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Formula milk - a powerful ally in providing nutrition for babies in their early years. However, selecting the right formula can be challenging, as every time a baby switches formulas, they experience diarrhea. This is because their digestive system is still fragile and sensitive to changes. Diarrhea when switching formulas can sometimes signal underlying conditions such as lactose intolerance, milk protein allergy, etc. Therefore, parents need to quickly understand the causes and how to deal with this condition.
1. Why do babies experience diarrhea when switching formulas?
There are various reasons behind the occurrence of diarrhea when switching formulas for babies. However, common causes include:
1.1. Diarrhea in babies switching formulas due to newly added ingredients
The reason for diarrhea when switching formulas may be due to the addition of new ingredients in the new formula. Or the levels of some components are increased to meet the age-related needs of the baby. And the baby's digestive system has not adapted quickly enough, leading to overload.
Reasons why babies experience diarrhea when switching formulas
During this time, babies may experience symptoms such as bloating, fullness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fussiness,... after drinking the new formula for a few days. This situation is not overly dangerous, parents just need to gradually introduce the new formula to the baby, and gradually, the baby's digestive system will adapt to this change. However, if these symptoms persist, parents should stop giving the baby the formula and seek advice from experts.
Apart from the aforementioned reasons, there are several other factors that can cause infants to experience diarrhea when consuming milk:
- The type of milk the child is consuming may not be suitable for their development or age. For instance, if a baby is in the infancy stage but the mother mistakenly purchases milk intended for children over 1 year old.
Improper milk preparation can lead to hygiene issues, resulting in diarrhea for the baby.
- The process of preparing and storing milk lacks proper hygiene. Milk preparation equipment such as bottles are not thoroughly cleaned, and the water used to dilute the milk is not properly sanitized. This can lead to bacterial contamination of the milk, which then enters the baby's stomach through the milk ducts, disrupting the balance of gut microbiota and causing diarrhea.
- Overfeeding the baby with milk, exceeding their daily nutritional needs, can overwhelm their digestive system. This can lead to excessive nutrient intake in the digestive system, resulting in reactions such as vomiting and diarrhea.
- If a baby has been on antibiotics for an extended period, they may experience diarrhea when switching to a different type of milk. This is because their weakened digestive system, due to imbalanced gut microbiota, makes it difficult for them to adapt to a new milk formula.
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2. How to Manage Diarrhea in Infants Switching Formulas
While diarrhea resulting from a formula switch isn't usually dangerous, parents shouldn't be complacent. It's important to find suitable solutions to help the baby quickly absorb essential nutrients.
2.1. Opt for lactose-free formula for the baby
For infants with lactose intolerance, mothers should be mindful when selecting milk for their babies. Instead of using regular milk products, mothers should opt for lactose-free formulas. When switching formulas, mothers should also inquire whether the chosen formula is suitable for lactose-intolerant infants.
2.2. Introduce probiotics to the baby
A highly effective solution for infants experiencing diarrhea due to formula switching is to supplement them with probiotics. When the baby's digestive system is healthy, it can easily assimilate and digest new nutrients. If the baby suffers from lactose intolerance-induced diarrhea, supplementing them with probiotics is essential.
How to Address Diarrhea in Formula-Switching Infants: Probiotic Supplementation
As probiotics enter the digestive system, they attach to the intestinal walls and flourish. During their development, probiotics inhibit harmful bacteria, aiding in the balance of gut microbiota. They secrete a variety of digestive enzymes, including lactase - essential for lactose breakdown. Additionally, they regulate stool water content, reducing diarrhea frequency. As a result, infants can digest and absorb nutrients more efficiently, gradually alleviating diarrhea and lactose intolerance symptoms.
To supplement probiotics for infants, mothers can introduce yogurt, drinking yogurt, etc. For younger infants (under 6 months old), specialized probiotic products are recommended, with guidance from doctors and pharmacists.
3. How to Manage Diarrhea in Formula-Switching Infants: Choose Formula Carefully
Next, I'll share some tips on selecting formula to prevent diarrhea in formula-switching infants.
3.1. Choose formula appropriate for the baby's age
Each age group has its own nutritional needs, so mothers should choose milk according to the baby's age. For infants under 6 months old, formula milk 1 is the best choice, as it contains nutrients in proportions similar to breast milk. Note that infants at this age cannot consume fresh milk, condensed milk, or cream.
Choose formula carefully appropriate for the baby's age
As the baby grows older, specifically over 6 months old, mothers should switch to formula milk type 2. At this age, the baby's digestive system is more developed, so switching to formula milk type 2 reduces the likelihood of diarrhea when switching formulas.
3.2. Only switch formula when necessary
A baby's body needs to adapt to new things, and switching formula is no exception. The baby needs to get accustomed to the new components in the new formula. Additionally, when switching formulas, the gut microbiota changes gradually along with the digestive system. Abrupt changes can lead to gut dysbiosis. Each time such changes occur, it affects the absorption of nutrients. To minimize the occurrence of diarrhea when switching formulas, parents should only switch formulas when necessary, such as when the baby transitions from 11 months to 1 year old or when the baby needs extra energy for daily activities. However, each time the formula is changed, parents should observe if the baby experiences diarrhea, loss of appetite, or constipation to make appropriate adjustments. When choosing formula, mothers should buy from reputable brands that provide clear information about the origin.
>> EXPLORE MORE: WHAT IS PROBIOTIC, AND WHAT BENEFITS DOES IT OFFER FOR CHILDREN?
3.3. Prepare formula according to instructions
After purchasing formula, the first thing parents should do is check the expiration date and usage instructions provided by the manufacturer. Following the instructions accurately helps preserve the flavor and ensure that nutrients are not lost.
Mothers need to ensure cleanliness when preparing formula for their baby
Using expired formula will definitely lead to diarrhea when switching formulas. Incorrect mixing ratios can result in excess or insufficient essential nutrients for the baby. Mothers should also pay attention to the temperature of the prepared formula to avoid nutrient loss.
Addressing formula-switching diarrhea in infants is a relatively easy problem to overcome. The above are my insights into the causes as well as remedies that parents can implement at home. If you have any questions, please leave a message for our specialized team to promptly assist you!
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