Introducing formula to EBF baby

We tried this and haven't had much luck (also EBF for 6 months).

We first tried an anti-reflux formula. He took it fine in terms of taste, it was very thick and creamy, but it constipated him and it turned out he was allergic to cow's milk protein, so he reacted to that.

We then tried him on a prescription formula for the CMPA which he completely rejected. It supposedly tastes rank.

If you're looking at an anti reflux one the main issue would be potentially constipating him as they are so thick (that's why they help the reflux though as it thickens the stomach contents).

If he struggles with wind you might want to try a Comfort formula. We looked at this too but our HV advised us against that as it can make poos more explosive and his were already explosive but if that's not an issue for you that might be a good choice for you. They're partially hydrolysed meaning the milk proteins are already partially broken down so there's less digestive work for baby's tummy to do...

... Comfort might not help with reflux though.

It is frustratingly really just trial and error until you find one that works for your baby. Kendamil is supposedly the most similar to breastmilk so that might be a good place to start?

PS have you started solids yet as that should help the reflux and then you might not have to think about an anti reflux formula?

Thank you so much.

His poos are already quite explosive at the moment as he’s started to miss a day and then it all comes out at once 🤦🏻‍♀️ We’ve not started introducing solids yet but we do want to and I can tell he’s definitely interested.

I’m just worried as he can’t properly sit and hold himself up yet and is still quite wobbly!

I’ve read that Kendamil seems to be the closest to breast milk!

We did the same and my LG has kendamil at night. She hasn’t got reflux so not sure about that aspect but her stools havent changed. Its not very thick either - very similar to breastmilk

We tried the ready to feed bottles first before buying the tub 😊

You probably want to avoid a Comfort one then.

No rush to start solids! You absolutely want to wait until the head control/sitting is stable.

It sounds like Kendamil would be a good starting point for you. As Alisha has suggested you can get little ready to feed bottles which would be a good way of trying it!

Not formula related but my boy has reflux and is windy at night and it wakes him up. He would always poo at 3am and it was sore for him. I started massaging his belly every night before his bath as bedtime routine. He now doesn’t wake up with a sore tummy in the night and he waits until morning to poop. I also wear him in the sling for one of his naps as the contact against me helps the gas by having tummy pressure (or just do more tummy time). Type in colic belly massage on google:)

Yes my little boy is awake every hour at night with really painful wind and it’s like it hurts him to get it out!! After 2 months of it getting progressively worse and me living off an hours sleep a night 🫠 We went to the doctors and she has prescribed Omeprezole, we’re on night 5 of given him it and to be honest there isn’t any improvement as far as I can tell 😔 it makes nighttime’s so difficult and I’m always a bag of anxiety before bed as I know I won’t be getting any sleep!!

Sounds so hard and like you’ve been through the wringer! Tbh the only way my boy would settled (at least a little easier) was c-curling him. It’s much easier to keep him asleep and settled. But belly massages at night and nappy times helped a lot, give it a go :)

Have you tried camomile tea for the digestive issues? Really helped my LO, I’d recommend the HiPP one x