Does Changing Baby Formula Cause Diarrhea?

Choosing European baby formula because of the pure ingredients and organic properties is often the easiest part of formula feeding an infant. Parents often worry about switching their baby's formula - even if they have a valid reason for doing so.

One of the biggest worries that we hear from families is that the baby will not tolerate the switch well and that they will get diarrhea.

The good news is there are many times when switching baby formulas won't cause diarrhea at all. Whether switching from one brand of European baby formula to another or changing from one stage up or down, more often than not it can be done without worry.

In the unusual instances when diarrhea does occur, your baby’s tummy may just need time to adjust. Not to worry, all babies' tummies are small and can be so sensitive when their everyday diet is changed. Your baby's digestive system is used to only one type of nutrition, the current formula - when that changes it can cause stomach upset resulting in diarrhea.

In some cases, it is actually beneficial for your baby to switch formulas. My Organic Company offers many brands of European baby formulas, stages and special requirement formulas to meet your little ones developmental, digestive and nutritional needs.

Some of the reasons you may consider switching are:

• Change in caloric needs
• Intolerances or allergies to cow’s milk
• Digestive problems that you suspect are caused by your current formula
• Excessive spit up
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

For babies that may need more or less calories, one of the many benefits of European baby formula is the offering of stages.

Perfect for when a baby needs a formula with a different calorie count or has reached a developmental milestone and is ready to add solid food to their diet.

European special formulas address certain food intolerances or allergies and may alleviate health problems caused by your current formula, such as excessive spit up, diarrhea, constipation, rash or other formula reaction signs.

Sensitivity

If you believe baby is lactose intolerant or has a milk-protein allergy we recommend switching to one of our goat milk-based formulas such as Holle organic goat-milk based formulas or the newly released Kendamil Goat (Coming Soon!) or one of our sensitive formulas that are specifically made stages for digestive intolerances.

Goat milk-based formulas follow the same strict standards as all European baby formulas with a tenth less lactose than cow's milk. Goat’s milk formula also has properties similar to breastmilk that act as a prebiotic to aid in digestion and ease symptoms of digestive troubles.

Goats milk formula has more protein than cow’s milk and generally forms a smaller, softer, and looser curd. Many babies with cow’s milk allergies often do not experience the same allergy to goat’s milk due to higher protein amounts and other properties that make it easier to digest.

Hypoallergenic

For babies showing signs of reflux, gas and excessive spit up on the current European baby formula we have hypoallergenic formulas. Formulas such as HiPP HA Combiotic Hypoallergenic, are easier on babies' tummies and help to relieve many digestive troubles that come with immature digestive systems.

HiPP HA uses hydrolyzed proteins, which split milk into simpler molecules, making it easier for babies’ bodies to process. HiPP HA is also filled with pure organic ingredients sourced from 100% grass fed cows and clean organic vitamin and minerals.

For every stage, developmental need and digestive trouble European baby formula is here with nutrition that your baby deserves.

Before you worry if your baby has diarrhea, please remember that baby poop is much different from adult poop. Feeding style, the addition of solid food and age affect the overall color and consistency of baby poop.

Breastfed babies can poop often and it can typically be soft with a seedy and even have a runny texture. Formula-fed and combination of formula and breast fed babies are more comparable to the consistency of peanut butter.

Diarrhea in babies is usually marked by sudden changes in stool. It will be more watery than usual and also more frequent. Dehydration is especially concerning when your baby has a severe case of diarrhea.

It is very important to continue feeding your baby to ensure that they get enough fluids and vitamins and minerals to prevent dehydration and nutrition depletion. If you’re ever concerned about your baby’s bowel movements or diarrhea is accompanied by fever contact your pediatrician for advice.

There is no need to gradually switch from one formula to another to prevent side effects such as diarrhea. You can change your baby from one stage of European baby formula to another stage or switch from one brand of cow’s milk-based formula to another without mixing the two or alternating between the old and new formulas. Chances of diarrhea in these cases should be minimal if any.

When switching from cow’s milk-based formula to goat's milk-based formula there may be a little bit of adjustment that comes from the different proteins and natural difference. Again these usually are negligible and do not last any length of time.

If your baby is having diarrhea, digestive discomfort, or gas then you may have already started the switch to another baby formula. It may take a few days to a week for all of the symptoms to go away.

If you are making a change because of blood in the stool or severe digestive distress then relief may be just a few bottles away for the majority of the symptoms and up to a week for all of the gas and bloating to work itself out.

Knowing when to switch or if you should switch baby formula can be a difficult decision. The team of mom’s at My Organic Company are here to help answer any question you may have.

Are you looking for a group of parents, caregivers and friends to talk about tummy troubles, understand a bad day (and night) or share a laugh? We would love to have you join us in the HiPP Holle Kendamil & European Baby Formula Parent Community.