Enaa Mari
First of all, it should be noted that medical organizations and health authorities around the world recommend breastfeeding as the gold standard of infant feeding in the first year of life, the most suitable for babies. If the mother decides to stop breastfeeding or supplement it with formula, she must see a doctor to recommend the right baby formula. Using the best organic baby formula will help ensure the healthy growth and development of the baby.
Do breastfed babies have a lower risk of allergies?
- Allergies can occur during infancy or childhood, regardless of whether the baby was fed breast milk or formula.
- Any child can have allergies, but the risk is higher if there is a family history of allergies.
- Breastfeeding is recommended for babies with one or both parents suffering from allergies. However, if for any reason the baby is on mixed or formula feeding, pediatricians most often recommend organic formulas based on partially hydrolyzed whey protein (hypoallergenic formula). The use of these formulas reduces the risk of allergy reactions and the development of atopic dermatitis.
- During the first year of life, the most common food allergy in babies is an allergy to cow’s milk protein.
- If the baby is prone to be allergic to a particular product, his mother should refuse to eat this product during breastfeeding.
- In the case of formula feeding, it is recommended to choose baby formula specially designed for babies at risk of developing allergies.
Some sources tell you that babies can be allergic to breast milk. This is not true, and a baby cannot be allergic to breast milk. It is often mistaken for GI symptoms. Such an allergy is biologically impossible. However, a baby can become allergic to certain foods that the mother consumes while breastfeeding, including cow’s milk.
Regurgitation is observed only in formula-fed babies
In general, functional regurgitation is quite normal in infants whose GI tract has not yet fully matured functionally, and it passes safely in time. About half of all babies regurgitate at least once a day during the first three months of life.
Regurgitation is when some stomach contents are expelled into the mouth, usually shortly after feeding. Regurgitation becomes less frequent as the baby gets older and usually does not occur after 18 months.
Reflux is when stomach contents enter the esophagus. In some cases, reflux may signify more serious problems, such as allergies or spasms.
Nevertheless, regurgitation in formula-fed babies can be avoided or reduced with the help of the right infant formula.
To improve digestion, some milk formulas are enriched with probiotics (live microorganisms beneficial to the baby). At the same time, others are enriched with prebiotics (they are “food for bacteria” and are necessary for developing the gut microbiome). Prebiotics and probiotics contribute to a lower frequency of regurgitation, reduced colic symptoms, and the formation of soft stools, as in breastfed babies.
Nutrition does not affect colic – all babies have it. There is no cure for colic, and there is no way to help your baby – you just need to wait a few months, and colic will go away on its own
The composition of infant formula can affect the frequency of colic. The right formula for your baby will reduce the frequency of regurgitation, reduce colic symptoms, and produce soft stools like breastfed babies.
Babies on formula feeding are more likely to suffer from constipation
Constipation is more common in very young, formula-fed infants. Constipation occurs in only 1.1% of breastfed children compared to 9.2% of formula-fed babies.
The most common situation is when the baby has thick, waxy stools. In this case, parents should pay attention to the fat content of the infant formula and probably change the formula after the pediatrician’s recommendation.
Formula-fed baby needs to be fed on demand
In the case of formula feeding at first, it is best to feed your newborn on demand or every time he cries because he is hungry. Over time you will develop a certain feeding schedule. As you learn to understand his needs and cues, you can create your feeding plan to fit into the daily routine.
Always take into account your baby’s weight and age as well as your pediatrician’s advice when measuring the amount of formula, you need.
