All babies are unique – and that includes their little tummies. The formula that works well for one baby is not necessarily the best choice for another. If you think your baby isn’t tolerating her formula well, talk to your pediatrician to see if a switch might be in order. These are some of the signs to look for:
1. Lots and lots of spit-up: A little spit-up is perfectly normal, but a lot can mean something else is going on. If your baby is healthy except for his frequent spitting up, give Similac® For Spit-Up a try. It is clinically shown to reduce frequent spit-up by 54 percent!
2. Excessive fussiness after feedings: Some babies will fuss and fret for no apparent reason after a bottle. They seem to love their formula when it’s going down but then cry about it when they’re done, even when they’ve been burped. This fussiness could mean your baby is sensitive to the lactose in regular formula. Soy-based formulas have been clinically shown to reduce feeding problems. Similac® Soy Isomil® may help with the fussing.
3. Painful gas: All babies pass gas and most have their fussy times. But some babies are especially gassy, and you will surely know it if yours is one of the unlucky ones. More often than not, it’s just a matter of a developing digestive system and he’ll grow out of it. But in the meantime, try Similac Sensitive®, which provides complete nutrition while reducing fussiness, gas, and spit-up.
4. A combination of lots of fussiness, gas, and spit-up: When your baby is experiencing overall discomfort, whether it’s crying, fussing or spitting, it’s possible that the formula you’re using is not the right one. Try Similac Total Comfort™ with partially broken-down protein that helps promote easy digestion.
5. Skin rashes, diarrhea, eczema, or stool changes: These are more serious symptoms that definitely require a doctor’s care since they can indicate a true allergy. Your pediatrician may have you switch to a hypoallergenic formula like Similac Expert Care Alimentum, which contains a predigested protein that virtually eliminates allergic reactions in most babies who are allergic to cow’s milk protein.
When your pediatrician okays the switch in formula, ask how you should transition. Sometimes a gradual shift is best, mixing the new formula with the old one over the course of a few days until you’re offering bottles just the new formula. Also keep in mind that you shouldn’t expect immediate results. It will likely take several days on the new formula to see any changes. Make sure you monitor stools and pay attention to any other changes in your baby’s behavior during the process.
If you’re unsure of what kind of tummy trouble your baby is suffering, take a look at the Similac® Tummy Trouble Tool to help gauge what’s going on.
Have you changed your baby’s formula? How did it go?
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