Starting Formula warning signs - What are they???

[Mabythistime]

I will soon have to start my combifeeding route. Pumping simply is not giving me enough to last LO during the day whilst I work.

I have had the tin of formula on the kitchen counter for 4 full days. I even had a bottle of water ready, but I am too scared to give him that bottle! I just don't know why and everytime I think of it, I want to . So, in short I think, I am so scared he will have a harmful reaction and I am also sad cos I feel like a bit of a failure. I really wanted to go to six months.

Once I give formula, what are the things to look out for, and how long after the bottle of formula can I relax?

 

[lozzy21]

What do you mean warning signs? There are no harm full reactions to formula, the worst is it may give him a bit of constipation.

 

[Saphira]

I'm not aware that there are "warning signs" when a baby starts formula. My daughter had her first bottle at 2 or 3 days old, I can't quite remember. The nurses didn't tell me I need to be on high alert.. she was just fine. There were some days when she was 2-4ish weeks old that she had some tummy discomfort/constipation but this can happen in both formula/breastfed babies as their digestive system is getting used to their new nourishment.

 

[Mabythistime]

What actually has me worried: LO's father has bad Asthma and chest problems. When we went to the Ped for his 6 week checkup, feeding was discussed, and she took our histories, paused and said we must give LO Hypo Allergic formula to be safe. I tried to call her a few times, with no luck to establish what she meant.

Well, it really does seem that there is nothing to worry about? As far as I can see, the worst reaction is "fussiness and constipation"

I am off to prepare the water for tomorrow. I think I should have put my question better, I was looking for warning signs of "allergic reactions"...might have been a better way of describing it. When do you know to change the brand/type of formula. What is normal and what not?

 

[Saphira]

What actually has me worried: LO's father has bad Asthma and chest problems. When we went to the Ped for his 6 week checkup, feeding was discussed, and she took our histories, paused and said we must give LO Hypo Allergic formula to be safe. I tried to call her a few times, with no luck to establish what she meant.

Well, it really does seem that there is nothing to worry about? As far as I can see, the worst reaction is "fussiness and constipation"

I am off to prepare the water for tomorrow. I think I should have put my question better, I was looking for warning signs of "allergic reactions"...might have been a better way of describing it. When do you know to change the brand/type of formula. What is normal and what not?

I understand your concern better. I have kind of a long story to share.. my daughter has been exclusively formula fed since 3 weeks old. All was going well (except excessively spitting up and the occasional constipation/tummy discomfort). Around the time she started having formula only her skin started becoming problematic though. I should have put it together quicker but I didn't think much of it because my husband and his mom said that's normal and he had it when he was a baby. Well, the dryness and skin pealing became excessive. The next time she was seen by her pediatrician she was rather shocked. We didn't know what the problem could be but she thought a possible cow milk allergy. We tried to switch her to hypoallergenic formula (Novalac Allernova then Neocate) but she refused it. We tried EVERYTHING! It was so terrible. She'd scream her lungs out until she got the formula she was used to and loved. Problem is, she still has the skin problem but it's been better under control with a prescription cream - there's very minimal pealing now. Looks like for us there's no way getting around this and we'll just have to hope she grows out of it. I don't want to scare you I just want to let you know that your little one could have a cow's milk allergy and a change in the skin could be a sign. If that's the case I'd try to get him used to hypoallergenic formula as soon as possible because once they're used to their formula there could be no going back as in our daughter's case. Other than that she's doing very well on her formula - she's growing, has never been sick and is generally a very happy baby. Plus, the constipation and tummy discomfort hasn't been a problem for her for ages now.

 

[lozzy21]

Unless your LO has a allergy to cows milk then it will be ok, millions of people have asthma and are fine with cows milk.

 

[Noelle610]

I think there's very little chance of your LO having a bad reaction I'm in the same boat you are with combi-feeding, so I understand the hesitation!

I suggest mixing the formula with some expressed breastmilk at first and gradually increasing the percentage of formula in the bottle. That way, the transition will be easier on her tummy. My LO did suffer some constipation from formula, but they adjust. Good luck!

 

[Mabythistime]

Thank you, I will most definately do the mixing bit first and do the gradual transition. I sent half a feed to daycare today for them to mix.

LO already has a sensitive skin, and I am not able to use any soap on him. I loaded a picture of his reaction to soap. Fortunately, it is under control now and his face went back to normal with no soap at all, but he had to "suffer" whilst I was eliminating foods I ate, changing bedding and tried to figure out whats causing it. Everyone told me its normal, but I could see it bothered him a LOT. The Ped then agreed and suggested, we use soap only on his arm and we managed to figure it out that way. The arm stayed bad. He really itched and was so uncomfy.

At 3 months he got a cold, and landed up on a nebulizer and eventually was prescribed cortizone to help clear his chest. Perhaps this explains a bit better why I am over careful. He seem to be 'sensitive'

This time round I just want to know what is normal and what not. We are going to use NAN Hypo Allergic. Dont know if it is a product available all over and if anyone is familiar with it. The "cow milk" for instance, I have not heard of. I was told to listen out for a weezing sound after and during feeds, if none, we should be 100% in the clear.

 

[Saphira]

Thank you, I will most definately do the mixing bit first and do the gradual transition. I sent half a feed to daycare today for them to mix.

LO already has a sensitive skin, and I am not able to use any soap on him. I loaded a picture of his reaction to soap. Fortunately, it is under control now and his face went back to normal with no soap at all, but he had to "suffer" whilst I was eliminating foods I ate, changing bedding and tried to figure out whats causing it. Everyone told me its normal, but I could see it bothered him a LOT. The Ped then agreed and suggested, we use soap only on his arm and we managed to figure it out that way. The arm stayed bad. He really itched and was so uncomfy.

At 3 months he got a cold, and landed up on a nebulizer and eventually was prescribed cortizone to help clear his chest. Perhaps this explains a bit better why I am over careful. He seem to be 'sensitive'

This time round I just want to know what is normal and what not. We are going to use NAN Hypo Allergic. Dont know if it is a product available all over and if anyone is familiar with it. The "cow milk" for instance, I have not heard of. I was told to listen out for a weezing sound after and during feeds, if none, we should be 100% in the clear.

You mention your little one has sensitive skin. Do you use laundry detergent for babies - without any of the perfumes and such? The detergent we're using for our daughter smells like nothing but seems to have helped her skin. Also, their clothes should be washed in 60ºc, separately from others and without any softener. Just thought I'd add that because her pediatrician recommended it. Good luck!

 

[Mabythistime]

Thanks for the info Saphira. Yes, I try take special care. Seperate washes for his stuff, and I dont use softner. I use a standard no perfumed soap, and wash in 40degC.

On a better note. LO had one Formula bottle yesterday. He took it like normal the carer said, but a few seconds in, he just spat it out and gave a huge frown! They tried again 30 mins later, and he took the full bottle. (210ml) He was fine all night. He just sounded a bit flemmy, like there was a ball of something in his throat, but that might not be the formula. I feel so relieved.