Best Formula for Colic – What Is The Best In The Market
I still remember those stressful moments of my second child Lucie crying non-stop because of colic. I tried multiple soothing methods that didn’t work until my pediatrician told me it may be caused by baby formula. Before we touch on the best formula for colic, let’s look at what is colic and the cause of it among newborns.
Table of Contents
Formula For Colic Babies List
Here is the list:
- Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease Baby Formula– Best Partially-Hydrolyzed Formula for Colic
- Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Colic Baby Formula – Best Hypoallergenic Lactose-Free Formula for Colic
- Enfamil ProSeBee Colic Baby Formula– Best Soy-Based Formula for Colic
- Enfamil NeuroPro Baby Formula Plus Probiotics – Best Probiotics Formula for Colic
- Enfamil PurAmino amino acid-based formula – Best Amino Acid Based Formula for Colic
What Is Colic
Colic comes from a Greek word, kolikos which also means colon. As a result, for years it has been thought to be an intestinal problem. About 20-25 percent of a newborn will have long periods of colic in the first few months. your baby may have long periods of extreme fussiness for no obvious reason.
What Causes Colic In Babies
Many experts have blamed it on immature digestive systems, immature nervous systems, hyper-sensitivities, allergies, and even maternal anxiety. However, most of them are still theories and many experts cannot agree on the cause of colic. One thing is for certain is it is absolutely not mom’s fault
How Do I Know If My Baby Has Colic
Many pediatricians and baby experts use the rule of three. If your baby is less than three months old, cries for three or more hours at a time, and three or more days per week, they may have colic. Take your baby to your pediatrician to rule out any medical issue that could be making them cry besides colic.
How Do You Get Rid Of Colic In Babies
Most babies will outgrow this behavior by three months. Here are a few techniques you can try to soothe your colicky baby.
- Swaddle your baby
- Offer a soothing tool like a pacifier
- Turn on a white-noise machine
- Make sure the baby basic needs are met including feeding, changing of clothes, burping, or sufficient sleep
- Put on some relaxing music
- Take a walk in the stroller
How Do You Treat a Formula Fed Baby With Colic
The great thing for formula-fed babies is that there are several baby formulas in the market suitable for your colicky baby. We recommend going for reputable brands to ensure safety for your little one. Read on to see what are types of formula are suitable for a baby with colic.
Some babies have lactose intolerance which means they have a reduced ability to digest milk sugar. This is caused by insufficient amounts of a gut enzyme called lactase. Both breastfed and formula-fed babies can encounter lactose intolerance and diarrhea can be a symptom of it. Reducing the levels of lactose in a baby’s feeds has been clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of colic associated with lactose intolerance.
Mild Lactose Intolerance
There are baby formulas in the market that are suitable for mild lactose intolerant babies. If your baby is only having mild lactose intolerant, you can go for either the reduced-lactose formula or the partially-hydrolyzed formula.
A great option is a partially-hydrolyzed formula. According to a medical study although published several years ago is still relevant, formulas based on partially hydrolyzed whey proteins or casein have been tested to be effective against colic in babies. (Source)
The Enfamil Gentlease is a good option in this category. As hydrolyzed proteins are easier to digest, they are suitable for infants that have problems digesting lactose.
Lactose Intolerance
If your baby happens to be fully lactose intolerant, you may need to consider lactose free formula options in the market.
The Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Colic Baby Formula contains casein as one of their ingredients which are tested to be effective against colic in babies. If you want to avoid extra sugars in your baby milk formula, this is a lactose and sucrose-free formula with iron.
According to their statistics, 90% of babies start seeing colic improvement within 48 hours. They are hypoallergenic and designed for babies that cannot handle any lactose.
Probiotics
This is another formula option for colicky babies The use of probiotics in infantile colic is based upon the hypothesis that aberrant intestinal microflora could cause gut dysfunction and gas production, contributing to symptoms. (Source)
At present, more data is available on the role of probiotics in colic. A recent clinical study has shown probiotics can help reduce crying in breastfed babies with colic. (Source)
If you feel that your baby colic issues have nothing to do with lactose intolerance, you may like to try out the Enfamil NeuroPro Baby Formula Milk Powder. It is the only baby formula that has a fat-protein blend of MFGM and Omega 3 DHA, previously only found in breast milk.
These similar nutrients found in breast milk help with your little one’s cognitive development. Additionally, the probiotics in the formula can help reduce crying for your colicky baby and improve their immune support.
Amino-Acid Based Formula
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are completely non-allergenic. A clinical study carried out earlier this year on 6 infants with colic has shown improvements after changing their milk diet and taking solely Enfamil PurAmino amino acid-based infant formula. (Source)
This is one of the best amino acid-based lactose-free formula in the market which contains DHA, ARA and is less likely to cause allergic response compared to other brands. They are a good alternative option for you to consider for your colicky baby against the previously mentioned formulas above.
Soy Formulas
One of the best formulas for lactose intolerant babies is Enfamil ProSobee Soy Baby Formula. This a soy-based formula that contains the complete nutrition your baby needs to reach key milestones is gentle on your baby’s digestive system. It is milk-free which makes it suitable for babies that are sensitive to milk
Despite limited indications for its use, soy formula accounts for 12 percent of formula sales in the United States for infants. (Source) These formulas are made with corn-based carbohydrate and soy protein, making them free of lactose and cows milk protein. Many parents report that this improves digestibility.
Soy formula may also be used by strict vegan families who wish to avoid animal protein. AAP guidelines also show that soy formula may not be really effective for colicky babies.
In Summary
This is a very stressful time for mommies to deal with, babies with colic. Make sure you get help from your families and friends to get a one or two hour break every day to ease the stress and pressure that you will find yourself under
Constant crying can make any parent feel at a loss, as well as feeling angry and resentful which is normal. Keeping reminding yourself that colic has nothing to do with how you are treating your baby, it is a stage of development, and looking for causes and overcoming these will assist you in getting through this stressful time for both you and your baby.
What is the formula you used for colic? Drop a comment below.
Related Posts: You may also be keen on Best Formula for Sensitive Tummy and Constipation and what is the best choice on Nanny vs Daycare.
| Disclaimer: The above information on the best formula for colic may or may not solve your colicky baby problem. I am presenting this information as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and am not liable for its accuracy nor for any loss or damage caused by a user’s reliance on this information. Always seek your pediatrician for advice if needed. |
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