Soy Based Formula
The American Academy of Pediatrics Nutrition Committee believes soy formula is useful for an infant on a vegan diet. While there have been some studies looking at the effect of a soy formula diet on colic, research has not found a link between soy formula and decreased crying from colic. Further, soy formula may inhibit the absorption of minerals. So the bottom line is, skip the soy formula if you are changing your baby’s diet due to reflux.
AR Formula
I always through AR formula was short for Acid Reflux Formula but it really stands for Anti Regurgitation Formula. AR formula contains a thickener and may be recommended for a baby with excess spit up and vomiting from reflux. There is some evidence that thickened formula reduces the amount of spit up. However, thickener does not reduce the acid.
Partially Hydrolyzed Formula
There is some evidence that a partially hydrolyzed formula reduces colic symptoms such as fussing and crying. In some cases, a trial of a partially hydrolyzed formula is useful after positioning and other home care techniques have been tried.
Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula or Amino Acid Formula
An extensively hydrolyzed formula or an amino acid formula may be recommended by the doctor as part of a reflux treatment plan. The new NASPGHAN (North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) guidelines support the use of a 2-4 week trial of this type of formula for “bothersome regurgitation and vomiting”.
Still Wondering?
If your baby with reflux is happily drinking her formula and growing, there is no need to change the way you are feeding her. You already have enough to worry about. However, if your baby is crying, resists feedings and has frequent spit up or vomiting, it might be worthwhile to discuss your baby’s diet with the doctor. After reviewing the treatment plan, the doctor may recommend a short term trial of another formula. Be patient and stick with the new formula for a week or two. Then report back to the doctor for further instructions. And remember, some babies spit up and fuss no matter what formula they are on. At some point, you and the doctor may decide that the formula is “good enough” and search for other treatments to decrease the symptoms.
