Introduction of formula, onset of rash

[beatofthedrum]

Hi everyone, hoping for some advice from people with experience/knowledge of this.

Ds is 8 months old, been bf only until 2 or 3 weeks ago. He has a huge appetite for food and has had cow's milk in cereal for a while now and been fine. He has been refusing to breastfeed much for 3 weeks now. For the first week I didn't offer anything else, just bf and food, and he had worryingly little milk. I then tried him on formula and he guzzled it!! So am now mixed feeding, he bf well at night but tends to prefer formula during the day.

Over the last 2 weeks he has developed a rash. Been to doc's twice. It is little red spots in his genital area, thighs, back of arms and cheeks. First doc said excema and gave me hydrocortisone cream 2.5%! I'd used it for 5 days before realising that strength is not suitable for babies AND not to be used on genital area! I was quite upset, both with the doc and with myself for not checking the leaflet first.

Went back to doc who has given me emollient for his bath. However she took the time to have a proper chat with me and we wondered if it could be the formula. I'm using Cow & Gate for hungry babies.

It's a mild rash and he's very cheery but I'd like to get to the bottom of it as I feel it's getting worse. Does anyone have an opinion on the likelihood of it being the formula? TIA