Baby Blogs, Feeding

The Benefits of Hypoallergenic Formulas for Colic Relief

Posted on by sacred7senses
24
Oct

Cloth and Bottle Co are not medical professionals. Our daughter suffered from colic that was acquired while breastfeeding. We site our blog from personal experience and knowledge that we gained during our struggle with colic. We will soon have another blog that talks about our personal experience. If you need more support, please reach out to us on any of our platforms. We’re here for you!

What ultimately worked for us was Alimentum Ready To Feed. We tried the powder but still didn’t see the results. There is a key ingredient in the powder called ‘corn maltrodetrin’ and it isn’t in the Ready To Feed. We used this formula until she was 5 months and then gradually switched her back to Total Comfort which is partially hydrolyzed. At 10 months she is now successfully on Similac Advance and eating yogurt and cheese without issues.

Please read our other blogs on babies with sensitivity here: Understanding Milk Intolerance in Infants 

And our guide to formulas here: The Ultimate Guide to Similac Formulas

Thanks for reading this far, now here’s our blog…

Choosing the right formula for your baby can be challenging, especially when dealing with milk protein intolerance or allergies. Two popular hypoallergenic formulas often recommended by pediatricians are Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum. Both formulas are designed to help babies with cow’s milk protein intolerance (CMPI), but there are some differences in ingredients, price, and availability that parents should consider. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about these two formulas.

Symptoms That May Indicate a Need for Hypoallergenic Formula

Before diving into a comparison, it’s important to understand what symptoms might indicate your baby needs a hypoallergenic formula like Nutramigen or Alimentum:

  • Excessive crying and fussiness: Colic-like symptoms, particularly after feedings.
  • Reflux or frequent spit-up: Persistent spitting up or signs of discomfort when lying down.
  • Diarrhea or bloody stools: Gastrointestinal issues may be more severe with a milk protein intolerance.
  • Eczema or skin rashes: Skin reactions, especially around the face or diaper area.
  • Gassiness and bloating: Abdominal discomfort that makes the baby appear uncomfortable.

If your baby is experiencing any of these symptoms and has not responded to standard formulas, your pediatrician may recommend switching to Nutramigen or Alimentum.

Nutramigen vs. Alimentum: Overview

Both Nutramigen (by Enfamil) and Alimentum (by Similac) are designed to be hypoallergenic formulas, made for babies who can’t tolerate the proteins found in cow’s milk. The proteins in these formulas are extensively hydrolyzed, meaning they are broken down into smaller particles, making it easier for babies to digest and reducing the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

Key Ingredients:

  • Nutramigen:
    • Contains extensively hydrolyzed casein protein.
    • Includes DHA and ARA, essential fatty acids for brain and eye development.
    • Contains probiotics (specifically LGG), which can help promote a healthy gut.

  • Alimentum:
    • Contains extensively hydrolyzed casein protein.
    • Includes DHA and ARA.
    • Does not contain probiotics, which may be a consideration for some parents.

Powder vs. Ready-to-Feed Options

Both Nutramigen and Alimentum are available in powder and ready-to-feed (RTF) forms. Here’s how they compare:

  • Powder Formula:

    • Powder is typically less expensive than RTF.
    • Must be mixed with water before feeding.
    • Available in larger sizes, making it more economical for long-term use.

  • Ready-to-Feed Formula:

    • More convenient since it doesn’t require mixing.
    • Often recommended for babies with severe allergies or sensitivities, as it’s sterile and eliminates potential contamination from mixing powder.
    • More expensive than powder.

Price Comparison

  1. Nutramigen:
    • Powder: Typically around $44–$50 for a 19.8 oz can.
    • Ready-to-Feed: About $10 for a 32 oz bottle.
  2. Alimentum:
    • Powder: Around $40–$47 for a 19.8 oz can.
    • Ready-to-Feed: Approximately $11–$13 for a 32 oz bottle.

While prices can vary depending on location and retailer, Alimentum powder tends to be slightly cheaper than Nutramigen. However, the Nutramigen ready-to-feed option is more affordable compared to Alimentum RTF.

Formulas to Try Before Nutramigen or Alimentum

If your baby shows symptoms of milk intolerance or sensitivity, your pediatrician may suggest trying other formulas before moving to Nutramigen or Alimentum. These include:

  1. Gentle Formulas: Formulas like Enfamil Gentlease or Similac Sensitive are designed for babies with mild sensitivities to lactose or digestion issues. These formulas contain partially broken-down proteins but are not fully hypoallergenic.

  2. Soy-Based Formulas: Some babies who are sensitive to cow’s milk may do better with a soy-based formula like Similac Soy Isomil or Enfamil ProSobee. However, keep in mind that some babies with cow’s milk protein intolerance also react to soy.

  3. Partially Hydrolyzed Formulas: Formulas like Gerber Good Start Gentle are partially hydrolyzed, which means the proteins are broken down into smaller pieces but not to the extent of Nutramigen or Alimentum. These may help babies with mild to moderate sensitivity.

If none of these formulas seem to alleviate your baby’s symptoms, a move to a fully hydrolyzed formula like Nutramigen or Alimentum may be necessary.

Duration of Use: How Long Should Babies Stay on These Formulas?

Babies with milk protein intolerance are often placed on Nutramigen or Alimentum for a period of time, depending on the severity of their symptoms. Typically:

  • Most babies stay on these formulas until around 12 months of age, when they may be reintroduced to cow’s milk or a milk-based formula.
  • In more severe cases, babies might need to continue using hypoallergenic formulas beyond their first year or transition to other forms of nutrition recommended by a pediatrician.

It’s essential to consult with your pediatrician regularly to assess your baby’s progress and determine when or if they can switch to a standard formula or regular milk.

Conclusion: Nutramigen or Alimentum?

Both Nutramigen and Alimentum are excellent options for babies with milk protein intolerance, but they do have subtle differences. Nutramigen’s inclusion of probiotics may provide added benefits for gut health, whereas Alimentum is often slightly less expensive. Your choice may depend on price, your baby’s specific needs, and how well they respond to each formula. Additionally, trying more basic sensitive or gentle formulas may help before moving on to these more specialized, pricier options.

Regardless of your choice, always consult your pediatrician before making changes to your baby’s feeding plan to ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need to thrive.

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