Formula - to change or not to change?

[ChablisorSancerre]

Our six week old ds has been on infacol since Friday but seems to be getting worse. Is it worth changing his formula from SMA Gold to Cow & Gate comfort as I've heard it's digested easier??

When you say 'getting worse' what do you mean Chab? What are his symptoms? We changed from SMA Gold to Aptamil because of constipation and colic-type symptoms. We eventually ended up on Easy Digest which I think is similar to if not the same as C&G comfort. There was definitely an improvement but in retrospect I'm not sure if it was just to do with them getting older. Sorry, not much help but if you describe what his symptoms are I bet someone who knows what they're talking about will be along to help!

Thanks twinmam. At around six every evening he changes from a happy content little lad into a screaming, inconsolable terror! He is taking longer and longer each evening to settle - was gone 10 last night which is the worst yet.

His discomfort seems to come in waves - no crying for 10 mins then all tense and screaming again.

Am just worried that changing his formula might make things worse....

God, you took me back there with that description! It is so bizarre because at the time it seemed so awful and I'd almost forgotten about it. Does sound very colicky (although that is one of those marvellous blanket terms like teething)! Well, we had a v similar situation with DD1 and it did improve with Aptamil as well as baby massage, warm baths, etc. Prob worth trying a new formula even if it's just so you feel as if you are doing something?

Know what you mean about blanket term. Was in denial for a few weeks that colic even existed - was convinced he was just overtired!! Re the warm baths - evacuate the house as his screams could make your teeth rattle - even though he feels better afterwards.

Will change his formula and keep fingers crossed. Glad I had dd first else might not have gone again ....

Well, I had two in one go and def dont feel like having any more Whatever it was with my DD1 sounds v similar in symptoms to your DS and if it is any consolation it didnt last forever!! Have a go with the new formula as it cant do any harm (as far as I'm aware!) and I do have friends who found colief helpful...

Oh and if you can do try baby massage classes - there is a specific massage for colic I think and again that was one of the many things we tried and things got better. Even if it is the placebo effect baby massage is v nice!

Thanks twinmam. Glad things got better for you. Couldn't imagine two at once - would need twice the amount of Chablis or Sancerre!!! Will def try baby massage though - sounds lovely.

Two at once is a bit of a challenge, yes - more like gin that's needed than chablis/ sancerre! Just had a thought Chabs when on another thread - have you thought of changing bottles? We changed to Dr Browns and they did seem to help with colic although they are a bit pricey and fiddly to sterilise. Might be worth considering anyhow...

Will have a look at them thanks. Will give it til tomorrow on the new food and see how we get on. Last night was pretty bad again but farting like a trooper this morning ??!!

My two used to wake us up when they slept in our room, they farted so loudly! Never really made the link between that and formula and in fact they're still pretty bad and not on formula at all so must just be v windy!

Dd suffered with horrendous colic for 11 weeks, definately made worse by SMA, switched to Aptimil and she improved drastically.

Baby massage also fantastic, and 'cycling' babys legs towards the chest also very effective.

Giraffe how long did it take for new formula to work? Started yesterday afternoon.

twinmam very funny! I swear he's going to blow a hole in his nappy!!

I would say at least 3 days as they get bunged up pretty quickly

Yeah I would def recommend a settling in period with a new formula.. a few days at least.

Also have you tried Gripe Water, much better than Infacol IMO?

God Gripewater - had forgotten about that! Yes, we used that too and it (or one of the other countless things we tried) seemed to work!

I used Aptamil Easy digest and it was great...you will need bigger size teats though (depending on age of your LO) as its much thicker and has to be made with very hot water. Will also make poos quite liquidy, but thats good if thats what causing the pain IYSWIM?

My ds2 is now 6 months and on the normal aptamil now with no probs.

Good luck x

Live in Ireland and believe it or not it has been banned here for quite few years. Will have to wait a week or so until my Mum comes over

...oh and infacol is useless. As are most other over the counter remedies I'm afraid

the cycling movements with the legs can help, but only if they are not hysterical when you do it.

They banned Gripe Water??

Why? What do they know that we don't?

Thanks becaroo. Bought Cow & Gate Comfort so lets hope its as good as I am now hearing Aptimil is! Am doing the cycling when he'll let me!!!

I know. I may be wrong as had no reason til now to do research but think it was something to do with alcohol content?

Surprise visitor from the UK arriving tomorrow. Told him he's not allowed in the house unless he brings Gripe Water!!! Fingers crossed as considering jumping off the nearest bridge or posting DS to my Mum...!!!