Your simple intention as a parent to feed your child can lead to more harm than good if your choice of UK baby formula does not suit them. It is not unusual for your baby to show signs of certain anomalies or discomfort that may occur from the type of formula you choose to feed them. So, in such situations, what’s your next best feeding solution? Hypoallergenic formulas!
Hypoallergenic formula is an excellent alternative to address your baby’s sensitivity issues. But is it a safe choice?
Let’s find out if you need a hypoallergenic formula to feed your baby!
What is a Hypoallergenic Formula?
Please be informed that many brands label their formulas to be hypoallergenic infant formula or elemental formula, which may be misleading because they are not. There is a difference between partially hydrolyzed formulas and fully hypoallergenic formulas.
Hypoallergenic formulas are exclusively designed for babies allergic to cow’s milk or unable to digest protein components. This special formula is formulated with hydrolyzed protein, which means that they are broken down
into tiny proteins.
The tiny proteins in hypoallergenic formulas eliminate the overall allergic reactions, making them easier for your baby to digest.
Keep in mind that the severity of the allergy will decide how small the protein should be for your baby. A partially hydrolyzed formula can sometimes be easy on your baby if they have milk allergies, but it will not eliminate allergic reactions such as eczema and respiratory issues.
It’s vital to get your pediatrician’s approval and don’t forget to double-check the label before buying the desired baby formula.
How Does Hypoallergenic Formula Help Babies?
These infant formulas are designed to help reduce or prevent various problems for babies prone to allergies.
Acid Reflux Problem
Acid reflux is common among infants and a huge sign that baby needs help. Symptoms such as vomiting and spitting up should be considered a sign of acid reflux. It’s tricky for parents to determine whether it’s the formula that’s causing it. There’s a high chance that your baby could just be allergic to milk.
Too much discomfort in your baby’s behavior should not be neglected, as otherwise, it can cause problems in their stomach in the long run. Speak to your baby’s doctor if you notice excessive vomiting, and keep track of when they are struggling the most.
In such cases, doctors prescribe a hypoallergenic infant formula, and it is often the perfect solution that eliminates acid reflux in infants.
Hypoallergenic formula – Prevents Milk Allergy
The best option to prevent allergies is to offer breast milk to your newborn. Now, it may not be an option for many mothers for many reasons, which is why infant formulas are so popular.
Standard infant formula is known to include cow’s milk or soy milk. If you have noticed any concerning changes in your baby’s health and behavior after offering them basic infant formulas, you need to speak to your baby’s doctor.
A doctor usually suggests hypoallergenic formulas to keep your baby settled because the proteins in this unique formula are broken down into tiny pieces that are easy for your baby’s tummy.
Symptoms of milk allergy are acid reflux, mucus in their poop, throwing up, non-stop crying, and if they are not sleeping through the night.
Please refrain from self-diagnosing your child with milk allergies. You must get your baby’s doctor’s approval before transitioning to hypoallergenic formulas.
Hypoallergenic formula – Helps with Indigestion
Poop time can be dreadful for parents and infants if your baby is struggling with indigestion. You may start to think about what’s causing it. The first thing to do is look for patterns relating to feeding times.
Is it a case of diarrhea, mucus-filled poo, or tummy cramps when passing stool?
This bit is not easy because you have to allow yourself to go through a trial and error process. It’s difficult to conclude if you don’t know what’s causing it.
However, they are considered signs of milk allergy to cow’s milk or soy milk. Other ingredients present in the formula you are using could also be the reason for your child’s indigestion.
Severe cases such as blood or mucus in poop should be given immediate attention, as it could also be a symptom of severe infection. In this instance, jumping into a hypoallergenic formula is not the smartest idea; you should rather invest your time in treating the infection first.
Heals Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin reaction that includes dryness, itchiness, redness, inflammation, and rashes. Various things commonly cause eczema, and one of them may be from the formula they are being fed.
Please note that eczema and skin allergy are not the same things, although it is associated with allergies caused by food, including milk.
Pediatricians prescribe hypoallergenic formulas to babies suffering from eczema, but you cannot jump to conclusions without finding the root cause of this reaction. It could also be from the moisturizer on your baby’s skin.
Check with your baby’s doctor to determine whether the hypoallergenic formula is indeed the right choice for you. If your doctor is confident that the change in the formula will treat your baby, you should only then switch to a
hypoallergenic formula.
There should be improvements in their skin condition in two to four weeks, and if not, please revisit your doctor.
Hypoallergenic formula – Better Respiratory Health
If you notice your child is constantly coughing or has difficulty breathing due to mucus buildup, you may have to bring it up with your doctor.
You should pay close attention to their breathing patterns; any irregularity is a huge sign that they need immediate help. Respiratory infection must be treated right away; otherwise, it can be fatal.
Now, respiratory issues can also be a sign of an allergy. It could also mean that your child is struggling with uncontrolled inflations, causing irregular breathing difficulty. For such cases, hypoallergenic formulas solved the
problem.
More About Hypoallergenic Formulas
Hypoallergenic Formulas contain amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. This means that they are the simplest form of protein, ideal for babies who find it hard to digest other kinds of formulas made from cow’s milk or soy milk.
Amino acids ensure that your baby can absorb all the nutrients adequately.
It’s not common for your baby’s doctor to suggest hydrolyzed formulas. You could give it a go, but if you see your baby’s discomfort hasn’t improved, the hypoallergenic formula should be your next option. Of course, with your
pediatrician’s approval.
Request For Samples From Pediatrician
It’s fair to say that parenting takes a financial toll at different stages. So, try to look for ways to save your money when raising kids. For example, instead of buying a whole container of hypoallergenic formula, you could get your hands on samples to get through the trial and error period. You should also keep in mind that hypoallergenic formulas are expensive compared to other kinds.
There are many brands of hypoallergenic formulas, which means that your baby could reject one brand and love another. Don’t feel shy to ask for samples from multiple brands to determine which one’s the best for your baby.
Conclusion
We understand if we are complicating this whole parenting thing for you, but, no one said it would be easy!
But for the smoothest ride, it’s best to get your doctor’s opinion. There are other options available if hypoallergenic formulas don’t work for you. It’s always safest to choose the doctor’s way!
Be patient, and wishing you all the luck in finding the safest and healthiest way to comfort your baby!
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