Thickening formula

[ryder]

Ive spoke to a few people who have used ice cereal to thicken their babies formula... all for various reason. One friend was told to do it by her doctor because of her sons reflux and allergy to lactose (so he couldnt have hungry baby formula). She started it at 1 month, just a teaspoon. Other people have started at 1 or 2 months to help their babies sleep better at night.

Im just wondering if anyone has done this? Does it help them sleep?

I was going to ask my doctor at the last appointment but I forgot.

 

[Vickie]

I never did it because it can cause choking. Most people I've spoken too don't recommend it, although one of my niece's did do it with her daughter. I will say we spoon feed Hannah (she's older of course) and the rice doesn't help her sleep one iota at night

 

[Mervs Mum]

I was under the impression from my sister who FF'd that its a no-no. I can imagine the appeal though for a decent nights sleep. x

 

[ryder]

I dont see why it is such a no-no though? It is alot of times recommended here for babies who have reflux... as early as 1 month.

 

[Vickie]

It can cause the baby to choke is the main reason I believe

 

[Serene123]

I actually think it's fine to add a spoonful. I've never done it before but I know from attempting to make baby rice once that one spoonful doesn't change the consistancy much atall.

 

[ryder]

But what woudl be the difference bettween that and the hungry baby formula which is thickened?

Sorry, not tryng to be argumentative, I just dont see why in one sense it is recommended but then people turn around and say its not good?

 

[Dizzy321]

Its definatly not recomended here!! hv says is a big no-no! i would never do it, its a choking hazard and the main reason is the formula will not be the correct consentration and bad for babys gut/digestive system. have a word with the hv sure she will tell you this.x

 

[Vickie]

Honestly that's the big reason I've been told not too. I've never used hungry baby formula so I'm not sure. I can tell you though that in most cases rice is not going to make your baby sleep through, especially at her age, or even longer. In Hannah's case I think she drinks milk more often because of the cereal

 

[Mervs Mum]

I guess (I dont know this for sure) that it alters the make up of the feed. Like if you dont put enough water to formula when making your bottles it can cause a build up of sodium in the baby's system as they'd be getting too much salt. Over time that may be dangerous. The hungry baby stuff will be perfectly balanced in its vitamins, salt etc etc, I guess.

 

[Miss Duke]

Its not advised for reflux here. We were given a thickener called carobel by the doc, which keeps the milk in his tummy. Its a blooming nuisance to give when I bf, but what can you do.

Personally I won't be giving my baby any food for a good while yet!