When your little one is feeling fussy or uncomfortable after a feeding, they're going to let you know about it. It's their way of telling you something's not right. This is when you start to think about what the problem could be and how you can help solve it.
For many babies, this means switching to a specialty formula. But, just like regular formulas, not all specialty formulas are made the same. Each is meant to target specific problems and let your baby feel better.
We're going to take a closer look at what these formulas are as well as why your baby may need a specialty formula and the safest way to make the transition.
Reasons Why Babies May Need Specialty Formulas
The need to switch to a specialty formula is different for all babies. Here are some of the most frequent feeding challenges babies and parents face:
- Colic
If your baby has colic you definitely know it! Colic is when a healthy baby cries intensely for a very long time. As many as 1 in 4 babies may have colic. If your baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks, it's generally assumed they have colic. Sometimes this can be attributed to a digestive issue, gas, or a sensitivity in the baby's diet. Typically, colic resolves in 4 months.
- Reflux (GER/GERD)
While all babies spit up from time to time, not all babies have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is described as a reflux that becomes more frequent and severe. It can not only be uncomfortable but can also lead to poor weight gain and other problems. Signs of GERD can include excessive irritability during or after feedings, arching of the back, choking or gagging, and even refusal to eat due to discomfort.
GERD can also cause coughing as well as wheezing, and colic.
- Allergies/Sensitivities
Babies can be allergic to something in their formula or breast milk. If this is the case, usually babies have an allergy to cow's milk protein (CMPA). It's important to note that CMPA is not to be confused with cow milk intolerance. Cow's milk protein allergies are common in infancy, affecting around 5–7% of formula-fed babies, whereas cow milk intolerance (or lactose intolerance) is very rare. Some parents confuse them as being the same thing because they share similar presentations of symptoms. However, they are very different. Lactose intolerance is an issue of digestion, whereas CMPA is caused by an aggravated immune system.
Symptoms of an allergy or sensitivity can range from breaking out in rashes and hives to vomiting and diarrhea. It's important to note, babies with CMPA are likely to be also sensitive to goat's milk. Even though goat's milk has lower lactose and is easier to digest, it is still advisable to consider hypoallergenic formula options.
- Digestive Issues
Since a baby's digestive system is still developing, they can deal with gas, bloating, or constipation. These types of digestive issues can make for one fussy baby! Sometimes a different formula can make a world of difference!
How to Choose the Right Specialty Formula
- Monitor Your Baby's Feedings
Keep an eye on how your baby reacts after feedings. Spitting up and excessive crying can all be symptoms that your baby needs a specialty formula. Keep a journal of their symptoms so you can present it to the pediatrician.
- Consult with a Pediatrician
A consultation with your pediatrician should help you determine what type of problem you're dealing with. Once you've determined what the problem is, your pediatrician may recommend switching to a specialty baby formula. You should not switch your baby to one of these formulas without first consulting with your pediatrician.
- Read Labels Carefully
Pay attention to labels and read the ingredients. You want to make sure that your baby is not ingesting an ingredient that they may be allergic to.
- Be Open to Adjustments
You may need to try a couple of specialty formulas before finding the one that works for your baby. Realizing this can help you to be more aware of how your baby's digestive system is adjusting to the switch. You may want to try sample sizes of formulas until you find the right one.
Types of Specialty Baby Formulas
Hypoallergenic Formulas
If your baby is dealing with an allergy, your pediatrician may recommend a hypoallergenic formula. These formulas can be a real game changer because they use hydrolyzed protein. This means the milk proteins are broken down into tiny pieces. When this happens, the immune system can not detect the proteins, so they won't cause an allergic reaction. The smaller, more digestible hydrolyzed whey protein paired with a reduced lactose content may reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and crying in babies.
When you choose a European hypoallergenic formula you are not only getting a formula that your baby will be able to digest better, but European formulas also include essential nutrients to support healthy growth and development.
How can my baby benefit from hypoallergenic formulas?
Hypoallergenic formulas can help babies in several ways:
- Make digestion more comfortable
- May help reduce breathing problems
- Can reduce the risk of milk allergy
- May help with acid reflux
Anti-Reflux (AR) Formulas
While hypoallergenic formulas may be able to help with acid reflux, there are specialty formulas geared specifically for this problem. Anti-reflux (AR) formulas contain thickeners to help the formula stay in the baby's tummy rather than come up. This gentle and nutritionally complete formula is made with a base of skimmed milk. It also contains whey, vegetable oils, lactose, and starch. The formula can be used as a complete supplement to breastfeeding or as an additive that enriches your baby's diet with essential nutrients. It contains prebiotics, fatty acids (DHA and ARA), and vitamins A, D, and C that supports development, digestion, and a strong immune system.
Are there side effects to giving my baby an anti-reflux formula?
While anti-reflux formulas can make digestion easier for some babies, they can cause issues for others. Remember, all babies will react differently. Here are some issues you may find:
- Constipation: Some babies experience constipation because of the thicker consistency of this formula. Be sure your baby is getting enough liquids to help prevent this issue.
- Gas: The thickening agents found in these formulas can also cause a baby to become especially gassy.
- Digestive Changes: Your baby's digestive system needs time to adjust to their new formula. Even if it is a specialty formula, their bodies need to get used to the changes. During this time, you may notice changes in their stool consistency and frequency.
Comfort Formulas
Comfort formulas do just what their name suggests. They are extra gentle to comfort tiny tummies that may experience digestive problems. Here are some of the things you can expect from this type of formula:
- Extensively or Partially Hydrolyzed Whey Proteins
Comfort formulas contain partially or extensively hydrolyzed whey proteins. These are broken down into smaller pieces and are easier to digest. This can be great for sensitive stomachs since most formulas contain intact milk proteins which can be more difficult to digest.
- Lower Lactose Content
Reduced lactose levels are common in comfort formulas. This helps with digestion in babies who have trouble digesting lactose. But, if your baby is lactose intolerant, you'll need a completely lactose-free formula.
- Prebiotics and Probiotics
You'll find prebiotics and probiotics in some comfort formulas. This helps with digestion and supports a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
What are the benefits of comfort formulas?
Comfort formulas bring many benefits for babies such as:
- Fewer digestive issues: Using a comfort formula should result in fewer digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and overall fussiness.
- Better feeding habits: If your baby does not associate feeding time with discomfort, they will develop better feeding habits. This can help with the proper weight gain and help them get the necessary nutrients.
- Improved Bowel Movements: Your baby should start having more comfortable bowel movements once they switch to a comfort formula.
Overall, your baby should be happier and more comfortable once they have the right formula that will help their digestion and make their tummies feel better.
If you notice that the comfort formula is doing the opposite of its name and making your baby uncomfortable or if they develop diarrhea, vomiting, or rashes, it's time for a visit to the pediatrician to see what other type of formula they should take.
Lactose-Free Formula
If your baby is lactose intolerant, they will need a lactose-free formula. These formulas replace lactose with other carbohydrates that your baby can safely digest.
Specialty Formula Brands to Try
HiPP Hypoallergenic Formula
HiPP is a well-known German formula brand that dates back over 100 years. HiPP produces a hypoallergenic formula that features low allergenic proteins, no added sugar and is easy to digest. HIPP HA formulas are roughly 87% hydrolyzed. Some people would call this "partially" hydrolyzed and others would call this "fully" or "extensively" hydrolyzed.
While some American formulas are slightly more hydrolyzed (Enfamil Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum), we recommend trying HiPP HA first due to the significantly superior quality.
HiPP HA formula also has Vitamins A, C, and D, as well as Omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids mimic those that are naturally present in breast milk and natural lactic acid. This gentle acid is naturally produced in the gut and helps to promote a healthy immune system. HiPP is available in stages PRE, Stage 1, and Stage 2, so babies can take it from birth to 12 months.
HiPP Stage PRE
The HiPP Stage PRE is made for babies from birth and is specifically geared towards premature babies. It is designed to be easily digestible and is starch-free. HiPP Stage PRE includes the highest-quality organic ingredients and is free from GMOs, artificial colors, and preservatives. You'll also find DHA and ARA, the essential fatty acids that are crucial for brain and eye development.
HiPP Stage 1
Stage 1 is suitable for babies from birth to six months and is often used interchangeably with Stage PRE. It is also starch-free and designed for babies with sensitive tummies. As with the PRE stage, you'll find the highest-quality organic ingredients as well as DHA and ARA, the essential fatty acids that are crucial for brain and eye development. HiPP Stage 1 is also GMO-free and free of artificial colors, and preservatives.
HiPP Stage 2
HiPP's hypoallergenic formula also comes in Stage 2. This formula is specifically for babies 6-12 months old. It is also starch-free but contains a higher iron content, making it ideal for babies transitioning to solid foods. With the Stage 2 formula, you will find all of the essential vitamins and nutrients that the PRE Stage and Stage 1 include.
HiPP Anti-Reflux
HiPP Anti-Reflux is a specialty formula for babies with acid reflux problems and excessive spitting up after feeding. It is naturally thickened with locust bean gum. Many babies can keep this denser formula down more easily than regular formulas. It is also enriched with Vitamins A, C, and D. It contains fish oil and Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
HiPP Comfort
Good for babies of all ages, HiPP Comfort Formula is made for babies with constipation, bloating, gas, and colic. As with the hypoallergenic formulas, the milk proteins are split for easier digestion. It also reduces the risk of allergies caused by whole milk proteins. This formula is 87% hydrolyzed, similar to HiPP HA.
HiPP Comfort has less lactose than HiPP HA. It is also gluten-free. Unlike HiPP HA which uses lactose as the primary carbohydrate, the comfort formula uses a blended carbohydrate base of starch, maltodextrin and lactose. Comfort formula is often considered a "low-lactose" formula and can work well with infants that are also sensitive to lactose levels.
HiPP Comfort also contains essential vitamins and minerals as well as natural acid cultures, and Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are important for a baby's healthy eye and brain development.
FAQ about Specialty Baby Formulas
Is gentle formula and sensitive formula the same?
While they may sound the same, they may not always refer to the same type of formula. Gentle formulas are usually designed to help with digestion while sensitive formulas are made for babies with specific allergies. This is why it's always so important to read labels.
When is it time to consider switching infant formulas?
You should always consult with your pediatrician before switching your baby to any new type of formula.
How long should I use an anti-reflux formula?
This will depend on your baby's needs and symptoms. Some babies outgrow their reflux by the time they are one year old. Always check with your pediatrician for guidance.
The Bottom Line
Babies may need specialty formulas for many issues including colic, acid reflux, and allergies. Keeping an eye on your baby's symptoms after feedings can help you determine what the issue is so you can give them the right formula. Specialty formulas include hypoallergenic, anti-reflex, comfort, and lactose-free formulas. Always consult with your pediatrician before switching to any specialty formula.
