I still remember those stressful moments of my second child Lucie crying non-stop because of colic. I have tried multiple soothing methods which doesn’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 newborn.
Here is the list:
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 per cent of a newborn will have long periods of colic in the first few months. The baby will have long periods of extreme fussiness for no obvious reason.
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
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, he/she may have colic.Take your baby to her pediatrician to rule out any medical issue that could be making he/she cry besides colic.
Most babies will outgrow this behaviour by three months. Here are a few techniques you can try to soothe your colicky baby.
The great thing for formula fed baby is that there are several baby formula 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 the types of formula suitable for baby with colic.
Some babies have lactose intolerance which means they have reduced the 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 diarrhoea can be a symptom of it. (Source) Reducing the levels of lactose in baby’s feeds has been clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of colic associated with lactose intolerance. (Source)
There are 2 types of baby formulas in the market that are suitable for mild lactose intolerant babies. If your baby is only having mild lactose intolernat, you can go for either the reduced-lactose formula or the partially- hydrolyzed formula.
Similac Sensitive for Neuro Support uses sucrose which according to them is a special carbohydrate to replace some of the lactose. They come with an exclusive blend of DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E to help support brain & eye development. However, do note that it is not suitable for infants or children with galactosemia.
Earth’s best organic sensitivity infant formula with iron uses glucose syrup in their ingredients to replace some of the lactose. Furthermore, they contain Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA fatty acids naturally found in breast milk to support brain and eye development. And Iron for healthy development.
According to mummies from forums, the above 2 milk formula are the most effective reduced-lactose formula for their babies.
The other option you have is the partially-hydrolyzed formula. According to a medical study in 2014, formulas based on partially hydrolyzed whey proteins or casein have been tested to be effective against colic in babies. (Source)
The Gerber Goodstart Soothe and Enfamil Gentlease will be a good option in this category. As hydrolyzed proteins are easier to digest, they are suitable for infants that have problems digesting lactose.
If your baby happens to be fully lactose intolerance, you may need to consider lactose free formula options in the market.
The Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Colic Baby Formula contains casein in 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 lactose and sucrose-free formula with iron.
According to their statistics, 90% of babies start seeing colic improvement within 48 hours. Even more, they are hypoallergenic and designed for babies that cannot handle any lactose.
Another popular option you can go for is the Similac Alimentum hypoallergenic infant formula. Similar to Enfamil, the extensively hydrolyzed hypoallergenic formula is designed for babies that cannot tolerate any lactose.
Furthermore, they contain a predigested milk protein that is broken down into tiny pieces to virtually eliminate allergic reactions in most babies who are allergic to cow’s milk protein
This is another formula option for colic 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, growing data are available on the role of probiotics in colic. Recently, a 2018 clinical study have 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 on your little one cognitive development. Furthermore, the probiotics in the formula can help to reduce crying for your colicky baby and improve their immune support.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are completely non-allergenic. A clinical study done on 6 infants with colic have shown improvements after changing their milk diet and taking solely Neocate 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.
Despite limited indications for its use, soy formula accounts for almost 25 percent of formula sales in the United States. (Source) These formulas are made with corn-based carbohydrate and soy protein, making them free of lactose and cows milk protein. Many parents believe that this improves digestibility.
According to a recent guideline from the AAP, the use of soy formula should be limited to infants with galactosemia or congenital lactase deficiency. (Source) Soy formula may also be used by strict vegan families who wish to avoid animal protein. The AAP guideline shows that is soy formula are not really effective for colicky babies.
This is a very stressful moment for mummies to deal with babies with colic. Make sure you get help from your families and friends to get a one to two hours break every day.
Constant crying can make any parent feel angry and resentful which is perfectly normal. Keeping reminding yourself that colic has nothing to do with you. 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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