Best formula for reflux 5 month old

[Erinmushroom]

So my now 5 month old has struggled with reflux, wind and constipation, he goes for a poo 1-2 times a week and lots or very smelly farts, sick, dribble and reflux.

Every time we try a new formula there's an improvement for a week till it gradually gets bad again.

Tried goats milk formula, lots of curled sick, hardly pooed but much less smelly farts.

Tried sma lactose free, started off well... then got very uncomfortable again

Got movicol laxative help poo thinking it would solve everything, but still uncomfortable.

Currently on aptamil pepti 1 milk protein allergy. Stopped curled milk sick but now loads of liquidy sick as the formula is quite runny. Huge explosive poos 1-2 times a week, thought he was having a bit of a clear out at first, so stopped the movicol.

Doctor not concerned as he isnt loosing weight and advised carobel milk thickener next.
But im wondering I'd I should switch formulas too? Anyone in a similar situation and found a formula that works, reviews seem quite hit and miss for all of them.

Neocate was the only formula my children could tolerate. You need a prescription from your gp but it sounds like you have a strong case for requesting it.

Ooo that's pricey, didn't want to go back to GP, she said formula babies get reflux its normal and he just needs a thicker formula. She seemed quite irritated with me returning and I left feeling like a nuisance 😔

The GP probably doesn’t want to prescribe an Amino based formula due to the price but that’s not helping you or your LO.

I would speak to Allergy UK as it sounds as though he has CMPA. If you think he has, I would also request a referral to a Paediatric Dietitian.

The NICE guidelines might be helpful too

Thanks, he is currently on the pepti 1 for cmpa, but are the amino based ones different? Maybe I will give allergy uk to call 🙂

Yes they are different. Pepti 1 is made with milk but the milk has been hydrolysed meaning that the proteins have been broken down a bit more and should cause less reactions.

Some babies can’t tolerant any Cow’s Milk protein though at all and need a completely dairy free (DF) diet with an amino acid based formula like SMA Alfamino.

And yes, ringing Allergy UK does sound like a really good idea

I thought starting solids was supposed to help with reflux & by 5 months this should be ok. I’m obviously no expert!

Thanks that makes sense now

Yeah me too, I did try with some apple puree and baby rice but he looked horrified and spat it back out. He is my second but i have completely forgotten about weaning...