Proper nutrition for babies is very important for their growth and development.
As soon as they are born, babies get nourishment either from breast milk or baby formulas which are rich in numerous nutrients that they need for their general wellbeing.
However, there are babies who have difficulties digesting standard formulas and sometimes even breast milk due to the milk protein allergy that is present in both.
In such cases, parents have a third option to consider and that is a hypoallergenic formula.
It is typically used for infants who have trouble digesting cow’s milk-based formulas.
The proteins in it are broken down and decrease the chances of your baby suffering from an allergic reaction.
This makes the digestion process for them much easier and, as a result, they receive all nutrients they need for optimal growth and development.
To find out more about it, here is the why, when, and how to use the hypoallergenic formula for your baby.
Benefits of hypoallergenic formula for babies
The hypoallergenic formula provides babies with numerous benefits.
This is mainly due to the amino acids present in the formula which help with the proper growth and development of your child.
Some of the most notable benefits your little bundle of joy can receive from this formula include constipation alleviation, allergy symptoms relief, and improved digestion.
For example, babies often struggle with constipation which causes them to be in pain whenever they need to go to the bathroom.
If this is the case with your infant, you can rely on this type of formula to provide constipation relief by supporting the digestive system of your child and helping it absorb the nutrients.
Another benefit is getting rid of pesky eczema. Some allergic reactions manifest as rashes that can be eliminated if you opt for this type of formula.
When should you switch to hypoallergenic formula?
If you’re not sure when is the best time to switch your baby to this type of formula, there are a few signs you can watch out for to discover if the baby has allergic responses or has difficulties digesting standard baby formula or breast milk.
These symptoms include:
- Reflux
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or bloody stools
- Gassiness
- Constipation
- Respiratory symptoms
- Itchy rash
- Inadequate weight gain
For example, while reflux in babies is very common when they are young, there may be severe symptoms that indicate your infant has a milk protein allergy, either from your breast milk or to standard baby formula.
These symptoms include throwing up, choking or gagging, as well as inadequate weight gain.
Another obvious sign of your baby showing allergic reactions to baby formulas or breast milk is rashes.
If you notice that your infant develops hives after eating, then the food you are giving them is causing skin irritability.
Choosing the right one
Depending on your child’s needs, there are several types of hypoallergenic formulas to choose from.
The two best options for babies with severe allergic reactions to cow’s milk-based formulas are the extensively hydrolyzed and amino acid-based formulas.
In the extensively hydrolyzed formula, the proteins are extensively broken down which means your infant has a very low chance of developing an allergic reaction to this tiny milk protein size.
This type of formula is tolerated by 90% of babies with cow milk allergies.
As for amino acid-based formulas, they don’t contain protein molecules because the proteins are broken down into their building blocks which are in fact the amino acids.
This formula type is often considered 100% non-allergenic and is a great alternative for babies who cannot tolerate the extensively hydrolyzed formulas.
Final thoughts
Babies often show allergic reactions to cow’s milk-based formulas and breast milk due to the milk protein allergy present in both.
In this case, parents have the option of choosing a hypoallergenic formula in which the milk proteins are broken down and as a result, lower the risks of babies developing allergic reactions.
This type of formula is completely safe and effective and can provide your little one with all the nutrients it needs for optimal growth and development.
If you are still not sure which formula is best for your baby, you can use this one from Serenity Kids for comparison.