Parents who are unable to breastfeed their baby for various reasons turn to baby formula for special dietary use as a complete or partial substitute for human milk.

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Intolerance or allergy to the formula

First of all, it all depends on the type of formula you feed your baby with. Most common parents decide on a dairy formula since it’s most similar to breastmilk which has all the right nutrients and chemical compounds. The problem might arise if the baby is lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, and the symptoms can be vomiting, rash, constipation, cough, to name a few. If you notice that your baby is experiencing some allergic reactions consult your pediatrician immediately.

A dairy free formula can be the best option for your baby if they cannot tolerate the current one, or you prefer to feed them with a plant-based diet. This will also help with gastrointestinal problems since babies have an immature digestive system. 

Fussiness after feeding

This is closely connected with intolerance since it can be one of the reasons your little one is intolerant or allergic to the formula you’re feeding them now. A little fussiness is normal, but if your infant is inconsolable during or after feeding, the formula might just be the problem for that. It might mean that what they’re eating doesn’t agree with their body and they’re experiencing pain.

Since they’re still not able to talk or express themselves in a way you can simply understand, they use excessive crying and fussiness to tell that their bellies hurt. Their fussiness can also mean other things like hunger, exhaustion, overfeeding, and others. But, you can try switching to a different formula and you might notice a happier baby.

Slow weight gain

For babies to grow and be healthy they need a healthy diet that includes a formula that best works for their bodies. Checking their weight and diaper output is useful to track their overall well-being. Healthy babies usually reach their weight 10 to 14 days after their birth, or between that moment and 3 months of age.

If your baby is having trouble gaining the appropriate weight, first discuss with your pediatrician, but also consider changing their formula. If they’re experiencing reflux, diarrhea, eczema, or other issues try switching the formula and the changes will be noticeable. Consider protein-hydrolysate-based formula if your baby is allergic to dairy.  

Your baby needs more iron

Iron is very important for your baby’s growth and development, and it supports proper neurological development. Since breastmilk contains little iron, babies usually need an external source of iron to stay healthy. In case your baby is not getting enough iron you should consider switching their formula. Signs that indicate this can be pale skin and no appetite.

Talk to your pediatrician and consult on what baby formula is the best for your infant. According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatricians), formula-fed babies who received iron-fortified formula during their first years have a greater chance of adequate iron stores and low rates of iron deficiency.

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Your baby is gassy

Although gas is a normal part of an infant’s life, experiencing extra gas might be an indicator that you need to switch your baby’s formula. Pay attention when your baby’s belly is bloated or it’s hard when you touch it since this can be the result of experiencing extra gas. If you’re not sure whether the formula is responsible for this, always double-check with a pediatrician to see what type of formula would be best.

Having extra gas can be painful for your little one, so make sure you’re using the right formula, and don’t forget to follow your infant’s hunger and fullness cues. Encouraging a baby to finish their bottle can cause them to be gassy or spit-up. So, follow their cue, and consider changing the formula for better feeding.

Final thoughts

Although there are plenty of other reasons for switching baby formula, the ones mentioned above are some of the most important ones which can be easily detected. Other reasons include fatigue, weakness, or trouble sleeping, and even wheezing after eating. Just remember to pay attention to the changes and consult with a pediatrician about any concerns regarding feeding and baby formula.