Your Formula Fed Baby and Colic - Changes You Can Make To Alleviate Colic Symptoms

This screaming can last for hours and usually happens at the same time of day every day. Both you and your baby are very stressed. Unfortunately, it sounds like you have a colicky baby.

Colic will rear it's ugly head in about 25% of all newborns and the causes can be very varied, from immature nervous system to an immature digestive system. The colic will slowly disappear, usually around the age of three months, but the time between three weeks and three months can cause many tears and much stress for both the baby and the parents.

For the formula fed baby, a main cause of colic can be a sensitivity to the protein in cow's milk or, in fewer cases, the sugar in milk based formulas. The baby may not have enough of the enzyme required to break down milk protein which results in a build up of gas in the intestines. This build up can cause the intestines to go into painful spasms.

If you formula feed, there are some steps you can take to help alleviate the colic. Many times changing the type of formula you are giving your baby can make a dramatic change. Be sure to keep the communication with your pediatrician open during this colic period. She will be able to make sure that cause for the colic type behaviors is not a more serious illness.

Please note: It can take up to a week for the formulas to create a change in your baby. Rapidly changing from one formula to another will most likely create a temporary situation where the colic is worse, not better. Also know, that there may be a day or two where the colic seems worse instead of better while your child's system gets used to the new formula.

One of the first formulas you can try on your quest for a less colicky baby is Carnation Good Start. This formula has "Comfort Proteins" and the proteins are then broken down into smaller pieces, within the formula, to be easier to digest in baby's? stomach.

If you baby has a true sensitivity/allergy to the proteins in cow's milk then the particular formula will not be effective. Either your baby will be much better after you start using this formula or the screaming will get much worse. Unfortunately there is no real way of telling which result you will have until you try it.

The next step on the formula trail is to move onto soy based formulas. This may work for some babies, but about half of the infants that are allergic to cow's milk will also have a reaction to the proteins found in soy based formulas.

Most formula milks are based on cows' milk protein, but you can purchase soya-based formula in case your baby exhibits an intolerance to regular formula - speak to your GP or health visitor first if you feel your baby has difficulties digesting the formula you are utilizing.

Many people buy their own formula milk (also known as simply 'formula') in powder form in big tubs, even though you can also purchase ready--mixed formula, which is helpful for holidays or even other times whenever mixing your own is bothersome.

You should definitely select the type of formula suitable for your own baby- it ought to be clear in the labelling on the tub which is among the most suitable.