Woman holding a crying baby

Sensitive Baby Formula: Hypoallergenic vs Anti-Reflux

Most of the European baby formulas are based on lactose with micronutrients and macronutrients added to mimic breastmilkas closely as possible.

 

Families that choose a powdered formula with clean ingredients without additives, preservatives, or chemicals give their little ones the best chance of healthy growth and development.

 

However, some digestive worries or medical situations make it hard for babies to tolerate some of the natural properties of cow's milk.

 

We discuss the differences between Hypoallergenic and Anti-Reflux formulas in hopes of helping your family choose the best option for your sensitive baby.

Table of Contents:

Infant Reflux 

Infant reflux occurs when a baby spits up, and food moves back up from the baby's stomach. Reflux can occur in healthy infants several times per day. Rest assured, as long as your baby is healthy, content, and meeting all milestones, reflux is not a cause for concern.

Symptoms of Reflux in Babies

Overall, infant reflux is not a cause for concern. It is unusual for the stomach contents to have enough acid to irritate the throat or esophagus in a way to cause harm.


You may notice your little one spitting after feeding or when your baby coughs, cries or hiccups.


Babies with reflux may have trouble eating and act cranky, especially after meal times or prolonged periods of lying down.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Symptoms of Acid Reflux Graphic

When Does Acid Reflux Go Away in Babies? 

You may have heard acid reflux in infants referred to as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), the condition is rarely severe, and symptoms subside as a baby gets older.

 

As your infant grows, the esophagus becomes more extended, and the angle between the stomach and esophagus changes. These changes naturally decrease the frequency of reflux episodes.

 

Spitting up and other reflux symptoms, including discomfort, disappear in more than 50 percent of infants by 10 months, 80 percent by 18 months, and 98 percent by two years of age.

How to Treat Acid Reflux in Babies

To minimize reflux: Feed your baby in an upright position. Also, hold your baby in a sitting position for 30 minutes after feeding. Gravity can help stomach contents stay settled.


Families have also found remarkable success soothing symptoms of reflux with the use of baby formulas that have been thickened. These formulas sit heavier in the stomach, allowing more digestion time.

Baby Formula for Acid Reflux

HiPP Anti-Reflux baby formula is a special nutrition designed with all-natural, organic ingredients to soothe and comfort babies showing signs of acid reflux.


HiPP AR contains organic locust bean gum that makes this baby formula creamier. Locust bean gum is a natural bulking agent, often used in unique recipes for babies with reflux who frequently spit up.


Locust bean gum is extracted from the seeds of the carob tree. Locust bean gum has an enormous water-binding capacity. It can bind up to 80 – 100% of its weight in water. This organic thicker works in harmony with the probiotics and prebiotics to support the digestive needs of little ones with reflux.


HiPP Anti-reflux also contains vitamins and minerals for optimal growth and the reinforcement of absorption, so you won’t have to worry about nutrient deficiency that can happen during spit-up.

HiPP AR Formula Box

  





HiPP Anti-Reflux


● Organic Locust Bean Gum as a Natural Thickener

● Soothes Reflux Symptoms

● Vitamins and Minerals for Optimal Growth

● Prebiotics & Probiotics

● Suitable from Birth


Hypoallergenic Baby Formula

Hypoallergenic or "HA" formulas are made with proteins that have been broken down into tiny pieces called “peptides” and/or “amino acids.” These smaller proteins in infant formula considerably lower the chances of causing an allergic reaction.

Hypoallergenic 

Hypoallergenic formula is for formula-fed babies with cow's milk allergies or intolerances. This formula is made with broken-down milk proteins to make digestion easier for babies with this food allergy.


Formulas labeled HA can be recommended by pediatricians when there are milk protein sensitivities or to prevent food allergies in babies who are at considerable risk because of family history.

Milk Allergies in Babies: Symptoms

Milk Allergies in Babies Graphic

Diarrhea 

When a formula-fed baby has diarrhea frequently, it can signify that your little one has a cow’s milk intolerance or a possible food allergy. In both these cases, a hypoallergenic formula can soothe digestive worries.


Diarrhea in little ones that is watery and sometimes foul-smelling can lead to dehydration and malabsorption of needed vitamins and minerals. It is essential to talk with your pediatrician to ensure proper treatment and nutrition are given.

Food Allergies 

With little ones with food intolerances or allergies, you may notice blood in their stools. The blood may be caused by the formation of small ulcers within the GI tract brought on by an allergic reaction.


The sight of bloody stools can be quite concerning for families; following up with a pediatrician is imperative. Moving forward and working with your infant’s doctor switching to a hypoallergenic formula is exceptionally beneficial to soothe inflammation and help absorb nutrition.

Gas

As your little one's digestive system develops, it is normal for babies to experience gas. Excessive gassiness accompanied by a bloated stomach, clenched fists, and/or a foul odor is not normal and may be a sign of milk intolerance or allergy.


Hydrolyzed proteins in a hypoallergenic formula can help alleviate painful gas and comfort the baby.

Baby Eczema

Eczema is one of the common symptoms of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy. Babies with significant eczema may be placed on a hypoallergenic formula.


By taking out the intact lactose proteins which irritate your child's skin, the skin may start to clear. Hydrolyzed formulas with probiotics to support healthy gut flora have been known to increase results.

Hypoallergenic Formulas for Babies

European hypoallergenic baby formulas are the best option for digestion problems and skin reactions due to intolerance in cow’s milk or food allergies.

 

Trusted baby formulas HiPP HA, and HiPP Comfort go the extra mile to ensure proper nutrition without allergy-causing ingredients.

HiPP Formula

HiPP International has developed two unique baby formulas to help relieve

digestive discomforts that many babies struggle with.


The hydrolyzed protein in HiPP Comfort and HiPP HA allows easier digestion and nutrient absorption for even the most sensitive systems.

HiPP HA Formula

HiPP Hypoallergenic specialized formulas contain hydrolyzed milk proteins that make it easier to digest and minimize the risk of an allergic impact.


Like breast milk, HiPP HA features lactose as the primary source of carbohydrates and a blend of organic and essential vitamins and minerals. It also contains prebiotics and probiotics to strengthen your baby’s gut microbiome and immune system and further aid in fighting allergens within your baby's digestive system.


HiPP HA also contains omega-3 and omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (including DHA and AA), which contribute to the healthy development of infants’ brain, eyes, and nervous systems. This hypoallergenic baby formula does not have unwanted additives, preservatives, heavy metals, or chemicals: only pure, allergy-free nutrition.

HiPP Ha Stage 1 Formula Box

              






HiPP HA Combiotik


● Hydrolyzed Protein

● Trusted Nutrition

● Prebiotics & Probiotics for Gut Health

● Long chain Omega 3 & Omega 6

● Three Stages from birth through 12 months


HiPP Comfort Formula

HiPP Comfort is a unique lactose-based formula due to reduced lactose content along with extensively hydrolyzed lactose proteins (86%-87% broken down).


HiPP Comfort contains a prebiotic and probiotic to aid in absorption and digestion and is an excellent choice for little ones with symptoms of lactose intolerance or colic.


By reducing the amount of lactose and breaking the remaining protein into tolerable pieces, inflammation in the gut is eased, and the pain and discomfort of gas are relieved.

Probiotics and prebiotics are added to ensure digestion is more manageable and nutrients are absorbed.


HiPP Comfort is the pure, clean answer for infants that have tried American hydrolyzed and soy formulas without success, for those still showing signs of colic or struggling with severe digestive worries after starting with HiPP HA.

HiPP Comfort Formula Box

              






HiPP Comfort Combiotik


● Extensively Hydrolyzed Protein

● Reduced Lactose

● Prebiotics & Probiotics for Gut Health

● Reduces Colic Symptoms

● Suitable from Birth



Sensitive Baby Formula

Special digestive or nutritional needs call for unique baby formulas. The Milky Box proudly carries relief for little ones with lactose intolerance or food allergies.

 

Each brand and stage are guaranteed free of unwanted additives, GMOs, and non-lactose sugars. 


You will never find a trace of pesticides or growth hormones, only pure, clean nutrition from the world’s best companies.

 

Finding the right formula can be confusing, especially for sensitive babies. Our knowledgeable caregivers and European baby formula experts are here to walk you through your options and help you find the best fit.

 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

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