Each baby is different though and you will just need to try until you find what works. I know that is hard when you have an unhappy baby, but it really is the way to do it. Just make sure you give the formula (or whatever you try) time to work. Also, we also found that part of our problem was the bottle she was using. She was unable to latch on to the wide nipple of the Avent bottle completely and she was sucking in air through the sides of her mouth. We switched to the standard Dr. Brown's and have had great results - they let no air in and she could latch on completely.
As for those that question your decision (and it is YOUR decision) not to breastfeed, do not let them get to you. They are ignorant of your individual situation so they cannot possibly know what is best for you and your baby. I got a lot of that and I used to get frustrated with it - their lack of knowledge on the fact that I adopted my daughter just enhanced the point that if they didn't know me well enough to know that my daughter was adopted, what made them think they knew me well enough to tell me what to do.
Good luck to you!
L.A. answers from Los Angeles on July 24, 2008
Breast feed, it's made for them specifically.
L.W. answers from Las Vegas on July 23, 2008
A.,
I would contact your pediatrician and see what they advise using in the situation. Most peds will recommend a hypoallergenic formula in a situation like yours. Most of the formulas that are hypoallergenic are very pricey. I would see if maybe your ped has some samples before you go out and buy some. I think something like allementum or nuetramugen would work. Good luck.
S.P. answers from San Diego on July 24, 2008
I had the exact same thing happen with my 2nd baby. Long story short I ended up switching her to soy formula. This was after trying the low lactose, etc...a bunch of them. So, the soy constipated her so badly that I finally found one that worked!! GoodStart makes a Soy formula that is the best ever. It doesn't smell and best of all she was never gassy again and not constipated. So, that worked for us. Good luck to you.
C.L. answers from Las Vegas on July 24, 2008
A., obviously trying the natural breastfeeding nursing would be best. I was an adoptive mom and didn't have that option so I did my research on formulas. I'm kind of a natural organic, homeopathic nut so I was introduced to the concept of making my own formula. I know it sounds wierd, but it was the BEST thing we've done. It may sound complicated, but is so easy and believe it or not LESS EXPENSIVE than buying formula at $100-$150 a month! Anyway, just thought I'd share that option with you. Here is the website link: http://www.westonaprice.org/children/recipes.html
Best wishes!
C.~
C.M. answers from Los Angeles on July 24, 2008
You need to speak with your pediatrician before switching formulas. Although some moms have given you good advice on what worked for their kids, your child may not have the same symptoms as their kids and may not need to be switched to the same formula as theirs. Your ped. will know what formula will work best for his condition. good Luck!!
S.H. answers from Los Angeles on July 24, 2008
My son had the same problems with the Natural Cultures (plus it made my little one gassy). Try the regular supreme Nestle Good Start formula (orange label) it worked the best for us and didn't smell like Enfamil (even the gentle ease formula did not sit right with my baby) or Similac.
Good luck! I know how frustrating the wrong food can be.
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