Reflux babies, recommend your formula

tarajayne · June 2012

We have been exclusively on formula for a week now, and reflux is really bad. There are times when they just throw up their entire bottle. And every feeding has some spit up. Not to mention the fussiness and screaming in between feedings. We are feeding every 2 hours right now. Feedings take on average 1 hour, and then we spend the next hour trying to soothe whoever is having issues. So far their weight gain is on track and wet/poopy diapers are fine so the doc won't do a thing for us, he won't even recommend a different formula. So I am consulting you moms! We have been using the newborn enfamil. We tried similac, the bottles that you don't have to mix with water and that was a no go...thew up instantly. I am really at my wits end... no one is sleeping in this house. DH and I try to rotate feedings but there is just no possible way to sleep through a screaming baby.

lgirl1205 · June 2012

I have DS on Similac Spit Up

dixee.deluxe · June 2012

Try probiotics.

lawright · June 2012

I use the generic version of Enfamil AR. All of the dedicated anti-reflux formulas are essentially the same concept - there's rice starch added which thickens the formula into a gruel-like consistency when heated in the baby's tummy (think like how flour thickens gravy.) Enfamil, Similac, and I think Gerber all make it. Most of the stores have a store-brand version, but for some reason they're making it an online-only purchase. The best idea would be to try to buy a small size container to see if it works for you, and if it does, then Target sells 6 24oz tubs for $95, (which is roughly $0.70 per dry ounce) versus the $1.00 per dry ounce that Enfamil costs.

tarajayne · June 2012

Yeah I'm definitely gonna try the small size first. I think I saw a walmart brand of it the other day but I could be mistaken. Thanks for the input! I am so frustrated with the lack of help from the dr. Now they want to see the boys Mon to talk about medications. I talked to the dr 3 weeks ago about it and he said everything was normal, and then we called wed, thurs, and today because things had gotten worse (we had to call multiple days because we got no response). Seriously pissing off someone who is still hormonal and has not slept in months is not a good idea! I want to switch drs but really my option is to drive a half hour to go to another dr and I can't see doing that every time one of the kids is sick

Tootermi · June 2012

DD1 had bad reflux and the only thing that worked for her was Similac Alimentum. Holy expensive.

DD2 just started with reflux and we have her on Gerber Good Start Gentle since that's what the GI doctor recommended for DD1 but it was too late since she was already on Alimentum and I wasn't switching her again since she was doing well at that point.

Also, which bottles are you using? Avent makes DD2 puke. Dr. Browns are awesome.

tarajayne · June 2012

We use Tommee Tippee. I have heard good thing about dr. browns but I refuse to deal with all the parts to them. With 2 babies it's all I can do to shove the bottles in the dishwasher.

lisa5ny · June 2012

DD had reflux ad we had her on Similac alimentum, added rice cereal to her bottles, and she was prescribed Prevacid. We had been taking her to a pediatric GI. You May want to consider taking them to one too. also, alimentum is really expensive but woe insurance companies cover the cost with the approval of the pediatrician. May want to look into that if you find they do well on alimentum.

NicholeeK · June 2012

Are they gassy/colicky too? DS's reflux was related to his problems with digesting lactose. I would try something lactose free- Nutramigen, soy, or milk based lactose free (Similac Sensitive). Soy was a miracle for him. DD is on Good Start and probiotics. We tried Nutramigen but it didn't help enough to justify the cost. She is still young though so if she starts having too much issue with the full lactose Good Start, we'll switch her to something lower lactose or lactose free and still keep up with the probiotics.

EMurphree · June 2012

We went from Enfamil newborn to Enfamil gentlease to Nutramigen with Zantac twice a day with my DD. The combination of Nutramigen and Zantac has seemed to help us the most with her reflux. She does still spit up some but she doesn't choke on it like she used to. Nutramigen is great because it has the probiotic in it but it is really pricey.

tarajayne · June 2012

They are gassy also. I wouldn't say colicky but O is a lot fussier this past week that we have been using all formula. He rarely settles down after a feeding unless you are holding him. We bought a small container of the enfamil AR to try. Any idea how long until we know if it is working or not? I'm assuming there is an adjustment period.

lsimpson0811 · June 2012

i use target added rice starch for my son.....i find it thicker then enfamil a.r and doesnt cause the constipation issue we had with the enfamil

PregsterDD · June 2012

Your ped probably isn't going to change your formula. The truth is something like 80% of newborns have reflux. If the ped is doing anything different with your baby it is more to please you than it is to "help" the reflux. I speak from experience and my baby is on Zantac twice a day. As long as your baby is gaining weight and has enough wet/dirty diapers there is no need to change your formula.

BeachMomofTwo · June 2012

Have you tried Colic Calm? I used it for colic, but moms of reflux babies swear by it as well. Since it's natural, it wouldn't hurt to try it. . . You can read more about how it helps with reflux here:

https://www.coliccalm.com/baby_infant_newborn_articles/acid-reflux.htm

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