Breastmilk is always ideal way to feed your child, but for many parents, full
time breastfeeding may not be an option. For instance, babies may develop food
intolerances or allergies. Formula-fed babies may show symptoms because of
milk proteins or soy proteins in infant formula.
This is what formula milk is for, as a supplement to breastmilk if it is not
available at the time. Choosing the right formula brand can be stressful as
what goes into your baby can directly impact their health, especially if those
formulas contain harmful ingredients.
Milk Allergy vs Lactose Intolerance
For milk allergies, the baby’s immune system reacts negatively to the proteins
in cow’s milk. Breastfed babies are reacting to the dairy his mother has eaten
(the milk proteins pass through breast milk), while formula-fed babies are
reacting to the cow’s milk proteins in the formula. In either case, a baby's
immune system sees the cow’s milk proteins as foreign substances.
Milk intolerance, on the other hand, has nothing to do with cow’s milk
proteins or the immune system, and instead has to do with the digestive
system. Your child might have loose stools or blood in stool hours or days
later.
How Do I Know If My Baby Has A Milk Allergy?
If your baby shows the following symptoms, do see your pediatrician to check if
your baby has a milk allergy.
- Frequent spitting up
-
Vomiting
- Signs of abdominal pain, or colic-like symptoms, such as
excessive crying and irritability (especially after feedings)
- Diarrhea
-
Blood in stool
- Hives
- A scaly skin rash
- Coughing or
wheezing
- Watery eyes and stuffy nose
- Trouble breathing or a bluish
skin color
- Swelling (especially of the mouth and throat)
Which Formula Is Best For Milk Allergy?
A. Soy Formula
1. Enfamil ProSobee Lactose Free Formula
- Designed for babies who cannot digest cow’s milk proteins.
- Suggested to try Enfamil’s Nutramigen first before switching to soy.
- Uses corn syrup as the first ingredient and vegetable oils as the
second.
- Uses soy protein isolate as the third ingredient, completely avoiding
milk-based products.
- Con : Parents have given feedback that it may cause constipation
We have to use soy based formula because my baby has cow milk intolerance.
It caused really bad constipations on my baby, and I switched the brand
immediately after taking it only for three days. It still took two weeks to
cure it. My baby has no more constipation after using the other brand. And
you can see the corn syrup of this formula is really high, much higher than
the other brand.
2. Similac Soy Isomil : Similac Lactose Free Formula
- For babies who cannot digest cow’s milk proteins.
- Suggested to try Similac’s Alimentum before switching to soy.
- Uses corn syrup as the first ingredient and soy protein as the second
ingredient followed by oils.
- Completely avoids milk products.
- High Linoleic Acid levels
My newborn seems to be adjusting to this milk nicely. He was terribly
gaseous with Neosure, Similac Pro, Alimentum too and I tried Soy Similac and
it’s been very helpful. I also add 1 oz of pear or prune juice to the bottle
to assist him in passing his stool per the Dr. direction and he is no longer
crying and passing extreme gas as before.
2.5 - Enfamil ProSobee vs Similac Soy Isomil
- Both are for babies who cannot digest cow’s milk proteins.
- Suggested to try Enfamil’s Nutramigen or Similac’s Alimentum before
switching to soy.
- Both formulas use corn syrup as the first ingredient.
- Both use soy protein isolate, completely avoiding milk-based products.
Differences
- Enfamil has soy protein as the third ingredient, after corn syrup and
vegetable oils
- Similac uses soy protein as the second ingredient followed by oils
- Similac adds more sugar to their soy formula than Enfamil
- Similac has a higher Linoleic Acid levels
3. Earth’s Best Plant Based Infant Formula
Earth's Best Organic Soy Infant Formula with Omega-3 DHA & Omega-6 ARA
fatty acids is lactose free. Made from organic soy beans grown without
prohibited pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. it is iron fortified for red
blood cell development and contains DHA and ARA, two fatty acids found in
breast milk that help support brain and eye health.
- Soy Based Powder
- Infant Formula with Iron
- Lactose Free
- Non-GMO
- Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA
- Easy-to-digest and nutritionally complete for baby's first twelve months
- High quality protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals & essential
fatty acids (DHA & ARA) to help support baby’s brain & eye
development
- No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or potentially harmful
synthetic pesticides/herbicides
- Kosher & Non-GMO (no genetically modified ingredients)
Note: Claim approval for Non-GMO was given on June 8th, 2012 with
certificate number C003742-NOPHTR-10.
I breastfeed my 3 month old, but I've had issues with my milk supply since
she was born so I supplement with formula if needed. I tried this formula
after receiving it from Influenster, and the results were amazing. My
normally gassy and cranky baby was calm and happy after her bottle. It made
me realize that the cows milk I drink is upsetting my baby's tummy through
my breastmilk. I never thought to try a soy based formula, so I'm super
thankful for receiving this to sample. It has all the important nutrients
that formula should have, only its NON GMO and SOY based rather than milk
based. I have now removed cows milk out of my diet for the sake of my baby's
tummy issues, and will absolutely continue to supplement with Earth's Best
Non GMO Soy formula.
These formulas offer complete nutrition for infants who are allergic to cow’s
milk protein. Casein is a cow's milk protein that is a common cause for
allergy symptoms. Extensively hydrolyzed formulas break casein into pieces.
About 90% of babies with cow’s milk allergy will tolerate these formulas.
4. Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Milk Formula
- Enfamil Nutramigen (with Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Formula for
Cow’s Milk Allergy)
- Enfamil Nutramigen has been clinically proven to reduce colic caused by
an allergy to cow’s milk in about two days.
- Enfamil Nuramigen claims to reduce future incidences of cow’s milk
allergies.
- For babies who are allergic or show colicky symptoms to cow's milk, which
have proteins that are more difficult to digest than human breastmilk.
- Has casein hydrolysate (milk), which are smaller, more digestible proteins
derived from larger cow’s milk proteins.
- Uses sugars to aid in digestion, mainly corn syrup
At first it worked. But my son has milk protein allergy and this formula
still have milk in it. If my son was just colicky, this formula would be it.
But since he has the allergy as well, it didn’t work 100%. Also very
pricey.
5. Similac Alimentum Hypoallergenic Milk Formula - Best Similac Formula
for Constipation
- For babies who are allergic or show colicky symptoms to cow's milk, which
have proteins that are more difficult to digest than human breastmilk.
- Contain casein hydrolysate (milk), which are smaller, more digestible
proteins derived from larger cow’s milk proteins.
- Uses sugars to aid in digestion
- Claims that their easy to digest formula can reduce colic symptoms in at
least one day.
- Has no lactose, but still contains other milk products.
- Uses corn maltodextrin sugar on top of other sugars, overall has more sugar
content than Enfamil.
- Has a high level of Linoleic Acid
- Cons : Bad smell
Let me start by saying that I hate almost everything about this
product, except the fact that it works. We had to switch from regular
formula to Alimentum at the recommendation of the pediatrician due to
lactose issues causing bloody stool. This worked and stopped the problem
almost immediately. He actually enjoyed drinking this stuff for the six
months until we could ween him onto other foods.
I'm giving this formula an overall three stars. Five stars for a
product that works, and one star for expensive price and the horrible
smell.
Similac Alimentum Price, 12oz
Enfamil Nutramigen vs Similac Alimentum
- For babies who are allergic or show colicky symptoms to cow's milk, which
have proteins that are more difficult to digest than human breastmilk.
- Both use casein hydrolysate (milk), which are smaller, more digestible
proteins derived from larger cow’s milk proteins.
- Both use sugars to aid in digestion
Differences
- Enfamil Nutramigen has been clinically proven to reduce colic caused by an
allergy to cow’s milk in about two days.
- Enfamil Nuramigen claims to reduce future incidences of cow’s milk
allergies.
- Similac Alimentum claims that their easy to digest formula can reduce colic
symptoms in at least one day.
- Has no lactose, but still contains other milk products.
- Enfamil Nutramigen uses corn syrup
- Similac Alimentum uses corn maltodextrin sugar on top of other sugars, thus
Similac has more sugars than Enfamil.
- Similac Alimentum has a higher level of Linoleic Acid than Enfamil
Nutramigen
6. Gerber Good Start Hypoallergenic Formula
Of all infant food allergies, cow’s milk protein allergy, or CMPA, is the most
common. It occurs when a baby’s immune system reacts to the proteins in cow’s
milk. You can feel confident that Gerber Good Start Extensive HA with Iron is
clinically shown to be hypoallergenic, and is made with all the essential
nutrients needed to promote adequate growth.
- Infant Formula with Iron
- Designed for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy (CPMA)
- Hypoallergenic Nutrition
This hypoallergenic formula is designed for babies with cow’s milk protein
allergies (CMPA). If your baby is suspected to have or is diagnosed with
CMPA, your baby’s doctor might recommend changing from a routine formula to
a hypoallergenic extensively hydrolyzed infant formula
- For Cow's Milk Protein Allergy
Cow’s milk protein allergy is the most common allergy among infants. This
formula features 100 percent high-quality whey protein, broken down into
tiny pieces and is designed to be well-tolerated
Before you give up, try this. My son spent the first 12 weeks of his life
sick from formulas. He was allergic to lactose we tried regular similac,
soy, gentle ease, etc. until we tried the HAs. He first went on Nutramigen
which gave him the diaper rash from hell. His skin was peeling off. We
switched to alumentum and he didn’t poop for days. So the doctor recommended
Elecare which he refused to drink and choked on to the point that I almost
had a nervous breakdown. His pediatrician randomly gave us this to try in
samples from her office. It was the best accident that could’ve ever
happened. 1. He drank it easily 2. No diaper rash 3. Regular poops. It takes
a few days for the gas to go away but he’s been on this for 2 months now and
he’s a new baby. We add probiotic drops (mommy’s bliss brand) to one bottle
a day and I swear the combo is a godsend.
Amino acid-based formulas offer complete nutrition for babies who need
additional nutrition support. These formulas are appropriate for children who
are unable to tolerate extensively hydrolyzed formulas. Because these formulas
do not contain any intact proteins, they are tolerated by most children. Amino
acid-based formulas are also known as “elemental” formulas.
7. Elecare Hypoallergenic Formula
- Complete Nutrition For Severe Food Allergies
- Amino Acid-based Infant Formula
IMPROVED SYMPTOMS: Well-tolerated formula clinically proven to help improve
symptoms of severe food allergies and other GI conditions.
SUPPORTS GROWTH: Complete nutrition specially formulated to help growth
& development in infants who need it most.
AMINO ACID-BASED FORMULA: Made with 100% free amino acids as the protein
source for infants who cannot tolerate intact or hydrolyzed protein.
BRAND: Recommended by pediatric gastroenterologists; clinically shown to
support growth and development.
THE CHOICE IS CLEAR: A trusted amino acid-based, hypoallergenic formula that
has DHA and ARA
We loved this. My son had allergic colitis. Dairy and soy caused ulcers in
his colon and the ulcers would bleed. We would find blood in his stools and
jelly like clots. He was born 6lbs 2oz but two weeks after birth he was down
to 5lbs 6oz. We couldn't figure out why he was having such a hard time. The
pediatricians kept giving us soy and Alimentum but to no avail. He continued
to bleed. Eventually our GI doctor suggested Elecare and gave us a few cans
to try. She warned us that it was very expensive and never heard of anyone
getting it covered by medical insurance. I purchased a can from Amazon once
or twice. Eventually I found it too costly and called my health insurance
and begged for coverage. I explained that we had no other options on feeding
him. (Even my breast milk caused the bleeding.) The coverage nurse agreed it
was necessity and Electra was billed as a medical supply. If your baby
really needs this to thrive, please consider contacting your health
insurance. All we had to do was order the shipment and 9 cans would come per
month.
8. PurAmino Hypoallergenic Infant Drink
- With Omega-3, DHA, Iron
SUITABLE FOR TUBE FEEDING: Puramino Jr is appropriate for both oral and tube
feeding.
FROM ENFAMIL: PurAmino is an iron-fortified, hypoallergenic, amino
acid-based infant formula for the dietary management of infants with severe
cow’s milk protein allergy (CMA), not effectively managed by an extensively
hydrolyzed formula
SUITABLE FOR MANY DIETARY CONDITIONS: PurAmino is also suitable for other
conditions that may require an elemental diet including - Eosinophilic
esophagitis, Short bowel syndrome, Malabsorption, Protein maldigestion
NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE FORMULA: For infants and toddlers 0-24 months with
DHA and ARA, nutrients also found in breast milk that promotes brain and eye
development
EXPERT RECOMMENDED DHA: PurAmino has expert recommended DHA which provides
brain-building nutrition
HYPOALLERGENIC: 100% Amino-Acid based, iron-fortified formula, suitable
for infants & toddlers with lactose intolerance
Only thing my son can drink. What I didn’t know after months n months of
purchasing these on here. Is that you can have ur pediatrician sign a paper
and send it to your insurance company. And they pay for everything and have
it sent directly to your home.
9. Alfamino Infant Amino Acid Based Formula with Iron
Alfamino is a hypoallergenic amino acid based infant formula designed for
infants with cow's milk protein allergy, multiple food allergies or
malabsorptive conditions.
Nutritionally Complete Formula : Alfamino provides essential
nutrients that infants need for growth and development and has a unique
fat blend containing medium chain triglycerides (MCT) to facilitate fat
absorption.
Hypoallergenic Pediatric Formula : Appropriate for conditions
of severe malabsorption, Alfamino formulas offer unique compositions with
tailored nutrient profiles and highly selective ingredients.
Use Under Medical Supervision : Alfamino Infant Formula is easy to
digest and is lactose free and gluten free
- For infants 0 to 12 months
So thankful for this formula. My infant has FPIES and malabsorption and
this is the only elemental formula with 10% more MCT oil than the others
and actually helps him gain weight. He can tolerate it much better
digestively and it doesn’t smell anywhere as bad as other elemental
formulas so I can only imagine it tastes better as well.
FAQs
1. How do I stop my baby from vomiting after feeding?
- Avoid overfeeding. If the baby's stomach is too full, some of the contents
might be pushed back out. To reduce overfeeding, feed your baby smaller
amounts more frequently.
- Burp your baby frequently. Extra gas in the stomach causes gas bubbles to
escape, which has a tendency to bring the rest of the stomach's contents up
as well. Burp after and during meals.
- Limit active play after meals
- Hold your baby upright. Pressing on a baby's belly right after feeding may
push their stomach contents out.
- Consider the formula. Frequent vomiting may serve as one of several signs
that it's time to consider alternative formulas with your
pediatrician.
- Give oatmeal. Only recommended for babies after 6 months old. Babies with
reflux may need thicker food to order to swallow safely or reduce
reflux.
2. What to do after baby throws up?
- Rest their stomach. Keep your baby from eating or drinking for 30 to 60
minutes after vomiting so that their stomach has time to recover.
- Give them fluids. after 3o minutes, start by giving your baby small
amounts (0.5 oz or less) of fluid every 5 to 10 minutes. If your baby vomits
the fluid out, wait another 30 minutes. Then start again with small amounts
of fluid every 5 to 10 minutes. Use water, breast milk or a clear,
noncarbonated liquid.
- Medicines. If your child has a fever, ask your pediatrician for the
appropriate medication.
3. When Will My Baby's Reflux Go Away?
A normal baby with mild acid reflux may spit up after feedings, but usually
isn’t irritable. This problem usually stops after 12 months.
4. How To Soothe Baby Acid
Reflux
- Rest their stomach. Keep your baby from eating or drinking for 30 to 60
minutes after vomiting so that their stomach has time to recover.
- Give them fluids. after 3o minutes, start by giving your baby small
amounts (0.5 oz or less) of fluid every 5 to 10 minutes. If your baby vomits
the fluid out, wait another 30 minutes. Then start again with small amounts
of fluid every 5 to 10 minutes. Use water, breast milk or a clear,
noncarbonated liquid.
- Medicines. If your child has a fever, ask your pediatrician for the
appropriate medication.
5. How can I treat my baby's reflux naturally?
- Avoid overfeeding. If the baby's stomach is too full, some of the
contents might be pushed back out. To reduce overfeeding, feed your baby
smaller amounts more frequently.
- Burp your baby frequently. Extra gas in the stomach causes gas bubbles
to escape, which has a tendency to bring the rest of the stomach's
contents up as well. Burp after and during meals.
- Limit active play after meals
- Hold your baby upright. Pressing on a baby's belly right after feeding
may push their stomach contents out.
- Consider the formula. Frequent vomiting may serve as one of several
signs that it's time to consider alternative formulas with your
pediatrician.
- Give oatmeal. Only recommended for babies after 6 months old. Babies
with reflux may need thicker food to order to swallow safely or reduce
reflux.
- Avoid tight diapers or clothing
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