Colic and Infant Formula

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Crying is an essential communication tool for newborn babies. It can signal a variety of needs, such as hunger, fatigue, discomfort, or the need for attention. While it's normal for infants to have peak crying periods around five to six weeks, tapering down by three to four months, some babies may cry excessively for longer periods.

This condition, known as colic, typically follows the rule of 3: crying for at least 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for at least 3 consecutive weeks. Colic is estimated to affect up to one in five infants, accounting for between 5-19% of all infants.

If your baby is experiencing colic, you might be considering different ways to soothe your baby and relieve symptoms of colic. One such method could involve trying a different formula. The best formula for your little one will depend on their individual needs, but some formulas are designed specifically to help with colic and gas.

For instance, hypoallergenic formula, goat milk formula for colic, or soy-based infant formula might be beneficial for colicky babies. These formulas are made to be gentle on a baby's digestive system and can help reduce symptoms of colic due to cow’s milk allergies. Some of the best baby formulas for colic even contain specific ingredients formulated to help with reflux.

Choosing a formula for your colicky baby can feel overwhelming, given the wide range of formula options available. Whether you're considering European formula, organic baby formula, or a specialized colic formula, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your baby's diet.

Remember, what works best for your baby may not work for another. Every baby is unique, and while one formula may soothe one baby, another may require a different type of formula. Sometimes, it's a matter of trial and error to find the right formula milk for colic.

In addition to changing the formula, using a baby carrier or a baby swing might also help soothe a colicky baby. If breastfeeding, be aware that certain foods in the mother's diet could cause colic symptoms.

When it comes to the formula for colic, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. However, with patience, consultation with health professionals, and careful observation of your baby's response, you can find a formula to help alleviate your baby's colic symptoms.

What Causes Colic in Baby Formula Fed Babies - Choosing the Best Formula

Despite being relatively common, the cause of infant colic is still uncertain. Some of the symptoms of babies that suffer from colic such as pulling legs up to pass gas, tightening of stomach muscles, and stomach bloating suggest that one of the possible causes of colic is diet. It is believed that the presence of allergens or lactose in infant baby formula may contribute to colic in babies. Other research suggests that components from the maternal diet getting into the breast milk is another possible contributing factor to infant colic.

Cow's milk allergy is one of the most common allergies among infants and young children, affecting about 0.5 to 3% of all one-year-old children in developed countries. In the United States, over half of all children under five years with a food allergy have a cow’s milk protein allergy. 

The prevalence of this food allergy may limit the available formula choices for an infant. Many standard infant formulas use cow’s milk protein as the main protein source (casein or whey). For infants who are found to have a cow’s milk protein allergy, infant baby formulas that are soy-based are usually offered as baby formula alternatives. If your baby has a milk allergy and is being fed milk products this could cause colic. Even human milk can cause colic and reflux if the parent is consuming dairy. 

While having a soy-based formula available may be helpful for some infants with a cow’s milk allergy, or colic due to cow's milk, there is a chance that the infant may continue to have formula tolerance issues. Soy protein allergies are not as common as cow’s milk allergies but still affect between 0.4 to 1.2% of children. Some children may have allergies to both cow’s milk and soy protein – research suggests that up to 10-14% of individuals with cow’s milk protein allergy also have an allergy to soy protein. Finding out these allergies can potentially reduce colic in little ones. 

Even in the absence of a cow’s milk allergy, the lactose or milk sugar present in infant baby formula may be a source of discomfort and colic symptoms. Some infants experience something called “transient lactose intolerance,” where they are unable to tolerate any type of lactase enzyme for a short period of time due to immaturity in the gastrointestinal tract. This means that for some infants, milk-based foods are making the colic worse. In these cases, the best baby formulas to purchase are organic baby formulas that do not include milk such as goat milk formula or soy. It is important to see what your baby may tolerate and what they do not tolerate. There are many formula options that could soothe your baby, it just takes time to find the formula on the market that is best for your baby. There is no one best formula for colic but in trying different formulas you could find one that helps your child. 

Some European formulas claim to be colic and anti-reflux formulas but it is possible that your child would still have a reaction due to the ingredients in them. There are other formulas that claim to be proven to reduce colic due to using specialized colic formulas but there is essentially no formula that is clinically proven to reduce colic. 

So what are the things that you should look for and avoid in a formula made for colic babies?

Colic Symptoms your Baby may Experience

Colic in babies is a common concern for parents and caregivers. It's characterized by frequent, prolonged, and intense crying or fussiness in an otherwise healthy infant. Colic usually starts during the first few weeks of life and is defined as crying for more than three hours a day.

While the exact cause of colic remains unknown, some infants may experience discomfort due to lactose or milk sugar present in baby formula. In such cases, organic baby formulas that do not include cow's milk, like goat milk formula or soy-based infant formula, maybe a better option.

It's important to understand that no single formula is clinically proven to reduce colic. However, trying different formulas can help find one that your baby tolerates well and relieves symptoms of colic. Some formulas are even specially formulated with organic skim milk to be gentle on your baby's stomach.

While it is possible to find suitable formulas online or in stores, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional when choosing a formula for a colicky baby. They can provide guidance based on your baby's specific needs and health conditions.

In addition to choosing the right formula, using the best baby bottles designed to reduce gas and colic can also help soothe a colicky baby. Remember, patience and observation are key in managing colic in your baby.

How to Prevent Colic in Formula-Fed Babies

For parents and guardians looking to alleviate colic symptoms in formula-fed babies, there are several strategies that can be employed.

Firstly, consider offering your baby more frequent feeds throughout the day, but with smaller volumes. This approach can help manage the digestive process and reduce discomfort. Remember, whether you're using breast milk or formula, the feeding position is also crucial. Have the baby sit upright during feedings and use the best baby bottles with the appropriate nipple size to minimize the amount of air swallowed, which is a common contributor to gas and colic.

Burping the baby after each feed can also help reduce trapped gas in the stomach, which often leads to reflux. This tactic can be particularly beneficial for babies with colic.

Creating a serene environment can also play a significant role in soothing a colicky baby. Try dimming the lights, reducing loud noises, avoiding strong smells, and providing gentle rocking during crying spells. Warm baths, massages, or warm blankets can also offer comfort and relief.

However, keep in mind that colic usually begins when a baby is a few weeks old and may resolve over time. If you suspect your baby may have colic, seek advice from a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to their diet or routine. They can provide guidance on using this formula or other products and techniques to help soothe your baby.

Lastly, it's essential to stay informed about any recall for this formula due to safety concerns. Regularly check updates from the formula manufacturer and regulatory authorities to ensure the formula you're using remains safe for your baby.

Best Dairy-Free Baby Formula for Colic

What are the best dairy-free infant formulas for colic? While more research on the causes and treatment of colic needs to be done, some research suggests that hydrolyzed formulas and soy formulas may decrease colic symptoms among babies.

Soy-based formulas are a common baby formula alternative to cow’s milk-based formulas and are lactose-free. But, soy is not always an option for all infants.  

Infants with allergies to cow’s milk, and soy, or those with intolerance to standard formulas are fed with a formula containing a hypoallergenic formula. Hypoallergenic infant formulas are made in three types. Three different variations of hypoallergenic infant formulas are available.  – partially hydrolyzed, extensively hydrolyzed, and elemental formulas. 

A hydrolyzed formula simply means a formula that has proteins that formula (usually cow’s milk proteins) are broken down – the more hydrolyzed a formula has, the smaller the protein sizes are, and the ease of digestibility is greater. In the case of elemental formulas, individual amino acids or protein building blocks are brought together in proper amounts to meet protein requirements in a formula. 

Furthermore, this type of formula also has a prebiotic to help infants develop different types of probiotics like the lactobacillus reuteri for a healthier gastrointestinal tract. 

For parents looking for formulas that have a clean label and are safe for infants with cow’s milk and soy protein allergies or other intolerances, the choices available have been limited until now.

Else Nutrition’s formula brand is designed to provide an alternative, organic formula to meet the needs of parents and their infants, and for those who require baby formula alternatives to cow’s milk and soy protein formulas. Else could be seen as a colic formula to some since its ingredients are all clean and alternatives to typical allergies your little one could be suffering from.

We surveyed parents to rank the top criteria in choosing a formula for their infant. A guarantee of all nutritional requirements for proper development, good and safe ingredients, and a formula that is easy to digest and tolerate were among their top reasons to choose an infant baby formula.

Else Nutrition’s formulas are nutritionally adequate to support growth and provide a complete amino acid and fatty acid profile, as well as all other nutrients needed for development. Our formulas have a clean label – with no added external macronutrients, are hormone, antibiotic, and GMO-free, and have a little ecological footprint. 

The main protein sources of our plant-based formula come from almonds and buckwheat, two gluten-free protein sources that are perfect for vegetarian and vegan households. 

If your infant is experiencing colic, switching from a standard cow’s milk formula may improve your infant’s symptoms. Trying an alternative healthy, plant-based formula will help your infant achieve healthy growth and development with improved formula tolerance and less crying.

 If your baby has colic, it is best to consult your pediatrician and see if they have advice. Changing the formula can help reduce colic due to cow's milk allergy or soy allergy. When it comes to formula, gentle formula is one your child may need to try to help your baby get over their colic. Even though colic does not have a definitive reason for occurring, infants experiencing colic usually get better when their formula is free of allergens. 

Tips when Choosing a Formula Milk for Colic Babies

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before making any changes to your baby's diet, always consult with a pediatrician or a healthcare professional. They can guide you on the best course of action based on your baby's symptoms and health history. They can also recommend one of the best baby formula for babies with colic.

• Consider Hypoallergenic Formulas: Some babies with colic may have an allergy or intolerance to cow's milk proteins. Hypoallergenic formulas are designed to be easier to digest and may help reduce colic symptoms.

• Try Different Formulas: If one formula doesn't seem to be helping, don't be afraid to try another. Every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another.

• Read Labels Carefully: Look for formulas that are free from additives, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. Some babies may react to these ingredients, which can exacerbate colic symptoms.

• Opt for Organic: Organic formula is a great option as well since it provides all the necessary nutrients your baby needs.  This type of formula is also made without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). If you're concerned about these factors, organic could be the way to go.

• Check Online Reviews and Ratings: Other parents' experiences can provide valuable insights. Check online reviews and ratings for different formulas to see what has worked for other babies with colic.

• Ease into the Transition: When introducing a new formula, do it gradually. Mix the new formula with the old one in increasing amounts over several days to help your baby adjust to the change.

• Monitor Your Baby's Reaction: Keep an eye on your baby's reaction to the new formula. If colic symptoms persist or worsen, or if new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• Stay Updated on Product Recalls: Regularly check updates from the formula manufacturer and regulatory authorities to ensure the formula you're using remains safe for your baby. You can check it online and in the formula of your baby's milk.

Remember, what works for one baby might not work for another. It may take some trial and error to find the formula that works best for your baby.

The content and advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice for specific medical conditions. Always consult a pediatrician to understand the individual needs of your child.