Difference in Formulas

Both claim to ease fussiness, gas and bloating. What's the difference? Which one is better? My ped said to try soy where I would think Sensitive or Gentle (whichever brand you use) would be better but then she's the doctor.

 

Gentlease(or the like) is a milk-based formula that has been broken down somewhat, supposedly helping to make it easier to digest. Soy, is just that, soy-based, and would be used if a milk intolerance/allergy is suspected. But do keep in mind that many babies that have a milk-intolerance/allergy also have a problem with soy. In that case you would go to something like Nutramigen or Alimentum.

 

QUOTE(becky5 @ Oct 25 2007, 07:07 PM) [snapback]467416[/snapback]
Gentlease(or the like) is a milk-based formula that has been broken down somewhat, supposedly helping to make it easier to digest. Soy, is just that, soy-based, and would be used if a milk intolerance/allergy is suspected. But do keep in mind that many babies that have a milk-intolerance/allergy also have a problem with soy. In that case you would go to something like Nutramigen or Alimentum.


Really? I did not know that. I wonder why my doctor then had me do Soy then. Probably because the Nutramigen or Alimentum is expensive...huh? How do I know the Soy isn't working either? They do have bad dirahea that I didnt' tell my doctor because it was a quick phone call and I forgot. I assume it was from the formula. I just started the Soy yesterday so I should give it some time in their system. How long do you suggest I wait on the soy before we try something else?

 

Yes, the hypoallergenics are expensive! I think we waited a week on a new formula to see if there was improvement.

 

QUOTE(iluvpugs @ Oct 25 2007, 07:13 PM) [snapback]467424[/snapback]
Really? I did not know that. I wonder why my doctor then had me do Soy then. Probably because the Nutramigen or Alimentum is expensive...huh? How do I know the Soy isn't working either? They do have bad dirahea that I didnt' tell my doctor because it was a quick phone call and I forgot. I assume it was from the formula. I just started the Soy yesterday so I should give it some time in their system. How long do you suggest I wait on the soy before we try something else?



Did they have the diarrhea before the formula or after your started giving it to them? Regular formula gave DD bloody diarrhea (lactose sensitive) which is why we switched to Soy, now they are slow to poop at all

 

We tried the gentle and it worked alot better for our gassy girl... They did not offer any liquid and working full time it is easier some days to have the option of it. Plus you never see any enfamil coupons besides checks so i went to similac sensative and she has done great with it... even better than the gentle... so we are with the sensative now and happy...

 

We just switched DD to soy due to gas issues, so far I don't see much of a difference but it's only been 48 hours, the pedi said it could take 3-4 days. My plan, use the can until it's gone and then re-evaluate.

 

QUOTE(AWerner @ Oct 25 2007, 08:54 PM) [snapback]467533[/snapback]
Did they have the diarrhea before the formula or after your started giving it to them? Regular formula gave DD bloody diarrhea (lactose sensitive) which is why we switched to Soy, now they are slow to poop at all


They had diarrhea before but I wasn't sure if it was normal or not. I know this is TMI but it was a tar like consistancy on both of them. A dark green color almost black. Now that I've switched in the last 2 days they still have diarrhea but it's more yellow/brown color. I would think the soy would harden them up but it might need a few more days.

 

If the issue was a dairy allergy or sensitivity, it could take up to 2 weeks for all of the effects to go away and get out of their system. Mine are allergic to milk protein (not the same as lactose intolerance) and have done wonderfully on the soy formula. I did notice an quick (2 days) reduction in gas as soon as we switched to soy but the poop took about a week to normalize. It sounds like to color of your babies' poop is getting more normal, which is good. Keep in mind it is normal for babies that age to poop a lot, so it may not mean they have diarrhea at all. If it's constant pooping with lots of mucous and maybe some blood, or even extreme watery poop with little solids- that's diarrhea for sure. Soy may slow them down over time to maybe one poop a day or even every other day. But, formula fed babies tend to poop more than BF babies in general.

As a PP mentioned, some babies with a milk protein allergy are also allergic to soy protein. About 10-15% of children with one also have the other. I was lucky that mine are good with soy. We had our tested for major allergens when they were a few months old because of all their allergy issues. If gas is the only issue you are trying to solve, it's likely not an allergy. It never hurts to have them tested though. Most babies are just extremely gassy naturally, but it lessens over time. I think it was around 6-7 weeks that gas wasn't so much of an issue with my oldest child, much longer with the twins though. They still pas gas, but it doesn't bother them as much. Good luck with all the issues!!

Kelly

 

Thanks Kelly,

It's a combination of gas, spit-up and fussiness I was trying to resolve. The gas part is the worst tho. I hate to see them in so much pain. I have noticed the gas has substantially gone down in the last two days which I'm happy. The spit up is better too. Although, last nigh my DS threw up (my DD is the spitter upper) and that scared me a little. If the poop gets better within the next week that will probably be what the issue was.

Thanks again!
Kelley